Former Northern Ireland senior women’s team captain Marissa Callaghan has been named on The King’s New Year Honours list.
The 39-year-old Cliftonville Ladies midfielder has been made an MBE for services to football and the community.
She said: “I am both shocked and delighted to receive an MBE. Being honoured for my passion and love for football is truly amazing.
“I feel incredibly lucky for the opportunities, experiences and lessons the game has given me, and I am especially grateful to have had a positive impact on so many young people’s lives in Northern Ireland. I will continue to strive to be a role model for them.
“Thank you to the person who took the time to nominate me. This means the world to me and my family.”
The midfielder announced in May that she would be relinquishing the armband after 52 games and eight years as captain of the Northern Ireland senior women’s team.
To date she has won 91 caps for her country. She made her international debut in a friendly against Scotland in May 2010.
Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood said: “Women’s football has developed exponentially over the past few years. The exploits of the Northern Ireland team have given girls and young women a target to aspire to.
“Marissa has been a role model and a leading figure in the game, and I am delighted this has been recognised with an honours award which is richly deserved.”
Callaghan, who won the treble with Cliftonville this year, has also netted eight goals for Northern Ireland.
Irish FA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson said: “Marissa leading the team out at UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 was a high point for her and the association, and a culmination of years of hard work and dedication.
“She continues to inspire young girls across Northern Ireland to wear our famous green and white jersey and I am delighted to see her gain this recognition.”
Irish FA Director of Women’s Football Angela Platt also welcomed the Royal award for Marissa.
She said: “This is testament to Marissa’s impact on women’s and girls’ football in Northern Ireland over many years.
“The work she is currently doing on our new women and girls strategy demonstrates her ongoing passion for the game she has done so much to promote.”
