'As a kid I didn’t think it was possible' - Ireland keeper Marie Hourihan calls time on career

Hourihan played 24 times for Ireland as well as for Chelsea and Manchester City at club level

Lindsey Horan #9 of United States attempts a shot on goal as Marie Hourihan Republic of Ireland makes the save during the first half of the first game of the USWNT Victory Tour at Rose Bowl on August 03, 2019 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Marie Hourihan has ended her playing career, aged 33, announcing it is time to "move into another area of the game and embrace a new challenge".

Hourihan earned 24 caps for Ireland, despite being almost 30 when she made her first senior appearance in the green. Though she figured for England U23s, that delay was mainly down to the incredible innings of her predecessor Emma Byrne, who clocked up 134 appearances.