Republic of Ireland women's national football team

The Republic of Ireland women's national football team, known as "Ireland Senior Women’s Squad," selects players from both the 350 Women's Football Association of Ireland (WFAI) teams, in 21 affiliate leagues throughout the nation, and the international women's football community. The WFAI was founded in 1973. It provided player and squad development which, in 1990, brought the FAI to finally recognize and support women's football. The squad beat Romania, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Malta in the 2004 "second division" UEFA Women's Championship and was promoted to the FIFA first division (teams that compete for direct qualification to the FIFA Women's World Cup). The Women's Team was also invited to play in the 2006 and 2007 Algarve Cup. The Women's team play home internationals at Richmond Park in Dublin, home ground of St Patrick's Athletic.

2006 Algarve Cup

Ireland finished tenth of ten teams competing for the 2006 Algarve Cup. In three matches, they won one, drew one, and lost one. They lost the 9th-place match 4-0 to Denmark.

2007 Algarve Cup

Ireland finished eleventh of twelve teams competing for the 2007 Algarve Cup. In four matches, they won one, drew two, and lost one. They won the 11th-place match versus Portugal 5-4 on penalty kicks, after finishing extra time 0-0.

2007 FIFA Women's World Cup Qualification

Ireland competed in Group 4 of the UEFA qualification for the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup. In eight qualification matches, they won one, drew one and lost six, for a total of four points, placing fourth of five teams in the group. They did not qualify for the World Cup.

2009 UEFA Women's Championship

Ireland are competing for one of eleven qualifying slots for the UEFA Women's Championship, to be contested in Finland in 2009. As of 26 June 2008, they are in third place of five teams in Group 2, having played seven of eight qualifying matches. Their remaining match is scheduled for 1 October, away to Sweden.

Current squad

ee also

* List of women's national football teams
* Women's football around the world

External links

* [http://www.fai.ie/womens/ FAI Women's Official Site and Upcoming Fixtures]
* [http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=71&Itemid=86 Senior Women's Squad Profiles]
* [http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=176&Itemid=9 Women's Football Contacts] (Rep. of Ireland clubs and leagues)
* [http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=70&Itemid=85 Republic of Ireland Senior Women’s side]