Aine O'Gorman has announced her international retirement, bringing an end to a 17-year senior Ireland career.
The Wicklow native issued a statement on Thursday morning to confirm that her appearance against Canada at the recent World Cup in Australia will be her last in a green shirt.
"I've been privileged to represent my country with passion and pride 119 times and to put on the green jersey at the World Cup was beyond my wildest dreams," the 34-year-old posted on social media.
"But now feels like the right time to retire, again, from international football and let the next generation get their chance.
"To all of my coaches through the years - too many to mention, but you know who you are - I would never have had the opportunity to achieve my dream without you.
"A special mention to the PFAI for their support in 2017 in helping to improve standards for the Women's National Team. Also to my employers, past and present, who always facilitated my dedication to play for Ireland.
Aine O'Gorman announces international retirement
"To my team-mates through the years, you are not just talented footballers but more important great people. We stuck together through it all and I've made friends for life and memories to last forever.
"And also thank you to all of the managers and staff members who have helped me at both club and international level.
"My family have been my greatest supporters and I wouldn't be the person I am today without them. special shout out to Mammy and Daddy, taxis when I needed them starting out and always there through the years.
"It is incredible heartwarming to see the growth of women's football in Ireland. But getting to a first major tournament is only the start for our amazing little country.
"I will continue to be a professional and enjoy my football at Shamrock Rovers, pursue climbing up the coaching ladder and look forward to spending more time with my little family. Go raibh maith agat Éire, le grá, Aine."
The greatest honour 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/TTbqGUVjqF
— Áine O' Gorman (@Aineogor9) August 24, 2023
A legend says farewell
While the World Cup journey helped Irish women's football immensely, O'Gorman's story goes back the days when the team was very much overlooked by the national sporting public as well as by their own association.
She was at the forefront of the fight for better conditions back in 2017, before announcing her initial retirement a year later.
Having been persuaded by Vera Pauw to return, O'Gorman was rewarded with inclusion in the squad for Ireland's maiden World Cup appearance.
After an injury to Heather Payne minutes before the second group game against Canada, O'Gorman was drafted into the line-up, and it was fitting to a legend such as her on the pitch to celebrate Katie McCabe's historic goal just minutes into the game.
Teammates pay tribute after O'Gorman retirement
Teammates and supporters have been paying tribute to O'Gorman this morning, with Stephanie Roche simply posting the word 'legend,' with Megan Campbell adding "congrats on an amazing international career".
Her current club Shamrock Rovers said she is a "a pioneer, a trailblazer, a legend," while former side Peamount said "Congratulations on an incredible international career, Áine."
