McCabe proud to earn her 50th cap for Ireland
By Daire Walsh
THE RESULT may not have gone the way of her side, but the Republic of Ireland’s international friendly against Belgium at King Baudouin Stadium on Sunday was a memorable occasion for Kilnamanagh’s Katie McCabe.
The captain of the team since 2017, the Tallaght native picked up her 50th senior cap in the Brussels venue.
Tine De Caigny’s 14th-minute goal was enough to give the hosts a hard-fought win on the night, but – like their narrow reversal to Denmark in Tallaght three days earlier – it was a useful exercise overall for the Irish.
Speaking after the game, McCabe was understandably delighted to reach such a significant milestone.
“I cannot describe the pride that I have in representing my country and it is something that I will never take for granted,” she said. “Of course, I have to thank all of the people who helped me to reach this point. The different managers – Sue Ronan, Colin Bell, Tom O’Connor and Vera Pauw – all of the backroom staff through the years,” McCabe said.
“Every one of my team-mates, past and present, and the Irish supporters who have been incredible throughout my international career to date.”
Still just 25 years of age, McCabe was plying her trade in the Women’s National League at Raheny United (who later merged with Shelbourne) when she was handed a senior debut against Hungary in the Istria Cup on March 4, 2015. By the end of the year, McCabe was the subject of intense interest and ultimately chose Arsenal as her next destination.
Despite spending the second half of 2017 on loan at Glasgow City, she remains on the books of the London club to this day. A Super League winner with the Gunners in 2018/19, her standing on the international stage has increased significantly in recent years.
She has 10 goals in an Irish shirt and McCabe’s versatility allows her to fit seamlessly into any number of systems deployed by current international supremo Vera Pauw.
She is currently deployed as a left-wing back in a 3-5-2 formation and will be a pivotal figure in Ireland’s 2023 World Cup qualification campaign.