Mayoral Reception honours Waterford’s first female International Soccer Player
Waterford City & County Council hosted a Mayoral Reception in City Hall on Monday, November 3rd, to honour Mary Reid (neé O’Callaghan), the first woman from Waterford to represent Ireland in international women’s soccer.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Séamus Ryan, paid tribute to Mary’s contribution to women’s sport and her lifelong commitment to the game through her many years with local club Benfica. Also in attendance were several former teammates from Benfica and members of the Irish women’s international squad over the years, who joined in celebrating Mary’s remarkable career and enduring influence on women’s soccer in Waterford.
Speaking at the reception, Mary thanked the Mayor for the recognition and expressed her pride in representing her country and her hometown. She also paid warm tribute to her fellow players and lifelong friends from Benfica, noting that their shared passion for the sport and for one another “created a path and a history” that continues to inspire the next generation of young players.
The event was one of pride and reflection, a fitting celebration of a Waterford woman whose sporting achievements helped pave the way for women in Irish soccer today.
