Central Bank of Ireland launches €15 silver proof coin to celebrate the Ireland Women’s National Football Team

The Central Bank of Ireland has launched a €15 limited edition commemorative coin to celebrate the achievements of the Ireland Women’s National Football team.

This silver proof coin recognises the important impact the Women’s National Football Team has had on women’s and girl’s football in Ireland. The coin comes as the team prepares for the opening Women’s World Cup match against hosts Australia next week. 

International players Jamie Finn and Abbie Larkin took time out of their busy World Cup preparations to launch the coin alongside Governor Gabriel Makhlouf and Minister for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne TD, in Tolka Park. Shelbourne youth players Daisy White and Ellie O’Mahony also supported the launch.

There is an issue limit of 3,000 coins and retails at €65. The coin is struck in .925 sterling silver to proof quality. They will be for sale on www.collectorcoins.ie  from 10:00 on 14 July 2023.

Ireland’s first official women’s international game took place on May 13, 1973 in Wales. The Girls in Green won 3-2 and it was the start of something special. There have been many highs for the team since then, but qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup with a play-off victory away to Scotland eclipsed them all. This secured the team’s first ever place at a major tournament.

Governor Gabriel Makhlouf said: “The Central Bank is proud to launch this limited issue coin to mark the significance of the Ireland Women’s National Football team. They are a credit to the country and they are heroes to a generation of younger players and fans. I want to wish Vera Pauw and all the players continued success as they prepare for the World Cup. It will be a fantastic occasion for Irish football and for Irish sport and I am looking forward to watching and cheering them on.”

FAI Director of Marketing & Communications Louise Cassidy said: “In what is a special year for women and girls’ football in Ireland, it is fitting to see the Ireland Women’s National Team honoured in such a unique way. This limited edition commemorative coin will be treasured for years to come and act as a reminder of the incredible achievement of this team in qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.” 

Minister for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne TD, said: “This is a remarkable and exciting time for women’s football in Ireland. The fantastic achievement by the Ireland team, in qualifying for the World Cup for the first time, has given the whole country a lift. Girls throughout Ireland are seeing the great performances of the national team and are being inspired to emulate them. All of us are looking forward to cheering on Very Pauw and the team and to witnessing more history being made.”

Editors Notes

Proof coins are collectable coins and are not intended for general circulation. They are minted using specially polished dies and blanks that give them a mirror-like finish. These coins are struck at least twice during the minting process. They are individually handled and protectively stored in order to prevent tarnishing. This is in comparison to general circulating coins, which are struck once during the minting process and are handled in bulk. The defined, intricate and shiny appearance of proof coins gives them their collectable quality.

Every year the Central Bank issues a number of collector coin products, on behalf of the Minister for Finance. Public submissions are sought in relation to the themes and the Numismatic Advisory Panel recommends a coin programme to the Bank.