How Falcarragh roots paved the way for Anna Patten's Ireland call-up

Thanks to her Falcarragh roots, Aston Villa defender Anna Patten has been named in the Republic of Ireland squad for their forthcoming 2025 UEFA Women's European Championship qualifiers.

Patten has been recruited by Republic of Ireland head coach Eileen Gleeson for the games against France and England next month.

Patten qualifies for the Republic of Ireland through both her maternal grandparents: Donald Coyle, a native of Falcarragh and Bridie Coyle, nee Conroy, who hailed from Lettermore in Galway, who are the parents of Anna's mother, Paula Coyle.

The former Coyle's Cafe in Falcarragh was owned by Donald's brother Seamus Coyle and his wife Margaret, whose nine children - Martin, Hugo, Kevin, Paul, Stephen, Denise, Caroline, Joanne and Roisin – are cousins of Paula Coyle.

The 24-year-old Patten has played for England up to under-21 level, featuring in the Under-17 Women's World Cup in 2016 and the Under-20 Women's World Cup in 2018.

Patten has played every game for Aston Villa, who sit in seventh spot in the Women's Super League, and she is now awaiting confirmation of international clearance to be in line for her debut for the Girls in Green.

Patten moved to Villa last summer on a three-year contract after two loan spells at the club having previously been at Arsenal.

Donegal natives Tyler Toland and Amber Barrett have also been included by Gleeson. Ireland face Nations League runners-up France in Mainz on April 5 before clashing with England at the Aviva Stadium on April 9.