International cap for Noeleen – forty years after debut for Ireland

FORTY years after debuting for the Irish Women’s football team – Ballyfermot woman Noeleen McMahon received her international cap at Lansdowne Road.

It was a family affair at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday during the international between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, as Noeleen was joined by her nephew Sean Dillon, a current professional footballer, who also received his B team cap.

Noeleen (59), from Cremona Road, won four caps for the national team, and played for Cremona Dynamos, Rathfarnham Utd and Drumcondra.

“We’re so proud of her,” said niece Niamh Dillon.

“Her father John McMahon (RIP) was a League of Ireland referee and inspector and her nephew, my brother, Sean Dillon is a professional footballer in Scotland who also was capped for playing for Ireland. He travelled home to Dublin recently to receive his B Team Cap in the Aviva also.”

Niamh’s brother Sean is 40 years old but is still playing professionally with Montrose in Scottish League One.

A graduate of Cherry Orchard FC, Sean won FAI cups with Longford (2003/4), and a league title with Shelbourne (2006) before embarking on a 10-year stint with Dundee United, whom he won a Scottish Cup with in 2010.

“He turned 40 in July and also has his own soccer academy in Scotland – Sean Dillon Smart Soccer,” said Niamh.

Noeleen’s first cap was against Northern Ireland, August 1981. Sean’s first cap was against Yugoslavia in March 2000.

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