Scotland’s first ever women’s international goalscorer, Mary Carr, has been inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame, marking her remarkable contribution to the history of the women’s game in Scotland.
Mary was welcomed to the Scottish Football Museum’s Hall of Fame at Barclays Hampden where she celebrated the occasion surrounded by family, friends and former team-mates.
Mary was presented with a commemorative trophy and shown her permanent plaque, which now takes its place in the Hall of Fame gallery.
Among those there to share the special moment were Mary’s sisters, brother, grandchildren and great-grandchild, along with friends and former Scotland team-mate Maggie Wilson.
Mary made history in November 1972 when she scored the first ever goal for the official Scotland Women’s National Team in a match against England at Ravenscraig Stadium. She rose to meet a first-half cross from Edna Neillis, diving to head the ball beyond the England goalkeeper and into the net.
That goal secured Mary a unique place in Scottish football history.
She went on to win six caps for Scotland between November 1972 and July 1975, facing England twice as well as Italy on two occasions and Ireland and Wales once each.
Mary scored her second international goal in her final appearance for Scotland, helping the team to a memorable 3-2 victory over Wales in July 1975.
Her contribution to the game extended well beyond her Scotland career. In 1973, Mary joined a tour of Morocco organised by Elsie Cook to raise funds for charity.
Two years later, she followed a well-established path for Scottish women footballers seeking to continue their careers abroad, moving to Italy. She enjoyed spells with Messina and Alaska Gelati Lecce and represented a Rest of Europe side alongside fellow Scottish football pioneers Edna Neillis, Rose Reilly and June Hunter.
Mary later moved to the Netherlands, where she played for Cesk, before settling in Ireland. There, she established a coaching programme for boys and girls aged between 6 and 15.
She continued coaching in Ireland for more than three decades, helping generations of young players develop their love and understanding of the game.
Scottish FA Head of Women’s Football Shirley Martin: “Mary holds a very special place in the history of Scottish football. To score Scotland’s first ever official women’s international goal is an achievement that will never be forgotten, but her contribution goes far beyond that one moment.
“Mary was part of a generation of women who helped establish and grow the game at a time when opportunities were very different from those available today. Her passion continued throughout her life, including more than 30 years of coaching in Ireland and inspiring young players.
“It is wonderful to see Mary recognised in the Scottish Football Hall of Fame, surrounded by her family, friends and former team-mates. This is a hugely deserved honour and an important opportunity to celebrate her place in the story of Scottish women’s football.”
