Mayo firefighters host international women's football match

CASTLEBAR Firefighters hosted an international football match at the weekend with the first meeting of the Ireland and England ladies firefighters at Castlebar Celtic's astro pitch.

The meeting is hoped to be the first of many clashes between the two sides.

England, although this was their first competitive match together, were well prepared for the host team and won out 5-1.

Fifteen players from Abberdeen to Devon made the trip to Castlebar to challenge the Ireland women. The Irish ladies didn’t disappoint and put in a valiant effort considering most only met for the first time the hour before the game.

The event was not only a display of sporting ability, it was a display of the social side of firefighters.

The Castlebar Firefighters, on behalf of Mayo County Fire Service and the Irish Fire Service, thanked thank both teams for putting on a great show.

Special thanks to Amy Lewington of London Fire Brigade who reached out to them for the game, Castlebar Celtic for the venue and being fantastic hosts, referee Ann Sweeney, management of Mayo Fire Service and Civil Defence Ireland for their assistance with transportation, the Kiltimagh Park Hotel for accommodating the travelling team, and the crew of Castlebar Firefighters for all their work efforts on this historic event.