Republic of Ireland midfielder Karen Duggan has announced her retirement from international football.
The 27-year old Kilkenny woman had won 35 caps since debut in 2013 but is calling time on her international career following the conclusion of the FIFA 2019 World Cup qualifying campaign.
She played in all but one qualifying game during the campaign and was named WNT Player of the Year in 2016 and will continue to play for Peamount United in the Women's National League where she recently won the League Cup.
"It's with great sadness and joy that I'm announcing my retirement from international football. I've had a wonderful time playing for my country and I've made some fantastic memories which I'll remember fondly," Duggan said.
"Unfortunately, with the next major championships three years away, I don't feel like I can give 100% for that length of time. With my work-life outside of football, there are a number of other factors which I've got to consider. I've given it everything over the last few years but now it's time to focus on what I hope to achieve outside of football.
"That opens up the opportunity to one of the younger generation coming through who will be able to progress and help Ireland qualify for their first major championships.
"Of course, I'll still continue playing with Peamount United in the Women's National League and I'd like to thank Colin Bell and the staff, as well as former manager Sue Ronan, for giving me the opportunity to represent my country. Also, I'd like to thank all of my former team-mates, I've made some great friends for life and I wish them all the best in the future.
"Finally, I'd like to thank my family and friends for their constant support over the course of my international career. They've travelled and supported me at a number of matches over the years and it has meant everything to me."
WNT Head Coach Colin Bell was full of praise for Duggan, saying she has been a "fantastic player".
"She has played in almost every match I've managed and she has been a crucial part of the performance culture we've tried to bring in.
"Karen's commitment to the national team has been fantastic. Despite the pressures of her day-to-day work-life, Karen strived to improve and help the team succeed. The improvement from her over the course of the campaign was fantastic and she has been a great role model to the other home-based players.
[quote]I'd like to thank her for her performances on the pitch but also her professional nature and character off it. Karen has been fantastic to work with and I wish her the very best for the future.[/quote]
"With Karen retired, we'll now be looking to the other young players to begin to step up to the required levels of international football, he said.
FAI CEO John Delaney praised Duggan as a role model for other home-based players to follow, saying she was "one of the most outstanding role models" in the women's team during the last few years.
"Home-based, she proved to the younger players coming through the elite player pathway that you can play domestic and international football, and set a fantastic example to follow.
[quote]Part of the team which achieved that fantastic 0-0 draw against the Netherlands in November, Karen played a crucial role in Colin Bell's qualifying campaign and we'd like to wish Karen every success in the future.[/quote]
Chairperson of the Women's Football Committee and FAI Board Member Niamh O'Donoghue praised Karen's commitment to promoting the women's game off the pitch as well. "I'm sad to hear of Karen's decision to retire from international football," O'Donoghue said.
"She has been one of the biggest stars of the Women's National League and Women's National Team over recent years, playing a crucial role both on and off the pitch. Due to her being home-based, Karen has fulfilled many community and sponsorship roles over the years which has gone a long way to helping promote the WNT."
Digital Desk
