Meet Ireland’s newest soccer stars as they prepare for Euro semi-final
Check out the 18 brilliant young women making Irish soccer history with a UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship semi-final appearance tonight.
Amanda McQuillan - Shelbourne FC
From a Dublin family - but now living in Meath - this 16-year-old may be the baby of the group, however she is a key member of the team with lightning reaction times.
Brooke Dunne – Peamount United
A Kildare native, 17-year-old Brooke also played Ladies Football at underage level and is growing into her role as the side’s shot-stopper.
Keeva Keenan – Raheny United
This 16-year-old Ballymun player was gutted to miss the opening match against Spain due to suspension, but quickly made up for it by scoring against England in the next game.
Savannah McCarthy – Listowel Celtic
Kingdom representative Savannah is just 17 and has already proved her worth with important goals against both England and Sweden in the group stages
Chloe Mustaki (Captain) – UCD Waves
18-year-old Chloe was made captain of the side because of her leadership skills both on and off the field. The Dublin UCD student can play at both left-back and midfield and has shown her versatility by excelling in both positions during the group games.
Grace Wright – Texas A&M University
Grace is 19 and from Texas, playing her football with American university Texas A&M. She is eligible to play for Ireland through her Limerick grandfather and has played at left-back throughout the campaign.
Ciara McNamara – Holyhill LFC
18-year-old Ciara plays her club football with Cork club Holyhill. She is a consistent and courageous defender, comfortable with the ball at her feet.
Ciara O’Connell – Wilton United
Defender Ciara is headed to UCC on a scholarship and the 19-year-old is the rock of the team in the heart of defence.
Lauren Dwyer – Wexford Youths
17-year-old Lauren is from Carlow and plays in defence for her club Wexford Youths. She has adapted her skills to a midfield role for the Ireland team.
Hayley Nolan – Peamount United
17-year-old Hayley is a Kildare native who plays her club football for Peamount and is improving all the time in the Irish set-up.
Amy O’Connor – Wilton United
18-year-old Amy is a versatile midfielder who can play in a variety of positions and cause problems for the opposition in all of them.
Megan Connolly – College Corinthians
Clever midfielder Megan, 17, provided three assists during the group games before scoring the winning goal against Sweden with a brilliant free kick.
Shannon Carson – Holyhill LFC
18-year-old Shannon is an energetic midfielder and has been vital coming off the bench in the group stages.
Jessica Gargan – Peamount United
Another Peamount United player, 17-year-old Jessica uses her turn of pace to great effect in midfield.
Roma McLaughlin – Greencastle
Donegal girl Roma is still only 16. Her passing in the middle of the park is already impressive and improving all the time.
Sarah Rowe – Castlebar Celtic
18-year-old Sarah is a star in both soccer and Ladies Football. Lethal when attacking at pace, she scored the goal in the qualifying match against Turkey that took them to these finals
Katie McCabe – Raheny United
Older brother Gary plays for Shamrock Rovers, but 18-year-old winger Katie is now becoming a star in her own right.
Clare Shine – Raheny United
19-year-old Clare scored the winning goal in their opening match against Spain; a remarkable achievement given she suffered a broken leg earlier this year.
Coach – Dave Connell
Dubliner Connell works for the FAI as a football in the community development officer and previously managed the Ireland women's U17 team.
