Sky have made history this evening as the first ever autonomous primary partner to the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team in a four-year deal.
The move sees them ally through two international tournaments in the 2023 Australia/ New Zealand FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2025 UEFA Women’s Championship.
Exclusive to the women’s team as opposed to a cover all for it and the men’s equivalent, the notice comes just a week after the FAI announced equal pay for both senior teams regardless of gender.
A partnership that works 👉 FAI + @SkyIreland
Sky become first-ever Primary Partner of Ireland WNT 👊
🗣 "Sky is a serious brand & organisation and this is real affirmation of what we are trying to do at the FAI in terms of football for women & girls"
#SkyWNT | #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/NnfEWtho9C
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) September 9, 2021
Announced today in conjunction with Vera Pauw’s revelation of their upcoming international friendly side, the Dutch manager remarked that the significance of the declaration “is testament to the dedication of every one of the players and backroom staff members for what they continue to achieve, on and off the pitch.”
"The support of a brand like Sky, as we turn our focus to the 2023 FIFA World Cup, is hugely exciting” she added.
“Everyone involved with the Ireland squad are thrilled to welcome Sky to our team, and we look forward to working with them.”
The company too were hugely optimistic to show their support of the arrangement, their CEO JD Buckley commenting that today is a “momentous day” that they are “exceptionally excited about.”
“We have been looking forward to announcing this partnership and we are honoured to be the first-ever, stand-alone Primary Partner of the Women’s National Team” he says.
“This squad is made up of incredible people who have broken through barriers, both on and off the pitch.”
“They are, and will continue to be, an inspiration to people of all ages right across the country. As their partner, it is so important that we spotlight and celebrate this squad and their achievements – that’s what this partnership is all about.”
“We were delighted to see the FAI’s equal pay announcement last week, and as Primary Partner to the team, we look forward to doing everything we can to support them over the coming years.”
This feels very “you wait for one bus and two come at the same time” from the FAI
(Not that I’m complaining) https://t.co/7LxonQdhXn
— Kathleen McNamee (@kathleen_mcn) September 9, 2021
Australia friendly: September 21st, Tallaght Stadium
Since their 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifier against Georgia (scheduled September 17 in Tbilisi) was postponed to 2022 due to the unavailability of UK-based players, the sole focus of next week’s camp will be that of the home-based Australia friendly.
The Down Under outfit place relatively high in the FIFA Women's World Rankings at 11th and insist to provide a tough clash for Pauw’s 27 woman squad.
There are six Women’s National League players that make it in and also three recalls in the form of Savannah McCarthy, Harriet Scott and Clare Shine.
While injury has forced Megan Campbell, Keeva Keenan, Claire O'Riordan, Alli Murphy, Hayley Nolan and Aoife Colvill out, there are also many notable absences and stiff decisions in and missing of the manager’s selections.
The fixture is to broadcast live on RTÉ2
Thats 6 #WNL @LoiWomen ‘s National League players in the upcmong @FAIWomen Squad to face Australia 🇮🇪 Plenty of ex LOI too but notably still no Eleanor Ryan-Doyle, now of @BCFCwomen ⚽️ #IRELANDWNT #IRLvAUS https://t.co/VE5II0iZEH
— Alanna Cunnane (@acunnane10) September 9, 2021
Republic of Ireland WNT Squad
Goalkeepers: Grace Moloney (Reading), Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Eve Badana (DLR Waves)
Defenders: Harriet Scott (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Diane Caldwell (North Carolina Courage), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Claire Walsh (Glasgow City), Savannah McCarthy (Galway WFC), Áine O'Gorman (Peamount United), Éabha O'Mahony (Boston College)
Midfielders: Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jamie Finn (Birmingham City), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Ciara Grant (Shelbourne), Niamh Farrelly (Glasgow City), Roma McLaughlin (Central Connecticut State University), Jess Ziu (Shelbourne), Katie McCabe (Arsenal)
Forwards: Heather Payne (Florida State University), Rianna Jarrett (London City Lionesses), Amber Barrett (FC Koln), Kyra Carusa (HB Hoge), Clare Shine (Glasgow City), Emily Whelan (Birmingham City), Saoirse Noonan (Shelbourne)
