Republic of Ireland: FAI announces equal pay for men's and women's senior teams
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Republic captains Seamus Coleman and Katie McCabe were both involved in the talks which led to Monday's announcement
The decision to pay the Republic of Ireland men's and women's teams the same match fees has been described as "huge" by forward Stephanie Roche.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) said the "historic" move was made after talks including team captains Seamus Coleman and Katie McCabe.
The Republic men's fees will be reduced with the FAI matching that contribution to level the match payments.
"It's not about money, it's about being considered equal," said Roche.
"If you ask any of the girls, nobody wants to be paid to play for their country. This is about parity, for years one group has been paid and one not.
"I think that sent out the wrong message. We all work hard for our country when we play and this shows that the FAI care and they want to improve the standard of women's football."
Republic women threatened strike in 2017
Four years ago, the Republic of Ireland women's team threatened to go on strike in a protest over treatment by the FAI which led to a World Cup qualifier being in doubt.
The players' gripes back in 2017 included fury over having to change in public toilets on the way to matches and a representative of the players said that they were being treated as "fifth-class citizens, the dirt on the FAI's shoe".
However, relations between the women's squad and the football governing body have improved massively since then, with Monday's deal having being brokered by FAI chief executive Jonathan Hill and players' advisor Ciaran Medlar.
Roche, who has been part of the international set-up since 2008, says the recent progress made by the FAI is the result of "a lot of little steps behind the scenes."
Stephanie Roche has won 55 international caps
"We weren't sure how it [going on strike] would be taken by the public. We thought they might think we were asking for too much," recalled the 32-year-old.
"Being part of the squad for such a long time, the difference between 2008 and now is scary. Back then it was seen as a privilege to play for your country. God forbid you ask for a better standard. It shows how far it has come.
"We want young girls to look up and say they want to be a female international, and know they will be treated the same way as the men.
"Hopefully we can repay the FAI and the Irish public by qualifying for a major tournament, that is the pressure this brings now."
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Passing the baton
Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe said the announcement was "a great day for Irish football".
"The relationship between the FAI and the senior women's team is stronger than I have ever known it and we look forward to continuing to work together to make Irish football better for everyone who plays our game, regardless of their identity or background," added McCabe.
"We have taken a huge step forward with this deal and have shown the world what can be achieved through unity as we offer male and female international players the same opportunities," said the Arsenal winger.
"I am very proud as Ireland captain of the work that has been put in to get us to this point, not just by the current team but by so many Irish players in the past.
"They are the real heroes in this story, they took a stand and they passed on the baton to the current generation.
"Seamus Coleman and his team-mates in the senior men's squad also deserve credit for being brave enough to support us in such a progressive way on this issue. It is really appreciated."
Men's captain Coleman said that the "deal is the right one for everyone who plays international football for Ireland".
"We are delighted as players to do what we can to ensure that our female international players are treated equally and fairly and we remain fully committed to doing whatever we can to achieve that goal together," added the Everton full-back.
FAI chief Hill described the announcement as "another important milestone in the FAI's own transformation journey".
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