Inside Louise Quinn's family life as Irish footballer announces retirement
Louise Quinn has announced that she will be retiring from football just weeks after welcoming her son Daragh into the world with partner Eilish O'Gara.
The 34-year-old is retiring following 121 appearances for the Ireland Women's National Team and a noteworthy club career.
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Reflecting on her career, the Blessington native said: 'When the time arrives that you need to write your retirement statement, they are the hardest words to find. But it is time for me to hang up the boots.
Louise Quinn has announced that she will be retiring from football just weeks after welcoming her son Daragh into the world with partner Eilish O'Gara. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
'There are so many reasons as to why or why not, but it's just one of those things, when you know, you know.'
She added: 'I have had the honour of playing with some incredible clubs, Blessington FC, Lakeside, Peamount United, Eskilstuna United, Notts County, Arsenal, Fiorentina and Birmingham City.
'I've been through it all with these clubs; I've won, lost, been promoted, relegated, experienced liquidation, reached the Champions League with many headers scored and many tackles missed. But they all have all given me a chance to prove how much I love the game. And that's it, I love the game and I'm going to miss it.
'The Ireland team…that is the reason why I always wanted to play this game. Some of the best moments of my life have been in the green jersey. I've been part of something so special. The foundations were laid by legends of the women's team before me and for a short period I was lucky enough to play with a few of them too. Then it was up to us to continue that fight to put the Ireland team on map on the international stage. We built, we fought, we were ALWAYS a team, a group that would give everything to everyone in our Irish bubble. And the World Cup proved that dreams do come true.'
The football star also paid tribute to her family, including the 'loves of her life', partner Eilish and baby boy Daragh.
She said: 'I am so excited to see our little family grow and what is next for us! Eilish, your support through the last few years has made me love football even more. Your 'no fear' attitude has rubbed off on me.
Pic: Instagram/Louise Quinn
'To my friends, team-mates, coaches, fans and everyone who helped me along the way, the influence you have had over me has made me the person that I am. It has been the best experience of my life. I wouldn't change a thing. For now, I just can't wait to spend time with my family.'
Louise was born in Blessington, Co Wicklow, to parents Jacinta and Pat. She has two older sisters, Sinead and Vivienne.
The footballer graduated from UCD with a degree in Sports and Exercise Management after being awarded the Football Association of Ireland scholarship through Newbridge College.
Pic: Instagram/Louise Quinn
She also has a form of dyslexia, previously opening up about being exempt from studying languages in school.
Speaking to Viola Nation in 2020, she said: 'I am terrible at languages, as in I was exempt in school from having to study them because of a form of dyslexia, even English, I'm terrible at.'
Louise is in a relationship with model Eilish O'Gara, and the pair share an adorable son, Daragh, who they welcomed just last month.
Taking to social media a couple of weeks ago, Louise wrote: 'Welcome to our family beautiful little boy. Daragh Keane Quinn, 7/3/25, 8lbs 4oz.' The family currently live in Birmingham, UK.
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