Kilmaine’s Emma ‘capped’ by Ireland

FORMER Republic of Ireland soccer international Emma Mullin has described receiving her ceremonial ‘cap’ from the FAI as ‘a fantastic experience’.
The Kilmaine native was one of approximately 150 women presented with a ceremonial cap last weekend in Dublin, in recognition of playing for the Republic Ireland between 1973 and the present day.
Mullin made a handful of appearances at Under-17, Under-19 and senior level for the Republic of Ireland.
She later went on to enjoy a lengthy career with the Mayo ladies Gaelic football team, with whom she won four All-Ireland titles.
Female players had not previously received any such formal recognition for representing their country.
The FAI came under fire last weekend for not holding a formal banquet or presenting the team to the crowd during the Republic of Ireland’s historic meeting with Northern Ireland – which was the first time the national women’s soccer team had ever played in the Aviva Stadium.
Of 400 eligible former players, approximately 150 attended the event on the day alongside friends and family.
Following speeches, each player was presented with their cap by FAI President Gerry McAnaney in the Presidential Suite of the Aviva Stadium.
Many of the attendees then watched the Republic of Ireland defeat Northern Ireland on a score of 3-0.
Speaking to The Mayo News on Monday, Mullin echoed some of the criticism levelled at the event but said it was ‘a great experience’ nonetheless.
“To be honest, they could have made a bigger effort, but for me it was a great experience to be there, it was great that we were appreciated, and we were acknowledged for being there,” she said.
“There could have been more media there, but it was a massive day as well for the women’s national team, playing in the Aviva.
“It was great that we were attached onto it and that we were there as well, we were also invited. I suppose any media attention that the FAI get is probably a negative but, for me, I thought the day was a positive as a whole.”
Former Republic of Ireland underage international Sarah Rowe, currently based in Australia with the AFLW, was also represented at the ceremony by her father, Alan.
Former Westport United player Maria Gallagher, who is originally from Achill but now living in Dublin, was the other Mayo native who received her ‘cap’ on the day.