Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill attended her first Northern Ireland game at Windsor Park, accompanied by her Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly. They watched the Northern Ireland women’s team compete against Montenegro in the Uefa Women’s Nations League play-off match which began at 7 pm GMT.
Ms. O’Neill had committed to attending a Northern Ireland match at Windsor Park after assuming her role as the First Minister in February. In 2023, she also showed her support on social media for the Northern Ireland senior men’s team before a crucial game. Upon arrival at the game on Tuesday, the First Minister said she was pleased to be there and that it was going to be a great evening.
Deputy First Minister Little-Pengelly expressed that they all supported women in Northern Ireland football, and it was exceptionally great to come together to show support for them. The two ministers were welcomed upon arrival by the Irish Football Association’s chief executive, Patrick Nelson, and its president, Conrad Kirkwood. Other attendees included Communities Minister Gordon Lyons along with Junior Ministers Aisling Reilly and Pam Cameron. Newly-elected GAA President, Jarlath Burns, was also in the crowd.
Former Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín had watched a Euro Qualifier game between Northern Ireland men’s team and the Faroe Islands in 2011, marking Michelle O’Neill as the second Sinn Féin minister to attend a match at Windsor Park. Then-Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness also attended the Northern Ireland game against Germany in Euro 2016.
Northern Ireland emerged 2-0 winners in the first leg of the Nations League tie played on Friday. Ms. O’Neill’s attendance at the game was a public display of support for women in sports. She emphasized the significance of supporting women in sports, and it was a “fabulous night” for the players and attendees
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