Sinéad Farrelly quits Ireland but no reason given for 'difficult decision'
Sinéad Farrelly’s brief stint as an Ireland player is over after the American-born midfielder announced her international retirement.
The 34-year-old won eight caps, including starts in all three World Cup final matches, after the Irish Examiner last April revealed she was about to switch her allegiance from USA.
Farrelly will remain playing with her club, NY/NJ Gotham in the National Women’s Soccer League.
No reason for her decision was offered in the FAI statement released today, which included her quotes thanking head coaches Vera Pauw and Eileen Gleeson.
Injuries restricted her to appearances in just half of Ireland’s six Uefa Nations League games over last Autumn and she was again absent for the opening pair of Euro 2025 qualifiers against France and England earlier this month, both of which ended in defeat. Ireland have a double-header against Sweden next on May 31 and June 4.
It was previously highlighted last September that the long transatlantic flights were causing back spasms.
The 34-year-old said: "It is with a tremendous amount of sadness that I've made the difficult decision to retire from international football.
"Even though I was a latecomer to international football, it meant so much to me and my family. To pull on the Ireland jersey, sing the national anthem and represent the Farrelly family from Cavan and beyond was truly special.
"I'd like to thank Vera Pauw and Eileen Gleeson, all of the backroom and support staff, every player who I was proud to call a team-mate and, of course, the amazing Irish supporters who welcomed me with open arms.
"To play for Ireland was a dream that came true and it is an experience that I will cherish forever. I got to play in a World Cup but more than that I got to
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