AFTER SIX YEARS in charge of the Irish women’s football team, Sue Ronan decided to step down this year to become the Head of Women’s Football for the FAI.
This role will allow her to oversee the development of the game among women in Ireland and ensure that various objectives of the FAI Women’s Strategic Plan are implemented.
Unfortunately, Ronan never managed to steer her charges to a major tournament and various bits of bad luck contributed to that failing.
But she will depart the management side of the game as one of the most respected figures in Irish women’s football and is well equipped to nurture the future development of the sport for women.
Given the reflective mood that comes with the festive period, we’re going to look back at some of the key moments which defined Sue Ronan’s time in charge of the Irish team.
Uefa Women’s EURO 2013 – Scotland 2-1 Ireland
This was the first campaign for a major tournament which Ronan was in charge for. They finished in fourth place in Group 4.
Ireland lost out to Scotland 2-1 in April 2012, conceding two late goals to leave them facing an uphill battle for qualification.
2015 Fifa Women’s World Cup: Ireland 2-3 Germany
In April 2014, they hosted the then-European Champions Germany in Tallaght as part of their bid for a place at the 2015 FIFA World Cup.
Ireland were first to score that day through Louise Quinn, but Germany rallied to win 3-2 in the end.
2015 Fifa Women’s World Cup – Ireland 1-3 Russia
Ireland faced Russia in May and a 3-1 defeat dealt a huge blow to their chances of claiming the second spot in the group.
2015 Fifa Women’s World Cup: Ireland 1-0 Croatia
Ireland held out for a 1-0 victory in their qualifier against Croatia during the summer of 2014 through a Denise O’Sullivan goal. Overall, Ireland finished that qualification campaign in third place.
2017 Uefa European Women’s Championship – Montenegro 0-5 Ireland
This was Ireland’s last attempt at qualifying for a major tournament under Sue Ronan.
Earlier this year in April, they scored a fine 5-0 victory over Montenegro through goals from Louise Quinn, Aine O’Gorman, Ruesha Littlejohn, Denis O’Sullivan and Stephanie Roche. This was Ireland’s biggest win since a 5-0 victory over Malta in 2004.
Alas, the campaign ended in disappointment on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Portugal.
Ronan’s Last Hurrah – Ireland 2-1 Basque Country
Fittingly, Ronan’s last game in charge produced a 2-1 victory for Ireland at the end of November with Shelbourne’s Leanne Kiernan, and Stephanie Roche providing the goals.
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