Chloe Mustaki paid tribute to the Republic of Ireland players who campaigned and fought for fair treatment from the FAI five years ago, after Vera Pauw's side secured their place in the 2023 World Cup.
Ireland edged 1-0 past Scotland in Glasgow thanks to a goal by Amber Barrett in the 72nd minute to reach their first ever World Cup finals.
Qualification comes fives year after the international women’s team threatened to strike over grievances, such as the lack of proper kit and equipment and of remuneration.
Concessions were hard won by the players back then and Mustaki believes their efforts played a major part in Ireland’s qualification success.
"It was a mixture of emotions to be honest," she told RTÉ Sport. "There were obviously a lot of nerves we were trying to contain before the game, it was such a big moment.
"You think back to the game against Ukraine and how we missed out so narrowly and the feelings that we all felt afterwards, but I think we all had a good feeling on the day yesterday.
"It’s absolute relief afterwards, it was years and years in the making. Not only the squad of 30-odd players that are here and the staff that are here, but so many more girls who were involved in this campaign and that came before us and fought for everything that we have today."
In August of 2021, the FAI announced that both women's and men's international teams have agreed a deal with the FAI to receive equal pay. For Mustaki, the support and backing that the team now receive from the FAI is instrumental.
"We’ve always had that talent in Ireland over the last five plus years but it’s really having the backing of the FAI which has really helped up off the field," she said.
"That goes a long way, having the resources, having everything you need to be primed and ready to train everyday and then to be primed and ready for game day. It makes a massive difference.
"We felt that over the last couple of years, not only the support from the FAI but the support that we’ve had from our nation in Tallaght, all of that helps and as much as we’ve have grown as a squad and players from going full-time, the backing we’ve had has been fantastic.
"It’s a big thanks for everyone who fought for equality in the game here a few years ago but it’s also a huge step forward for the generations that are going to come after us."
Mustaki also apologised for a 'lapse of judgement' from some members of the squad that saw them sing Celtic Symphony by the Wolfe Tones in the dressing room after the victory.
The line 'Ooh ah up the Ra' feature prominently in that song.
"We we're obviously extremely sorry for the hurt it has caused," Mustaki said.
"It was a lapse of judgement in the moment, we’re extremely sorry and hopefully we can move past it."
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