Ireland’s most capped women’s footballer Emma Byrne has retired

“The time has come for me to hang up the footy boots, gloves and gum shield.”

Ireland’s most capped women’s player Emma Byrne has retired from international football, writes Stephen Barry.

The Brighton and Hove Albion goalie steps aside after almost 23 years in the number one jersey, which began in March 1996, aged 16. She has amassed 134 caps since then and won the Women’s Champions League and 11 League titles with Arsenal.