Katie McCabe loses out on Republic of Ireland award to Louise Quinn

Louise Quinn, along with Arsenal’s Katie McCabe, were both nominated for the Republic of Ireland Player of the Year and it was the former Arsenal player who picked up the award.

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 03: Carli Lloyd #10 of the United States chases after a ball with Louise Quinn #4 of The Republic of Ireland during the first half of the first game of the USWNT Victory Tour at Rose Bowl on August 03, 2019 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 03: Carli Lloyd #10 of the United States chases after a ball with Louise Quinn #4 of The Republic of Ireland during the first half of the first game of the USWNT Victory Tour at Rose Bowl on August 03, 2019 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Louise Quinn was released by Arsenal at the end of her contract and has just signed for Fiorentina, where she will slot straight into the heart of the defence of the first team, possibly alongside former Gunner, Janni Arnth.

Quinn has a total of 79 caps for the Republic of Ireland with 11 goals to her name and it is the second time she has picked up the award. She also won it in 2013.

Despite losing her place in the Arsenal starting lineup, Quinn played every Republic of Ireland match in 2019, totalling 719 minutes and grabbing one goal.

“It’s just incredible,” the Wicklow native told FAI TV. “I’m really, really surprised to get that. I think we’ve had such an incredible year with such changes and the players coming up and stepping up to the plate, so to get the award is something truly special.”

Republic of Ireland: Marie Hourihan, Claire O’Riordan, Louise Quinn (Claire Walsh), Diane Caldwell, Jess Gargan, Harriet Scott, Niamh Fahey, Niamh Farrelly, Amber Barrett (Rianna Jarrett), Heather Payne (Eabha O’Mahony), Katie McCabe.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 03: Crystal Dunn #19 of the United States attempts a cross in front of Jess Gargan #13 of the Republic of Ireland, during the first half of the first game of the USWNT Victory Tour at Rose Bowl on August 03, 2019 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

“Just to wear the jersey is something that I love to do every time that we get to step onto that pitch. I’m extremely proud of it.

“Then there is the likes of Katie and Denise, I’m their biggest fan so for them not to win is a travesty as well. But I’m thrilled, even though it’s always a team effort.”

https://twitter.com/Katie_McCabe11/status/1290922742309691392

She also spoke about her move to Fiorentina, saying,”The team have been really, really welcoming, it’s such an open club and they have big aspirations.

“They were the first club to try and go professional in Italy, knowing that they have those goals, it was spot on for me to come here then.”