Peamount United and Ireland midfielder Erin McLaughlin says Irish women's soccer is in "a brilliant place” following Ireland's World Cup campaign.
Despite encouraging performances, Ireland's first major tournament in women's football ended in the group stages. While it may have been an early exit for Vera Pauw's side, the future is bright, with Erin McLaughlin one of several young players hoping to have an impact in the future.
The Peamount midfielder was included in the extended squad, and made her debut for Ireland in the 3-2 win over Zambia in June.
While she didn't make the final 23 player squad, the 20-year-old was proud of her teammates performances in Australia, and says they showed why they deserved their place in the tournament.
"I was so proud of the girls. It's an unbelievable achieve ment to represent your country at a World Cup, not many can say they have done it. Full credit for them, and I think they have done themselves proud.
"They went out there and done everything they could. The results didn't go the way we wanted to, but we showed we can play at that top level, and the margins are tiny between the bigger nations.
"It was incredible to sit at home and watch them and say I have been training with those girls and know them.
While it may have been disappointing to miss out on the final squad, McLaughlin said she was grateful to be involved with the squad in the build up to the tournament, with her debut a moment she will never forget.
As the Ireland women continue to make history in the first ever game in the Aviva Stadium in September, the experience of international football has served as motivation for the Donegal women to push herself for further caps.
"To make my debut right in front of the home
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