Louise Quinn led Women's football in Ireland from the front, both on and off the pitch

Ireland manager Carla Ward has spoken of her retired veterans assuming mentoring functions around the squad and none better than Quinn.

Republic of Ireland's Louise Quinn applauds the fans after a FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 match.

Niall Quinn ensured his surname left an indelible mark on Irish football. His namesake Louise can take similar pleasure after bowing out of the women’s team as third highest cap holder.

News of the defender’s retirement had been anticipated.

A change of Ireland manager and campaign hastened the exits of Niamh Fahey, Julie-Ann Russell and Diane Caldwell in quick succession.

Three months later and the 34-year-old has followed, hampered by a hip injury but enthused from herself and partner Eilish O’Gara becoming parents to baby Darragh last month.

That combination of personal factors, allied to uncertainty over her future at Birmingham City and the World Cup qualifiers still 10 months away, transposed the inevitably into reality.

Ireland manager Carla Ward had wanted to reunite with her former Brum player but she’ll retire from the scene with his latest cap being the momentous 3-1 win over France at Pairc Uí Chaoímh last July.

The centre-back from Blessington in Co Wicklow was first called for international duty as a 14-year-old in the U17 squad, her Ireland career blossoming in tandem with the strides made on the club circuit around Europe.

Stints in Sweden and Italy were forerunners to inroads towards the English scene but her first foray met a shuddering thud.

Notts County were preparing for the top-flight Spring series in 2017 when the club folded. Quinn was one of the fortunate free agents, snapped up on an initial short-term by Arsenal, for whom she played in the FA Cup final at Wembley and won the 2019 league title.

Top-level club exposure leant itself to Quinn nailing down a regular spot for Ireland.

Alongside fellow centurion Caldwell, and another in Fahey when they opted for three, the central defensive unit proved a critical element of Ireland’s progress in reaching the Euro 2021 playoff and eventually a first major tournament in 2023.

Their contribution wasn’t limited to goal prevention. Under Colin Bell and especially Vera Pauw, Quinn supplied goals from set-pieces.

All bar one of the 16 came from her head and though it was a friendly, her winner against Australia in 2021 can be considered a springboard to their successful campaign that ensued.

That World Cup in Oz was her highpoint. “I can let Daragh know his Mam did well,” she said on Tuesday with a bundle of modesty.

“She used to play football for Ireland and she’s been to the World Cup. There’s really something special about being Irish and I’m incredibly proud of our little country and so proud to have worn that badge on my chest.

“The Ireland team is the reason why I always wanted to play this game. Some of the best moments of my life have been in the green jersey. I’ve been part of something so special.

"The foundations were laid by legends of the women’s team before me and for a short period I was lucky enough to play with a few of them too. Then it was up to us to continue that fight to put the Ireland team on the map on the international stage.

"We built, we fought ... and the World Cup proved that dreams do come true.”

Quinn has already dabbled in punditry but once the maternal duties settle the expectation is for football involvement to be revived.

Ward has spoken of her retired veterans assuming mentoring functions around the squad and none better than someone who led from the front, both on and off the pitch.