Stephanie Roche proudest of winning rights battle

Not even sharing a shortlist with Colombian James Rodriguez in 2015 for her Puskas Award nomination gave Stephanie Roche more pride than helping her Irish women’s team succeed in their drive for basic conditions earlier this month.

Roche’s wonder-goal for Peamount United and subsequent recognition by Fifa as one of the best goals of 2014 catapulted her into the most recognisable player on the Irish team.

She soon earned a move to Houston Dash in America and onto England, where she still plays for Sunderland in the top flight.