
'One of NI's most impactful players calls time'
With injuries limiting her minutes and Tanya Oxtoby's youthful approach, Rachel Furness' retirement announcement is not entirely unexpected, but it does signal the latest changing of the guard for Northern Ireland.However, just like when Marissa Callaghan announced her retirement, it is sad to see another of Northern Ireland's history-making Euro 2022 squad call time.As a player, Furness will be remembered as a fearless competitor who made history by becoming the record goalscorer for her country.One of the most important strikes was in the historic Euro 2022 play-off first leg in Ukraine, when she netted the opening goal before she tried to play on after sustaining a broken leg. That sums up her dedication.Away from her goals, one of the standout memories of Furness is her dancing around with her crutches in the air after the play-off win over Ukraine.Furness also had a huge impact off the pitch, and her openness about her mental health struggles were inspiring as she encouraged other players to be open about their feelings and to stand up for their beliefs.Her story is one of resilience and perseverance, and her all-round presence, not just her footballing ability, means she will be regarded as one of the most impactful players in Northern Ireland's storied history.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


BBC News
17 minutes ago
- BBC News
Top-six finish for Martindale's Livingston?
We asked for your views on Livingston's Scottish Premiership fixtures and how they will be faring after 10 what some of you said:Paul: I believe Livingston will hit the ground running this season. I expect us to pick up points against Kilmarnock and Falkirk to start things off. We'll likely lose at Parkhead, but there's a good chance we could get something from the Hearts game at home. By October, I'd say we'll be sitting Top-six finish, no problem.


BBC News
17 minutes ago
- BBC News
'Hard to predict' Kilmarnock's season amid summer of change
We asked for your views on Kilmarnock's Scottish Premiership fixtures and how they will be faring after 10 what some of you said:Robert: At least we don't have the Old Firm in the first couple of games. Really hard to say how Killie will do as no-one has seen this team play under the new manager. Just hope we beat Hearts four times this A solid start to the Premiership and League Cup groups, sitting between fifth and seventh playing with a definable After 10 games I am hoping Kilmarnock will be sitting eighth or ninth to be honest as that is a tough run of games to begin with. The team will have to gel quickly to make its mark and battle for points. Hopefully the new signings will help us fill the voids of those who had left. The use of the youth team players could help as they need to see some game time as well. David Watson will be out main focal point in midfield this year and well I have no idea where we will be after 10 games. New manager with a lot of changes to the squad. Bit worried about whether the new signings will live up to Stuart Kettlewell's expectationsGarry: A nice run of fixtures. Don't need to worry about Celtic until 13 September at home and then Rangers away at the end of October. Hopefully we can see improvement and be mid-table by the end of the first group of games.


BBC News
17 minutes ago
- BBC News
'Tough start' for Well but fans have faith in 'Askou-ball'
We asked for your views on Motherwell's Scottish Premiership fixtures and how they will be faring after 10 what some of you said:Clare: Well, well, well, what can I say, I am feeling very positive about where the new manager wants us to finish, which is in the top six. Our opening day fixture against Rangers, well at least it's at home. All I can say for the season ahead is 'bring it on' because this is my fourth season being a season ticket holder and I am just so excited and pumped. Time will tell if my feelings will Twenty points after 10 games, you heard it here first. Askou-ball from the start!D: A tough start certainly, but if we have aspirations of top six then we need to get results in some of these games. Games against the Old Firm don't define our season, but we need to get points against the rest of the sides. Will be interesting to see what style the new manager Sadly I think we are heading for relegation this year. And we will be in the bottom four after the first 10 Tough start so need to get up and running and playing with confidence - will need to boost the squad immediately.