Emma Byrne: 'Women footballers need education whereas men don’t'

'For me, it’s not about Irish players going professional. I wouldn’t even encourage it. I’d prefer for them to get their degree.'

GUNNERS: Arsenal legend Ian Wright and former Republic of Ireland Women's National Team captain Emma Byrne at Temple Bar Gallery & Studios in Dublin, during the launch of Cadbury's brand-new initiative to help support Irish women's grassroots football, 'The Game is On'. As the grassroots season gets underway, Cadbury have teamed up with ten clubs nationwide to help them promote their club on a local level with the creation of uniquely designed posters. Cadbury have created the 'The Game is On' initiative to ensure grassroots women's teams get the visibility they deserve, with the aim of driving more interest in their clubs. For more information see https://womensfootball.cadbury.ie Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

She’s etched in history as the change-agent for the Irish women’s game but Emma Byrne isn’t finished with striving for better.

And, even more interestingly, it’s not the solution many would presume.