TEAM sports can build lifelong friendships and that is one of the many joys which Ballynanty native Marion Slattery took away from being part of Ireland’s first women’s soccer squad.
In fact, she was on her way to a reunion with her team pals when she took a little time out to speak to the Limerick Post.
The teammates have been in regular touch since they celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Limerick Ladies team winning the inaugural Ladies League of Ireland title in 1973.
Their most recent formal outing was to Áras an Uachtaráin, where they were met by President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina.
“They were lovely and he made so much of us for the two hours we were there. It was a fantastic experience,” said Marion of meeting President Higgins, a Limerick man himself.
Marion began her soccer career in 1968 at only 14 years of age, where she played for the Garryowen club.
Frank ‘Junior’ Keane then set up the Limerick Ladies Soccer League and asked Slattery to join her home club in Ballynanty.
This team went on to win the Limerick league in its first year competing before Limerick joined the women’s League of Ireland competition.
They went on to win the League three times in a row with Marion at the helm as captain. Along with the 1973 League of Ireland success, Marion was selected on the Irish women’s team where they travelled to Wales and beat them 3-2 in Llanelli.
“It was brilliant playing for Ireland. We had such a fantastic time. I really loved playing. The friendships we made have lasted ever since,” she told the Limerick Post.
The Irish women’s soccer team of 1973 was recently recognised by the FAI to recognise their win over Wales on the 50th anniversary of that success.
No longer personally lacing up the boots, Marion is still the biggest fan of the Beautiful Game.
“Particularly when my sons or grandchildren are playing – they’ve taken it up after me,” she said proudly.
