FAI event to honour Ireland's women criticised

There's been criticism of an FAI event to honour women who played for Ireland, held ahead of the historic first women's game in the Aviva today.

Former Irish internationals were awarded a cap at the ceremony but some said the FAI were treating them differently to male players.

Hundreds of women have played football for Ireland over of the past fifty years since the first women's team represented Ireland in 1973.

But many never received official caps for their international appearances, so the FAI decided to honour all former female players with a special commemorative cap at a ceremony before today's historic first women's game at the Aviva stadium.

However some former players were unhappy that players weren't paraded on the pitch or given VIP access to the game.

They claimed former male internationals had been honoured in the past with a major black tie banquet while they claimed they were being given just tea and biscuits.

They also said they had been given the impression there wouldn't be enough caps for everyone attending today's ceremony.

Laura Farrell, from Dublin who played for Ireland from 1990 to 1993 said she had mixed emotions about today's event.

"I feel it was the FAI's chance to do good by the women. All we want is fairness respect and equality."

Asked if she felt she was getting that today she replied: "No. Not coming in the side door of the Aviva. We should have had a banquet. There should have been more of a fuss for the women. Not half-ten of a Saturday morning, come in and get your cap and good luck."

Marian Leahy from Garryowen in Limerick played for Ireland from 1976-1993 and travelled from her home in Spain for the event said she didn't believe the FAI had gone far enough in commemorating former players.

"It's