Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw has hailed the partnership between the women's national side and Sky as significant and exciting.
The broadcast company was announced today as the first-ever, stand-alone primary partner of the women’s national team.
The four-year partnership means Sky will be the primary partner through two major tournaments – the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia / New Zealand and the 2025 UEFA Women’s Championship.
The new partnership comes a week after the FAI’s announcement of equal pay for the Women’s and Men’s senior teams.
Speaking at the announcement today Vera Pauw said this is an exciting time for the side but it's also richly deserved.
“The significance of this partnership announcement is testament to the dedication of every one of the players and backroom staff members for what they continue to achieve, on and off the pitch.
"The support of a brand like Sky, as we turn our focus to the 2023 FIFA World Cup, is hugely exciting.
"Everyone involved with the Ireland squad are thrilled to welcome Sky to our team, and we look forward to working with them."
IT’S OFFICIAL 🇮🇪
A historic day for FAI as we announce @SkyIreland as the first-ever, stand-alone Primary Partner of the Republic of Ireland WNT ☘️
Come On You Girls In Green!
#SkyWNT | #COYGIG | #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/nLJEXHmeTg— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) September 9, 2021
The partnership is the first major deal that Jonathan Hill has brokered since taking over as CEO of the FAI in October of 2020.
The men's side currently has no sponsor since Three did not renew their partnership deal in July of last year, after a decade of working with the association.
Speaking at Thursday's announcement Hill said this was a positive step towards building a brighter future for the women's game in this country.
“This is yet another really positive step forward for women’s and girls’ football in Ireland and comes on the back of our historic announcement on equal pay last week.
“Football for women and girls is a core focus within our FAI Strategy and this truly is a landmark announcement for the FAI.
"Partnerships like this are exactly what will help us to grow the women’s game and ensure opportunities for younger generations to come and indeed, to persuade more women to get involved in the game full stop – be it as coaches, administrators or players."
Meanwhile, Vera Pauw named her side today for their upcoming friendly with Australia later this month.
Galway WFC defender Savannah McCarthy, Birmingham City full-back Harriet Scott and Glasgow City forward Clare Shine all make returns to the senior squad.
Injuries rule out Megan Campbell, Keeva Keenan, Claire O'Riordan, Alli Murphy, Hayley Nolan and Aoife Colvill.
The squad will meet up on Tuesday, 14 September to begin preparations for the game that takes place at Tallaght Stadium a week later.
The squad in full is;
Goalkeepers: Grace Moloney (Reading), Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Eve Badana (DLR Waves).
Defenders: Harriet Scott (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Diane Caldwell (North Carolina Courage), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Claire Walsh (Glasgow City), Savannah McCarthy (Galway WFC), Áine O'Gorman (Peamount United), Éabha O'Mahony (Boston College).
Midfielders: Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jamie Finn (Birmingham City), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Ciara Grant (Shelbourne), Niamh Farrelly (Glasgow City), Roma McLaughlin (Central Connecticut State University), Jess Ziu (Shelbourne), Katie McCabe (Arsenal).
Forwards: Heather Payne (Florida State University), Rianna Jarrett (London City Lionesses), Amber Barrett (FC Koln), Kyra Carusa (HB Hoge), Clare Shine (Glasgow City), Emily Whelan (Birmingham City), Saoirse Noonan (Shelbourne).
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