Was hooked. I had caught the bug not many people knew existed'

Emma Duffy, in an excerpt from a new book about Irish soccer supporters, recalls the moment she “caught the bug” for the Republic of Ireland women’s national team. Writing from a June 7, 2016 evening in Dublin, she describes the atmosphere on the Luas to Tallaght Stadium as fans—wearing green and O’Sullivan 10 jerseys—head to a UEFA Women’s European Championship qualifier against Montenegro. Duffy, a new intern turned first-time international correspondent, says the 9-0 win became a personal and professional turning point, with goals including hat tricks by Áine O’Gorman and Stephanie Roche. She also notes that just 946 fans attended.