Fans in tears at goal-scorer Amber Barrett’s poignant tribute to Donegal explosion victims in World Cup qualifying match
IRELAND soccer fans have been left in tear’s at footballer Amber Barrett’s poignant tribute.
The footballer took a moment to remember her home county of Co Donegal after scoring a goal in tonight’s game.
Amber pointed to her black armband, representing the tragic loss of life last FridaySportsfile – Subscription
Amber dedicated her goal to the 10 victims and said ‘This is for Creeslough’Sportsfile – Subscription
Creeslough has been left in mourning after the devastating blastPA:Press Association
Amber’s goal sent the nation’s women’s soccer team to their first ever World Cup as they defeated Scotland in Hampden Park.
The incredible win comes at a time of devastation and sadness for Amber’s native county Donegal.
Ten people died on Friday in a horrific explosion at an Applegreen service station in Creeslough.
James O’Flaherty, 48, Catherine O’Donnell, 39, and her 13-year-old son James Monaghan, Jessica Gallagher, 24, Martin McGill, 49, Hugh Kelly, 59, Martina Martin, 49, Robert Garwe, 50, and his five-year-old daughter Shauna Flanagan Garwe, and 14-year-old Leona Harper all lost their lives in the blast.
And Amber, who has family roots in Creeslough, made a poignant tribute to the community after her goal.
After scoring, Amber knelt down and clasped a black armband, worn by each member of the team tonight in respect of the recent tragedy.
And after standing back up, Amber again held the band, showing it to the cameras before leaning down to kiss it.
The athlete was named player of the match after the game which had a final score of 1-0.
Most read in The Sun
Speaking afterwards, while wrapped in a Donegal flag, Amber said: “I know Creeslough like the back of my hand. Both my grandparents were Creeslough born and bred.
“I spent my whole upbringing there in summers and Christmas’. Every year I go back, I go to my uncle who is still living in Creeslough.
“I know people that died in the tragedy, I know people who were affected by the tragedy, I know people who were first on the scene of the tragedy.
“I’ve not been able to put into words about it. There’s been a sombreness about me the last few days.
“This is the best day of my life in terms of what we’ve done for football.
‘THIS IS FOR CREESLOUGH’
“But when you put it into perspective, we don’t scratch the surface of what happened over there on Friday.
“This result, this game, that goal, this award I’m dedicating it to those ten beautiful souls who unfortunately perished on Friday.
“For all their families, because I know they touched their lives, they certainly touched ours. This is for Creeslough. This is for Donegal.”
The star player’s brother praised his talented sister for her goal and said his was proud of her.
Kane Barrett said: “For the week that it’s been, it’s fitting a Donegal woman scores the goal to send Ireland women to their first ever World Cup.
FANS IN TEARS
“Our granda, a proud Creeslough man, would be looking down proud tonight. Proud of my sister, and a proud night for our family”.
Fans were in tears after the emotional moment, as they celebrated the incredible win.
One person said: “I’m proper crying now! What a mega night for Amber, the team, Vera ,the country and particularly Donegal”.
Another said: “Ah tears for sure this time. What a player!! What strength! What determination”.
And another person said: “The whole thing has me in tears. Amber Barrett is one class act.”
One person added that it was a “lift to the whole nation”.
Denise O’Sullivan celebrates with Vera Pauw, Manager of Republic of Ireland, after their victory
Amber scored the winning goal, securing the team a spot in the World Cup
