Trailblazing referee O'Neill announces retirement

Trailblazing Irish referee Michelle O'Neill has announced her retirement to bring the curtain down on an illustrious 18-year career.

The renowned FIFA international assistant referee has officiated at multiple Women’s World Cups and the Olympic Games, often breaking new ground for women in the game.

In 2019, she became the first Irish person to officiate at a World Cup final, overseeing the clash between the United States and the Netherlands.

Later that same year, she was part of the first all-female refereeing team to officiate at a UEFA men's Super Cup final, held in Istanbul between Liverpool and Chelsea.

The same trio went onto be appointed to the Unite the Union Champions Cup 2019 final between Dundalk and Linfield.

Having started out on the path to refereeing in 2007, she advanced on to the League of Ireland panel in 2010. A year later O’Neill became a FIFA assistant referee.

A regular official in both the SSE Airtricity men’s and women’s leagues, she took charge of league cup finals, Setanta Sports Cup finals and the FAI men’s cup finals of 2013 and 2021.

At international level, her first major appointment with UEFA came in 2012 when she officiated the Women’s U19 Championship final in Turkey.

In the FIFA arena, O’Neill officiated in multiple World Cup qualifiers, two FIFA women’s U20 World Cups, three FIFA Women’s World Cups – including the 2019 final and the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021.

"It has been an incredible journey, one filled with unforgettable moments and immense pride," O’Neill said today.

"Officiating at World Cups and Olympic Games has been a dream come true, and I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences this career has given me. Now, it is time for the next chapter."

FAI president Paul Cooke said: "On behalf of the Football Association of Ireland, I'd like to congratulate Michelle O'Neill on an outstanding career.

"Michelle has been a true trailblazer for match officials, not just in the League of Ireland and FAI Cup on both the men's and women's side, but also having excelled in FIFA Women's World Cups, UEFA Women's European Championships, Olympic Games, UEFA Super Cup final and UEFA Women's Champions League final.

"Michelle has been a superb role model for women involved in Irish football and we wish her well with the next stage of her career."

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