Emma Byrne



Emma Anne Byrne (born 14 June 1979) is a Republic of Ireland women's association footballer from Leixlip, County Kildare. She currently plays as a goalkeeper for the Republic of Ireland women's national football team. She played for 16 years for Arsenal Ladies before being released on the 30th December 2016.

Club career
Byrne joined Arsenal in January 2000 from St Patrick's Athletic and has been their first choice goalkeeper ever since. She was voted club Players' Player of the Year in 2003 and 2005.

In April 2007 Byrne became a European champion with Arsenal, when they beat Umeå IK in the 2007 UEFA Women's Cup Final by 1–0 on aggregate, a tie in which she made numerous vital saves in the home and away games.

International career
Byrne made her first appearance for the Republic of Ireland women's national football team on 31 March 1996 against Belgium. She won her 100th cap against Croatia on 26 September 2013.

Personal life
Byrne previously worked in the FAI ticket office and is now employed as a coach in Arsenal's Academy.

In June 2013 she married Marcus Bignot.

Honours

 * UEFA Women's Champions League: 1
 * 2007


 * FA WSL: 2
 * 2011, 2012


 * FA Women's Premier League National Division: 9
 * 2000–01, 2001–02, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10


 * FA Women's Cup: 9
 * 2000–01, 2003–04, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2015–16


 * FA WSL Cup: 3
 * 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015


 * FA Women's Premier League Cup: 5
 * 1999–00, 2000–01, 2004–05, 2006–07, 2007–08