1973 Irish Women's Team: Pioneering the Path for Women's Football in Ireland

Introduction:

Join us as we take a trip down memory lane with Linda Gorman, a key player from the 1973 Irish Women's Team—the first-ever Women's National Team (WNT). This remarkable team brought together players from the four provinces, including Northern Ireland, to face Wales in their debut game. Let's explore the nostalgia and unique journey of these trailblazing athletes, whose passion for the game overcame all obstacles. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of that historic day in May 1973, we also look ahead to the exciting future of Irish Women's Soccer, with the Republic of Ireland Women set to compete in the first-ever World Cup as fully-fledged contracted professionals in Australia and New Zealand.

A Historic Gathering:

The 1973 Irish Women's Team was a true representation of players from Ireland's four provinces. Managed by Pat Noon, who also oversaw the League of Ireland, the team comprised players who had competed in the League of Ireland competition. Linda Gorman fondly remembers that this first meeting was the first time many of the players saw each other; they didn't even have a training session before their debut match.

A moment to savour…

Passion and Struggle:

Playing for the international team back then was a labor of love and passion. The players covered their own expenses and often took time off work, facing a loss of wages to travel for matches. Yet, their unyielding passion for the sport pushed them to overcome all challenges, from lack of training facilities to negotiating for pitches. This commitment to the game led to the formation of unique teams like the Avengers, reflecting the struggle and determination of women footballers at the time.

Factory and Business Leagues:

In those days, women's football existed mostly in factory and business leagues, as men's clubs and school teams rarely welcomed female players. These leagues allowed players like Linda Gorman to develop their skills and gain experience on the field. Despite being named after businesses, these teams represented a spirit of unity, and their matches attracted considerable support and attention.

Embracing the Five-A-Side Games:

With limited opportunities like Futsal or Cover back then, women enjoyed competing in five-a-side games, which allowed them to showcase their skills and improve their fitness levels. These friendly competitions, sometimes played side by side with men's teams, brought joy and camaraderie to the players, fostering a sense of equality in the sport.

A Glorious Future:

Our now professional athletes take on Australia, Canada and Nigeria in the Group B Stages of the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup

As we look back on the journey of the 1973 Irish Women's Team and their pioneering efforts, we are thrilled to witness the progress of women's soccer today. With the Republic of Ireland Women set to play in the first World Cup as contracted professionals, we celebrate the growth and recognition of women's football in Ireland and around the world. Fifty years after that historic day in May 1973, we raise a toast to the past, a cheer to the present, and a shout of excitement for the future of women's soccer in Ireland and beyond.

50 years ago the countrys’ best players played the 1st Womens International v Wales which they won 3-2.