Latest news with #LouiseQuinn
Irish Independent
04-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
‘My sister flew back from Australia. I said ‘that's ridiculous, I mightn't even play'' – Louise Quinn on emotional end to Ireland career
Girls in Green stalwart bids farewell to international scene after stellar 17 years of service Louise Quinn bade farewell to international football after 17 years and 122 caps and admitted she struggled to remain composed as she prepares to finally let go of something she has clung to for so long. 'There were moments when you just kinda feel totally fine and someone says something or you see someone and that just sets me off, and I have to get back to reality,' said the Wicklow woman who came off the bench in Cork as Ireland completed their Nations League campaign with a 1-0 win against Slovenia.
Extra.ie
04-06-2025
- Health
- Extra.ie
Inside Louise Quinn's family life ahead of retirement
Louise Quinn announced back in April that she would be retiring from football, with the announcement coming 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. 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 announced back in April that she would be retiring from football. 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.
The Irish Sun
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Rugby legend makes touching gesture to Louise Quinn following tearful Ireland star's final game before retirement
DONNCHA O'CALLAGHAN comforted Louise Quinn after she played her final game for the Republic of Ireland. The popular defender came on for Carla Ward near the end of Ireland's 2 Louise Quinn played her final game for Ireland against Slovenia Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 2 She was comforted by Donncha O'Callaghan Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile It was her 122nd and last cap for her country, and her last game in professional soccer before retiring altogether. The tears flowed upon the final whistle at Pairc Ui Chaoimh as Quinn gave the post-match team-talk while being embraced by teammates. When she went over to the stands at the home of Present at the game was former star Donncha O'Callaghan, who made the point of sharing a moment with Quinn. Read More on Ireland WNT The legendary defender bids farewell to an international career that peaked when she starred at the 2023 And speaking to She said: "I think it will take a little bit of time but I just feel like where we have come as a team and to now, you can see that progress. "We were a nation that was really struggling and to be part of something that has built to where it is now, I am so proud. Most read in Football "To make it this far and I am still in one piece, I am pretty happy." Louise Quinn was not the only player for whom Tuesday night was an emotional occasion. 'You can't make this up' - Irish fans in stitches at Ruesha Littlejohn's playful prank upon Katie McCabe's camp arrival Saoirse Noonan scored the only goal of the game as the striker achieved an unexpected feat of her own. By starting for the In 2020, she played full forward for the Rebelettes against She described it as a "surreal" occasion and revealed how much it would mean to her family. Noonan said: 'Carla called the team last night. "When I got the nod, I just told my parents and kept it a bit quiet and just tried to treat it like another game. 'The goal, when it went in and hit off my head, I could just see it dipping. I don't even know how I celebrated or anything. 'I just had a little moment, took a deep breath and was back into focus, we wanted to get that next goal quick. 'My Grandad would have been a proud man tonight, he would have been at every game with my granny, and this was the first time she's seen me play senior (for Ireland). "It was emotional and it meant a lot to me. 'Being in Cork is enough motivation in itself. Wearing the Irish jersey is enough motivation. "You don't need anything else really. It does add that little bit of grit. 'Since the new stadium's been built, I played here with the Cork ladies footballers at senior level. "To come back wearing a different shirt, it's the same feeling, you're representing something you're really proud of. "It's phenomenal.'
BBC News
03-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Quinn 'loved every minute' of international career
Retiring defender Louise Quinn said she gave "every bit" of herself to the Republic of Ireland squad after making her final international appearance in the Women's Nations League win over hosts in Cork needed to win by four goals to secure top spot and automatic promotion to League A but Saoirse Noonan's early goal was the only one of the result means that Slovenia move up to the top tier as group winners and Carla Ward's team will instead face a third-place side from the top tier in their play-off."First of all, we had to win the game, and we wanted to try win it by four," Quinn told RTE Sport."It's about building and going forward, and we did that after leaving ourselves with a tough task after the first game against Slovenia."That first-half performance was excellent, and I think with the way it is going, it is going to be really good for us."Before the final two Nations League fixtures of this campaign, Quinn announced she would retire this summer and received a warm send-off from the crowd in Cork as well as from her 34-year-old, who has spent the last four years with Birmingham City, made 122 appearances for the Republic of Ireland including playing every minute of her side's games in their first ever World Cup appearance in 2023. "I said to the girls that this is the best shirt you are going to wear in your lifetime and your career, and it is the proudest thing that you can do," the centre-back added."I felt like I honoured that a lot and I have loved every minute."I gave every bit of myself to this team throughout the years as I just wanted it so bad for those girls, and it's been the proudest time of my life."Quinn's decision follows on from Diane Caldwell, Niamh Fahey and Julie-Ann Russell all confirming their own retirements over recent of Ireland will now play a friendly double-header against the USA later this month before their Nations League play-off in October.
Irish Times
30-05-2025
- General
- Irish Times
Republic of Ireland v Turkey live updates: Nations League brings Carla Ward's side to Istanbul
Nations League B, Group 2: Turkey v Republic of Ireland, Esenler Erok Stadium, Istanbul (kick-off 6pm Irish time) Key Reads: Turkey v Republic of Ireland preview 'I'm here to play': Republic of Ireland defender Louise Quinn aims to go out on a high in Nations League ties Katie McCabe's story: How gifted Dubliner reached top level of European soccer 2 minutes ago Afternoon everyone. Welcome along to The Irish Times live blog for the Republic of Ireland's Nations League game against Turkey. Carla Ward's side are away this time around, having previously beaten Turkey 1-0 in Tallaght back in February, when Kyra Carusa provided the match-winning goal. The Girls in Green are in Istanbul, Esenler Erok Stadium to be exact, where they will be a 6pm (Irish time) kick-off. Follow along here for live updates on all the action. The game is also being televised live on RTÉ2.
