Limerick connections with 1980 Irish Women’s National Team

Name: Limerick connections with 1980 Irish Women’s National Team
Uploaded: 2025-10-28T10:30:41+00:00
Channel: Mal Keaveney
Description: THERE was a strong Limerick connection with the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team (WNT) which famously beat Belgium at Dalymount Park 45 years ago last weekend.

Mal Keaveney

October 28, 2025

1980 Republic of Ireland Women's National Team Reunion — Former Republic of Ireland players, from Limerick, from left, Grainne Cross, Denise Lyons, Marrita Murphy, Jane Cowhey and Mairead Culhane during a reunion of the 1980 Republic of Ireland women's national team at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.

THERE was a strong Limerick connection with the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team (WNT) which famously beat Belgium at Dalymount Park 45 years ago last weekend.

Ahead of the current side playing the same opposition at the Aviva last Friday, the squad of 1980 reunited in Dublin.

The visitors had entered the tie as strong favourites, following wins over England and Northern Ireland.

All those years ago, however, in a shock result the only goal came from Limerick’s Gráinne Cross, who made her international debut as a 15-year-old.

Also on duty for the great occasion for Tony Kelly’s team were Denise Lyons (Newcastle West), Marrita Murphy (Knockaderry), Jean Cowley (Limerick) and Mairead Sheehan (Glin).