Irish sporting history was made tonight in Glasgow as supersub Amber Barrett sent Ireland to their first-ever Women's World Cup with a wondergoal against Scotland at Hampden Park.
On an emotional night that was everything powerful about Irish sport, it was perfect that the goal came from the boot of Barrett, who comes from Milford, Co. Donegal. Moments after the ball rippled the back of the net, Barrett reached for her black armband and remembered the victims of Creeslough.
After a grim week for people in her own county, and indeed all of Ireland, this one goal offered a needed dose of solace.
Milford's Amber Barrett delivered for her country with this beautiful finish.
And what a pass from Denise O'Sullivan
Scotland 0-1 Irelandpic.twitter.com/qsYtctNCHN— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) October 11, 2022
Ireland then grinded out the final 25 minutes or so. Heroic performances were across everywhere in the Ireland team.
Ireland made far the livelier start, but all their hard work seemed certain to be washed away when Niamh Fahey was yellow-carded for an unlucky yellow card in the penalty box. However Courtney Brosnan came to Ireland's rescue with an inspired save on Caroline Weir's spot kick.
Courtney Brosnan's wondersave sounds amazing in Scottish gaelicpic.twitter.com/xyToJrLyzd
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) October 11, 2022
But Ireland grew back into the match. Katie McCabe was a fireball and Heather Payne did god's work upfront on her own. But it was Megan Campbell's ballistic missile throw-ins that provided Ireland with their most formidable attacking platform. The Liverpool player actually put one throw-in into the Scotland goal - somehow the ball avoided any contact from any players and was not counted.
Should be 2-0 Irelandpic.twitter.com/WFr7YvYUcT https://t.co/RNFgShkZax
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) October 11, 2022
The first half closed with Scotland repelling a number of goalline shots from Ireland after another Campbell slingshot.
How has that stayed out? Ireland go within centimetres of breaking the deadlock at Hampden Park
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📱 Updates - https://t.co/mwmAKKQyjN #rtesoccer #SCOIRL pic.twitter.com/YQG1zFdu7t— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 11, 2022
The second half was far cagier with Ireland knowing a draw would send them to the qualifier tournament next spring. However Barrett came on for an injured Heather Payne and made all the difference.
This was for Sue Ronan, Emma Byrne and Stephanie Roche and everyone who worked tirelessly to put Irish women's football on the map. Just five years ago, this team had to go on strike. Now they're going to the World Cup.
SEE ALSO: Celtic Hold Hugely Poignant Minute's Silence For Creeslough Victims
