DDG’s Amber Barrett delivers the winning goal that secures the Republic of Ireland World Cup dream
We are so proud of Amber…
Her goal, her commitment, her ability, and moreover her compassion, dignity and courage to make such a poignant and heart-felt tribute to her family and community in the Donegal village of Creeslough where she grew up with her grandparents
Even after scoring the most important goal of her career, Amber Barrett had the people of Donegal in her mind
The Donegal native raced clear of the Scotland defence to score the crucial goal at Hampden Park, as Ireland secured qualification to a first-ever Women’s World Cup after a 1-0 playoff victory
After nudging the ball into the corner, an emotional Barrett kissed her black armband in a poignant message to the those who lost their lives and were injured in the explosion in Creeslough in Donegal
Speaking to RTÉ after the game, Barrett opened up on her relationship to Creeslough and how emotional the last week has been for her
“I know Creeslough like the back of my hand,” she said
“Both my grandparents were Creeslough born and bred. I spent my whole upbringing there, summers and Christmas’, every year I go back. I knew people who died in the tragedy, I know people who were affected, I know people who were first on the scene. I’ve not been able to put it into words. There has been a somberness about me the last few days
“This is the best day of my life in terms of football, but when you put in into perspective, we don’t scratch the surface of what happened there on Friday. This result, this game, that goal, I’m dedicating it to the ten beautiful souls who perished on Friday and to their families. They certainly touched our lives. This is for Creeslough, this is for Donegal.”
Barrett also described what the tense final minutes were like for her after her brilliant goal
“That was the longest 20 minutes of my life. When that goal went in I kept checking the clock every 30 seconds. I do not know what we have just done, I cannot believe it. This is for all the young kids growing up, now they have something to dream for. I’m so happy to be a part of this team
Congratulations to the girls from the Emerald Isle!
DDG has a special relationship with the “Girls in Green”, representing Claire O’Riordan (Celtic), Eleanor Ryan-Doyle (Birmingham City), Naoisha McAloon (Durham) and the recently retired Irish Number One, former Manchester City, Chelsea, and SC Braga ‘Keeper, Marie Hourihan, now the manager of London Bees
Now which airline should we book to Australia…