King calls up Gunners stars for Italy showdown

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND women’s senior manager, Noel King has announced an 18 strong squad for the upcoming European Championship, Group 2 Qualifier between the Republic of Ireland and Italy on May 30th at Belfield.

Included in the squad are Arsenal Ladies players, Emma Byrne and Ciara Grant who had unprecedented success this season winning a historic quadruple including the League, FA Cup, League Cup while beating one of Europe’s top teams, Sweden’s Umea in the UEFA Cup final.

Meanwhile Umbro Ireland have announced the biggest sponsorship deal ever negotiated on behalf of women’s football in Ireland

The deal, worth €150,000 over three years, will see Umbro become the title sponsor for all WFAI Cups from U12 to senior and also the Gaynor Cup which is an inter-region under-age tournament which acts as the breeding ground for international teams.

Republic of Ireland squad: Byrne (Arsenal), Fahy (Salthill Devon), Byrne (St. John’s University, NY), Moran (NY Athletic Club), Boyle (Raheny Utd), Curtin (Hofstra University), Caldwell (Hofstra University), O’Connor (Long Island Fury), Grant (Arsenal), Hughes (Franklin Pierce), Curtis (Bristol Academy), O’Gorman (Stella Maris), Murray (Raheny Utd), Taylor (Peamount Utd), Hislop (Predators), O’Toole (Raheny Utd), O’Brien (Long Island Lady Riders), Connolly (Knock FC).