Women’s World Cup honour for Michelle
O’Neill will run the line at tournament in France
WEXFORD’S Michelle O’Neill has added another feather to her cap with the recent announcement that she will officiate at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France next year.
The Enniscorthy native has been named as one of 48 assistant referees for the finals next summer, which take place between June 7 and July 7.
This is the latest in a list notable achievements for the highly-respected official, who became the first Irish woman to be selected for a Women’s World Cup when travelling to Canada in 2015, before getting the nod for the UEFA Women’s European Championships in the Netherlands last year, as well as running the line for important Champions League ties.
Earlier this year O’Neill, who is well known in Irish football circles as an assistant referee in the SSE Airtricity League and a referee in the Continental Tyres Women’s League, ran the line in the Women’s Under-20 World Cup final between Japan and Spain.
The 39-year-old, who lined out for Enniscorthy United and Adamstown during her playing days, is delighted to be chosen for the prestigious event and is relishing the opportunity to add to her impressive list of achievements.
‘It is an absolute honour and a privilege to represent my country and be selected to officiate at the FIFA Women’s World Cup next year.
‘Dreams do come true when you put your mind to it with hard work, dedication, passion for the game and never give up on reaching your goals.
‘The next six months will involve more preparations to be ready for the most important and biggest event for women’s football in the world.
‘I am super excited and looking forward to working with my colleagues from all around the world,’ she said.
FAI Chief Executive John Delaney congratulated O’Neill on her selection for the tournament, saying she had created history for Irish match officials.
‘I was delighted to hear that Michelle O’Neill will be officiating in France next summer at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Having already worked as an assistant referee at the previous World Cup in Canada, we have always known of Michelle’s quality.
‘Michelle and Eddie Foley are the only two Irish officials to work at a FIFA World Cup, and she will make history by becoming our first official to work at two FIFA World Cups, when she arrives in France.
‘Michelle has already proven herself on the international and domestic stage, by officiating at both men’s and women’s matches, including this year’s FIFA Women’s Under-20 World Cup final.
‘On behalf of the Association I would like to congratulate Michelle on being selected by FIFA and I wish her all the best in France next summer,’ he said.