Roma McLaughlin and the Republic of Ireland Women’s team finished fourth in the Cyprus Cup – the Girls in Green’s highest ever finish in the competition.
Colin Bell’s side fought vailantly against the highest-ranked team in the competition but conceded late goals from Wi Jong Sim and Kim Ryu Song.
McLaughlin didn’t get in on the action today but the young Greencastle woman – who only turned 19 on Monday – gained valuable experience in the tournament having played against Czech Republic and Hungary.
Bell said: “Once again, the players have put in a fantastic effort, like they have all week and the players can be really proud of what they’ve achieved as they’ve represented their country brilliantly this week.
“It gives me great hope for the future that the longer we work together, the more we can push this team forward to some real success.”
Ireland had few chances as Katie McCabe’s 20-yard effort sailed over the bar in the 51st minute before Stephanie Roche’s central free-kick was easily saved with 30 minutes remaining.
North Korea continued to increase the pressure and with 15 minutes remaining, Wi Jong Sim’s cross floated over Emma Byrne and into the top corner to give the Koreans the lead.
Five minutes from the end, with Ireland pushing forward, Kim Ryu Song found space and rifled an incredible 30-yard shot into the top right-hand corner to seal the game for the Koerans.
Bell added: “We were always going to have to be defensive against a side who play the way they do but we did that brilliantly for 75 minutes. Both goals are preventable and the players know that.
“We can do better and even though, we’ve had a good tournament, I know the players can do more as we can continue to work with each other in the future.”
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