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Sue Ronan waving goodbye to her players after her last game as manager. Tommy Dickson/INPHO

In Pics: A review of Sue Ronan's career as Ireland women's football manager

We take a look back at some significant moments during Sue Ronan’s career as the women’s national football coach.

AFTER SIX YEARS in charge of the Irish women’s football team, Sue Ronan decided to step down this year to become the Head of Women’s Football for the FAI.

This role will allow her to oversee the development of the game among women in Ireland and ensure that various objectives of the FAI Women’s Strategic Plan are implemented.

Unfortunately, Ronan never managed to steer her charges to a major tournament and various bits of bad luck contributed to that failing.

But she will depart the management side of the game as one of the most respected figures in Irish women’s football and is well equipped to nurture the future development of the sport for women.

Given the reflective mood that comes with the festive period, we’re going to look back at some of the key moments which defined Sue Ronan’s time in charge of the Irish team.

Uefa Women’s EURO 2013 – Scotland 2-1 Ireland

Sue Ronan Sue Ronan announcing her squad ahead of clashes against Wales and Scotland. Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

This was the first campaign for a major tournament which Ronan was in charge for. They finished in fourth place in Group 4.

Members of the Irish team observe a minutes silence The Ireland team observe a minute's silence ahead of their June fixture against Scotland, for an Irish fan who lost their life at the Euros in Poland. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Ireland lost out to Scotland 2-1 in April 2012, conceding two late goals to leave them facing an uphill battle for qualification. 

Sue Ronan and Sophie Perry dejected after the game Sue Ronan at the end of their clash with Scotland that summer. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

2015 Fifa Women’s World Cup: Ireland 2-3 Germany

Sue Ronan Sue Ronan in Tallaght for Ireland's World Cup qualifier against Germany. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

In April 2014, they hosted the then-European Champions Germany in Tallaght as part of their bid for a place at the 2015 FIFA World Cup.

Emma Byrne  and Megan Campbell claim for a free after Lena Lotzen scored Ireland players remonstrate with the referee after a Germany goal. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

Ireland were first to score that day through Louise Quinn, but Germany rallied to win 3-2 in the end.

2015 Fifa Women’s World Cup – Ireland 1-3 Russia

Sue Ronan Ronan observes proceedings during Ireland's qualifier against Russia. Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

Ireland faced Russia in May and a 3-1 defeat dealt a huge blow to their chances of claiming the second spot in the group. 

2015 Fifa Women’s World Cup: Ireland 1-0 Croatia

Sue Ronan gives Aine O'Gorman instructions Sue Ronan offers instructions to Áine O'Gorman during the qualifier against Croatia. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

Ireland held out for a 1-0 victory in their qualifier against Croatia during the summer of 2014 through a Denise O’Sullivan goal. Overall, Ireland finished that qualification campaign in third place.

Sue Ronan Ronan recently told The42 that singing Amhrán na bhFiann before a game gives 'her goosebumps.' Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

2017 Uefa European Women’s Championship – Montenegro 0-5 Ireland

This was Ireland’s last attempt at qualifying for a major tournament under Sue Ronan.

Sue Ronan Sue Ronan urges her side on against Montenegro in the home game during the summer. Tommy Dickson / INPHO Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO

Earlier this year in April, they scored a fine 5-0 victory over Montenegro through goals from Louise Quinn, Aine O’Gorman, Ruesha Littlejohn, Denis O’Sullivan and Stephanie Roche. This was Ireland’s biggest win since a 5-0 victory over Malta in 2004.

Sue Ronan during the game Ronan motivating her team from the sideline in Tallaght Stadium against Portugal.. Gary Carr / INPHO Gary Carr / INPHO / INPHO

Alas, the campaign ended in disappointment on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Portugal.

Ronan’s Last Hurrah – Ireland 2-1 Basque Country

Ireland squad celebrate by lifting Sue Ronan on her last game The Ireland team hoist Ronan aloft after capturing the win on her last day in charge. Tommy Dickson / INPHO Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO

Fittingly, Ronan’s last game in charge produced a 2-1 victory for Ireland at the end of November with Shelbourne’s Leanne Kiernan, and Stephanie Roche providing the goals.

Ireland squad including Sue Ronan on her last game Ronan stands alongside her players on the last day of her six years in charge. Tommy Dickson / INPHO Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO

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