World Cup call-up for Emma
Sligo girl Emma Hansberry has been selected for the Republic of Ireland under-17 FIFA World Cup squad in Trainidad and Tobago next month.
Strand Celtic central midfielder Emma will depart tomorrow, Thursday, for a pre-World Cup training camp in Miami.
Ireland are drawn in a group with Brazil, Canada and Ghana. They play the Brazilians on September 6th, Canada on September 9th and Ghana on September 13th. "I wasn’t due to find out about the squad until August 20th, but I got a phone call three days before that.I was shocked and surprised, but I am delighted," said Emma. She has been playing soccer from under-age but missed out on the recent European Championships and has another year at this level.
"I’m looking forward to the World Cup and it will be such an experience to face the likes of Brazil," she added. Injury kept Emma out of friendlies against England and Denmark in England recently.
To qualify for the World Cup Ireland had to win two qualifying groups and then beat Germany in the European semi-final.
The Republic will say ‘goodbye’ their inspirational coach Noel King after the World Cup tournament as he takes over as Head Coach of the Republic of Ireland’s under-21 team
