Governor Makhlouf presents commemorative coin to the 1973 Irish Women’s Football Team

Governor Gabriel Makhlouf welcomed the players and representatives from the 1973 Republic of Ireland Women’s National Football Team to the Central Bank of Ireland today for a special commemorative event.

The group were the first women to pull on the Ireland jersey, making their official international debut on May 13, 1973 in Wales. Paula Gorham, from Dundalk, scored a hat-trick on the night, securing a 3-2 win for the Girls in Green.

Earlier this year, the Central Bank of Ireland issued a €15 limited edition commemorative coin to celebrate the achievements of the current squad, who qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

At the special engagement today, Governor Makhlouf presented each of the 1973 players and representatives with the limited edition coin to honour their achievements.

Governor Gabriel Makhlouf said: “The Central Bank of Ireland celebrated the extraordinary impact of the women’s national football team this year. However, it is very important that the 1973 players know the impact we are talking about is theirs too, and that of all the teams that followed in their footsteps. They are trailblazers. A lot happened in 1973. Ireland joined the European Economic Community (EEC). It was also the year when the ban on married women working in the Irish civil service, which included the Central Bank, was abolished. I say this, because we cannot recognise the achievements of these players without also reckoning with the world they lived, worked and strove to win in.  The societal barriers they have broken through are remarkable.”

Linda Gorman, who played in the 1973 team, captained her country and later managed the international team, said: “It is 50 years since the first international match and throughout this year we have attended various engagements to mark the occasion. We are honoured to receive this commemorative coin from Governor Makhlouf, it is a very fitting and unique presentation as we come to the end of this commemorative year.”

The limited edition proof coin is struck in .925 sterling silver and retails at €65. They are for sale on www.collectorcoins.ie.