13/01/2015

Ministers Commend Stephanie Roche

Minister from the north and south of Ireland have commended Stephanie Roche following this year's FIFA Puskás Award ceremony.

Ms Roche was short-listed for the FIFA Puskás Award in Zurich for the best goal of 2014.

Roche, who scored the goal while playing for Peamount United against Wexford Youths in October 2013, made the final shortlist of three nominees but lost out to James Rodriguez.

It is the first time a female footballer has made the final shortlist for the award.

Congratulating the 25-year-old Irish footballer, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD, said: "I would like to congratulate Stephanie Roche on her fantastic achievement in being shortlisted for the FIFA Puskás Award in Zurich for the best goal of 2014.

"She thoroughly deserves all the praise she has received and I am sure she is a little disappointed but she should be very proud of her achievement. It was wonderful to see the global attention that Stephanie received since she was shortlisted for the award along with such global superstars as Robin van Persie and James Rodriguez. I have no doubt that all her family and friends and the whole country are delighted and proud of her achievement.

"Stephanie has been a wonderful ambassador for her sport and her country since being nominated for the award. The publicity that it has generated for the profile of the Women's National League and Irish women's sport in general is very welcome."

Carál Ní Chuilín, Northern Ireland's Sports Minister, added: "Managing to reach the final shortlist alongside such football superstars as Robin Van Persie and James Rodriguez is an amazing achievement for Stephanie and it is a great day for women's football. The technique and talent demonstrated by Stephanie in scoring the goal is testament to the high skill levels of the women's game.

"Whereas the goals by James Rodriguez and Robin Van Persie were scored at the World Cup, less that 100 people were present at the game when Stephanie scored her goal – but thankfully it was captured on video and the whole world has had a chance to view it and celebrate its utter brilliance."

(JP/CD)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

21 March 2024
Call For Education On Violence Against Women And Girls
The Education Minister, Paul Givan, has been challenged by the SDLP on the proposed introduction of mandatory education around violence against women and girls in schools.
19 February 2010
Industry Gathers For Irish Film Celebrations
One of the most prestigious nights in the Irish entertainment and cultural calendar, the Irish Film & Television Awards (IFTAs), is shaping up to be a night of great celebration for the industry.
04 July 2017
Missing Five-Year-Old Boy Found 'Safe And Well'
A young boy missing from Dun Laoghaire has been found "safe and well", Gardaí have reported. Richard Roche, aged 5, went missing from the People's Park on Sunday, 02 July. However, he has now been found and Gardaí wish to express their thanks to all members of the public and media for their assistance.
22 June 2012
13-Year-Old Dies Just Hours After Hurling Match
A teenage boy died from a suspected asthma attack just hours after a hurling match. 13-year-old James Long, from Limerick, scored the winning goal for his team, but a short time later he was rushed from his home to hospital after becoming unwell. He died a short time later despite the best efforts of medical staff.
23 June 2016
Euro 2016: Ireland Through To Final 16
The Republic of Ireland are in the last 16 of Euro 2016 after beating Italy 1-0 on Wednesday night, 22 June. Robbie Brady scored the winning goal for the team in the 84th minute. Manager Martin O'Neill punched the air as soon as the goal was scored. Ireland will now play France in Lyon at 2pm on Sunday, 26 June.