it was a great honor to have former woman's international and local player Mary Joyce/Cleary come down to the clubhouse this week and meet a few of our girls before the new season kicked off, Mary is a great inspiration for these girls and spoke to them about what it takes to reach the next level in the sport.
Mary also brought her special commemorative 50th anniversary jersey and an international cap for the girls to see, it was a great evening and one our girls wont forget.
Mary wore the green jersey of the Republic of Ireland senior women’s team 11 times, even captaining the side with pride and determination. Her journey began right here at home, playing for Limerick, Ballynanty Athletic, and Analog Devices, where she also worked. On and off the pitch, Mary embodied the spirit of dedication, humility, and quiet leadership.
At a time when opportunities for women in sport were limited, Mary broke barriers and set an example for generations to come. She played not for fame or recognition, but for the love of the game — and for the honor of representing her country.
Her legacy is woven into the fabric of Irish football, and her story reminds us of the importance of perseverance, passion, and pride in where we come from.
As the FAI continues to celebrate the heroes of the women’s game, we want to say thank you, Mary — for blazing the trail, for inspiring others, and for showing us what it means to lead with heart.
