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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Vincent Whelan

Ireland veteran Niamh Fahey believes they can take inspiration from England's Euros win

Ireland international Niamh Fahey feels her international teammates can take a bit of inspiration from watching many of their club teammates claim Euro 2022 glory.

The home nation secured their first ever major international trophy in the women's game on Sunday by beating Germany 2-1 after extra-time in front of a packed Wembley crowd.

And speaking after the tournament, which has generally been viewed as a very positive one with new benchmarks among television viewing figures and wider media coverage, Fahey reflected on how the feel-good factor in this part of the world could rub off on The Girls in Green as they seek to secure qualification for a major tournament for the first time.

READ MORE: England win Euro 2022 after beating Germany in emphatic Wembley final - 6 talking points

She told RTE: "The Euros has been an unbelievable competition: the quality, the attendances, and everything that goes with that.

"Then England topped it off by winning it, the home nation, and just the buzz that that has created around women's football.

"They are an inspiration, a motivation, and you just have to admire that team and (manager) Sarina Weigman, the way they've gone about their business and delivered under the highest pressure.

"It'd be great now if we can manage to qualify for a major finals. Ultimately that's where we want to be. It was tough watching in, but it definitely stirs the motivation."

Vera Pauw's side are looking good to book a spot in the 2023 World Cup play-offs having had a fine campaign thus far with a 1-1 draw in Gothenburg against Euro semi-finalists Sweden the highlight.

They have a crunch clash against rivals for second place Finland on September 1 with Tallaght stadium already sold out.

Once they avoid defeat there, they're virtually guaranteed second place as they'll just have to dispatch of a poor Slovakia team.

Fahey also spoke about the longer-term prospects of women's football both in Ireland and England with the Liverpool captain suggesting the sport is only going to go from strength to strength.

She added: "I think the legacy from this tournament is going to be huge, especially here in the UK.

"There's been so many topics of conversation around football in girls' schools, having access to football - a lot of them aren't even able to play football in school.

"I can imagine the numbers (of girls) wanting to join football teams is going to go through the roof. Fair play to the FA and England for delivering, and inspiring a whole new generation. It's brilliant for the women's game.

"It's unbelievable what we're going to see in terms of the women's game, how it's going to push on from here - both at home in Ireland, in the UK and worldwide really. It's been a watershed moment."

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