Louise Quinn has been named as the 2019 ‘Three’ FAI Senior Women’s International Player of the Year.
The Wicklow native has won the award for the second time – having previously lifted it in 2013 – after she was selected ahead of fellow Republic of Ireland Women’s Senior internationals Katie McCabe and Denise O’Sullivan.
The centre-back has featured in every game for Ireland in 2019, racking up 719 minutes and scoring one goal to bring her overall record to 11 goals in 79 senior caps. Her aerial prowess in both boxes having been a huge asset for the Girls In Green.
Last week, it was revealed that Quinn would swap London for Florence as she ended her 3-year stint at Arsenal. A career which produced 76 appearances and seven goals, including a league title and league cup.
Her next club will be for Fiorentina who have qualified for the UEFA Women’s Champions League. An exciting new chapter that aligns perfectly with how things have been going at international level.
???????? | "Sapevo di arrivare in un grande club"
???????? @louise_quinn4 si racconta a Violachannel#ForzaViola ???? #Fiorentina #Quinn pic.twitter.com/wWD7HReKwD— ACF Fiorentina Femminile (@ACF_Womens) August 4, 2020
“It’s just incredible. I’m really, really surprised to get that. I think we’ve had such an incredible year with such changes and the players coming up and stepping up to the plate, so to get the award is something truly special,” Quinn told FAI TV.
“Just to wear the (Ireland) jersey is something that I love to do every time that we get to step onto that pitch. I’m extremely proud of it. Then there is the likes of Katie (McCabe) and Denise (O’Sullivan), I’m their biggest fan so for them not to win is a travesty as well. But I’m thrilled, even though it’s always a team effort.”
Under the guidance of Vera Pauw, Ireland WNT remain unbeaten in qualifying for the UEFA Women’s European Championships with three games left to play – Germany away on September 19th, Ukraine away on October 23rd, and home to Germany on December 1st.
The former Peamount and Eskilstuna United captain Quinn believes the impact of Pauw, and her backroom staff, has instilled a new confidence in the Ireland squad and they are looking ahead to try to clinch a spot at a major tournament for the first time.
“This squad is prepared to do whatever it takes to get to our EUROs. Vera (Pauw) coming in has really steadied the ship. We have a really good understanding of each other, she’s taken on the qualities that we have and has simplified it and laid it out straight, and is making the international game easier for us,” said Quinn.
“The experience she has with international teams is incredible so she knows what way to approach things. We have full trust in her with what she is doing with us and having Eileen (Gleeson, Assistant Coach) there as well to back her up is brilliant, and Jan Willem (van Ede, Goalkeeping Coach).
“We know that there is still massive room for improvement. In games, we’re definitely creating more chances but now is the time to start putting them away quicker. It’s now about being clinical with those really good chances that we are creating.
“It’s just building on that and tidying things up defensively. We had a really good game against Ukraine and yes Germany is daunting but we have to take it in our stride. We’ve put ourselves in the best position and it feels great, so we want to keep that feeling going.”
