Arsenal’s stunning victory over Barcelona in the Champions League final has sent shockwaves throughout the football world, with Irish footballer Katie McCabe playing a pivotal role in the win. The Irish Times reports that McCabe was overjoyed in the aftermath of the game, telling TNT Sports presenter Becky Ives, “I’m just in disbelief, to be honest… Well, no, actually I can believe it… Barcelona threw absolutely everything at us and we f***ing… sorry! We kept together, we rode out the storm.”
The Irish Times understands that many had predicted a comfortable win for Barcelona, given their impressive form in the competition. However, Arsenal’s determination and teamwork paid off, with McCabe helping to contain the threat of Barcelona’s Caroline Graham Hansen. The Irish Times notes that Hansen was effectively neutralised by McCabe, with the Irish player showing her defensive prowess.
It’s worth noting that Barcelona had dispatched Chelsea, England’s domestic treble winners, 8-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals. However, Arsenal’s victory marked a significant upset, with the Irish Times citing the team’s impressive performance. The final score was a testament to Arsenal’s resilience and McCabe’s individual skill.
In the aftermath of the game, McCabe was asked about the team’s plans for celebrations, to which she replied, “Where’s the party?” Becky Ives responded, to which McCabe joked, “In an undisclosed location… I’ll probably fly out to Ibiza in the morning.” The Irish Times understands that McCabe will likely be expected to join up with the Irish team for their Nations League match against Turkey this Friday.
The Irish Times also reports on the lighter side of life with footballing legend Tony Cascarino, who appeared on Channel 4’s Bad Dog Academy with his wife Jo and their Pomeranian, Pixie. The programme aimed to address behavioural issues with Pixie, who was barking constantly and refusing to eat. With the help of a trainer, Pixie was transformed into a well-behaved pet.
Meanwhile, Cascarino, a former Millwall player, joked about not being keen on walking Pixie due to his tough-guy image. The Irish Times quotes Cascarino as saying, “I avoid walking her around on my own, I get some stick. I was a no-nonsense centre forward, I am not walking that ball of fluff.” The programme provided a humorous take on life with a celebrity and his pet.
Ultimately, it’s been a successful week for Irish football, with Katie McCabe winning a Champions League medal and Tony Cascarino enjoying a lighter moment with his family on television. The Irish Times will continue to provide updates on these stories and more in the world of sport.
