Barbara Yvonne Lyons - 26.6.64 - CB - known as Yvonne. From Waterford, grew up in Carrick-on-Suir. 1992 FAI Player of the Year, also won it in 1998 - was nominated five times in total. Benfica player in squad for friendly v NI 17.10.93, "marshalled the defence superbly" in Ireland's 2-0 win in Sligo. A defender "In top form" (Irish Examiner) in 0-1 defeat by Sweden 7.6.92 at Dalymount Park, Ireland only beaten in injury time. Irish Kickboxing champ 1981. Also reportedly all-Ireland javelin champ at some stage.
Girlhood Leeds fan but transferred her affections to Chelsea in 1997 as she preferred Ruud Gullit to dour George Graham!
Made a playing comeback at 1991 'Bracken' after 5 years out of football and got player of the tournament as Munster captain, relaunching her WNT career. Uncapped 21yo Benfica MF in squad for Eng friendly 29.3.87. Benfica player nominated for 91/92 Opel POTY and won ahead of I O'Hanlon and C Nagle. Started Ireland's 1-0 defeat by Spain at Dalyer 22.3.92, was a trainee accountant. Benfica player in squad for Euro qual in Bangor, Wales 7.12.97. Benfica player called up for WWC qual v Poland at Tolka Park, 2 Nov 97, skipper and played in a back three as dominant Ireland somehow fell to a 1-0 defeat. Benfica player named in squad for decisive Euro 97 qual in Brussels 4.5.96. Captain in the 5-1 defeat. Benfica defender listed as skipper in prog for Euro qual v Wales, Steboneath Park, Llanelli, 8.10.95. As at game v France at Turner's Cross 12.11.94 was 30yo accounting technician/Benfica player w 12 caps. Key member of the 1987 Benfica LFAI Cup-winning side but missed part of the 1988 season as was in Australia. Had 3 caps when she progressed through 1991 trials to get "long awaited" recall under new boss L Gorman. One of 3 Benfica players w S Furlong and T Leahy. She played for Benfica in the 92 LFAI Cup final which (for some reason) was played 10.1.93 at Dalymount Park in "atrocious" conditions. Benfica lost 4-1 to Welsox on penalties after a 1-1 AET draw. Later became a fitness instructor working out of the Kingfisher gym in Waterford, still in fine nick. Her profile attested to 32 caps, 20 as captain. Earlier had a 20-year career in Bausch+Lomb's finance dept.
Personal Stats supplied by Women's Soccer Archive
|
