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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Eamon Doggett

Joyous scenes as Ireland women's team burst into song at Dublin Airport after World Cup qualification

The Republic of Ireland women's team were treated to a hero's welcome at Dublin Airport in the early hours of Wednesday morning after qualifying for the 2023 World Cup.

Donegal woman Amber Barrett scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over Scotland at Hampden Park to send Ireland into finals being held in Australia and New Zealand next year.

And when the victorious team touched down in Dublin Airport, they were met by members of the emergency services who were keen to join in on the celebrations.

READ MORE: Amber Barrett dedicates historic goal to Donegal explosion victims

In a video posted to social media by FAI CEO Jonathan Hill, a fire engine is seen on the runway with two firefighters proudly holding an Ireland flag.

As the Ireland women's team disembark the aircraft, they then spontaneously break into a rendition of the Baccara hit song "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie".

It was an amazing campaign for Vera Pauw's side that saw them finish second behind Sweden in the group stages before beating Slovakia and Scotland in the play-offs, both on the road, to reach the finals.

Donegal native Barrett celebrated her match-winning strike by pointing to the black armband on her sleeve as a tribute to the 10 victims of the Creeslough tragedy.

Barrett, whose grandparents hail from the small town in north Donegal, said: “I know Cresslough like the back of my hand.

“My grandparents were born and bred there. I spend my holidays there with my uncle.

“I know people who died in the tragedy, who were affected by it, who were first on the scene.

“I’ve been sombre the last few days. This is the best day of my life in terms of what we have done for football.

“But when you put it into perspective, compared to what happened over there last Friday, this doesn’t scratch the surface.

“I’m dedicating this result and the goal to the 10 beautiful souls who unfortunately perished, for all their families.

“I know they touched their lives and they have touched ours. This is for Cresslough. This is for Donegal.”

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