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Irish FSU athlete says football game in Ireland will be 'really good experience' for fans
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- Irish FSU athlete says football game in Ireland will be 'really good experience' for fans
Florida State women's soccer star Heather Payne helped her home country Ireland qualify for the World Cup for the first time last year.
On Tuesday, she was one of four Seminoles' athletes at a press conference announcing that the football program would open the 2024 season against Georgia Tech in Dublin in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium.
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"I think it's really exciting," Payne said to the media following the press conference. "I wasn't really aware, I should be aware, that there were American football teams that come over and play until I heard about this.
"I think it's very exciting. The Aviva Stadium is such a brilliant stadium, it's green and everything. So I think the Seminole fans are in for a really good experience."
Florida State Seminole Heather Payne (12) passes to er teammate. The Florida State Seminoles defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks 1-0 in an Elite Eight matchup Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022.
World Cup Qualifier: National Championship or qualifying for World Cup: Florida State's Heather Payne answers which is better
Ireland bound: FSU to play Georgia Tech in Ireland for 2024 season opener. Here's what we know.
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Payne, who said she will graduate in May, has not decided if she will attend the game.
"It would be really exciting if I can make it over for the game just to support the Seminoles and the Seminole culture. That would be really special."
She started as a striker for Ireland in the match it qualified for the tournament, but her night was finished after 66 minutes when she rolled her ankle.
"A big shoutout to Heather Payne. We are so proud of you," Sarah Kavanagh, the Consul General of Ireland said during the press conference.
The Irish Women's National Team will be one of 24 teams to compete in the Women's World Cup 2023, which takes place in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20.
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"We're delighted to have Heather here," Ireland Senator Mark Daly said. "So this is a two-way street folks. I'm supporting (Florida State) when you come over, so I expect you to support the Irish women's soccer team.
"Alright, if the US women's soccer team is participating, you might give us a second cheer," he added jokingly.
Payne scored one of four penalty kicks in the National Championship win against Notre Dame during the 2021 season and was one of the stars for first-year head coach Brian Pensky in 2022 for a team that reached the Women's College Cup.
Payne has some advice on what any Seminole fans who make the trip or football players should do while in Dublin.
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"I think you just have to experience the city," Payne said. "It's a city that has a lot of culture in it. There are lots of different things to do.
"Hopefully the weather is nice and they can just spend the day in the city and take everything in."
Kassim: Florida State women's soccer season still a success, despite loss in semifinals
Future plans
Payne follows in the steps of fellow Irish players to help FSU win a National Championship, as Megan Connolly (2018) and Megan Campbell (2014) did before her.
She may have a chance to add to her collection.
Payne told the Democrat exclusively that she is still considering a return to Florida State for a fifth season, her COVID season. She was one of three players who were honored during FSU's home finale.
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She added she is also considering going pro in America or back in Europe.
Reach Ehsan Kassim at ekassim@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @Ehsan_Kassim. You can also follow our coverage on Facebook (NoleSports) and Instagram (tlhnolesports).
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU soccer player from Ireland 'excited' for 2024 football game abroad
