DUNDALK’S 2005 FAI Cup winner Sonia Hoey, who was also a former Louth LGFA player, has passed away.
Sonia scored the only goal of the game in the 2005 Women’s FAI Cup final against Peamount United at Lansdowne Road, as her club lifted the trophy for the first time.
She also enjoyed spells with Castletown Celtic (Belles — she was the first player to take her place in the club’s Hall of Fame), Peamount United and Rock Celtic.
Sonia was also a talented Gaelic footballer, lining out for DkIT, Dowdallshill and Louth, while she ran with Redeemer AC too.
She was first diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer in February 2019 and was almost a year in remission when she was diagnosed with incurable cervical cancer which spread to her lungs. A major fundraising drive was launched in 2021 to help pay for cancer treatment in Mexico which raised over €55,000 in one day.
Tributes have been paid following her passing.
We were all deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former women's team player Sonia Hoey.
— Dundalk FC (@DundalkFC) March 6, 2024
Sonia wrote her name into the history books when she scored the winning goal for Dundalk City in the 2005 Women’s FAI Cup final against Peamount United at Lansdowne Road.
RIP, Sonia.
Everyone at the League of Ireland would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Sonia Hoey who has sadly passed away.
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) March 6, 2024
Sonia etched herself into the history books scoring the winner for Dundalk in the Women's FAI Cup Final in 2005 at Lansdowne Road.… pic.twitter.com/ZgwcwKeR4w