Placer Coaches Join Ireland Women’s National Team

Posted On May 10, 2015 by PUSC

(l-r) Coach Matt McDougall, Ireland Women’s Team Head Coach Sue Ronan, Coach Paul O’Brien, Ireland Women’s Team Assistant Coach Tom O’Connor

Placer United coaches Paul O Brien and Matt McDougall joined up with the Ireland Women’s National team as they prepared for Sunday’s big game against team USA at the home of the San Jose Earthquakes. 

Coach Paul talks with FIFA World Goal of the Year nominee Stephanie Roche

Last week Coach Paul received a phone call from Ireland’s Head Coach Sue Ronan who invited Paul to help out at the Irish team’s training sessions leading up to the game.

Coach Paul O’Brien with Ireland’s goalkeepers Niamh Reid Burke (left) and Charlotte McCormack (right)

The coaching opportunity presented itself  when one of Coach Ron Benjamin’s former youth soccer players, Irish striker Fiona O’Sullivan mentioned to Ron that the Irish squad was looking for someone to help out while the team trained in Northern California. Ron gave Paul’s information to Fiona who passed it along to the Ireland coaching staff. Early Monday morning Head Coach Sue Ronan called Paul and chatted about his back round, coaching experience and credentials. At the end of the call, Sue invited Paul along with goalkeeper coach, Matt McDougall, to join up the Irish squad on Thursday afternoon when they arrived from Ireland.

Coach Matt McDougall finishes warming up Irish goalkeeper Niamh Reid Burke

Coach Matt said “It’s been a tremendous experience to be involved on the international stage and with such elite women athletes. I’m looking forward to and bringing all the new experiences back to Placer United”

Great job guys!