Colombia's James Rodriguez was announced as the winner of the Puskas award this evening at a FIFA ceremony in Zurich.

The whole of Ireland was behind Stephanie Roche for the past few weeks as they voted in their droves to try and get her to the top of the pile for the Puskas Award, given to the best goal scored in the last year.

Roche was up against tough competition in the form of Robin Van Persie's flying header against Spain in the World Cup, and the eventual winner in James Rodriguez's volley in the same tournament, but her goal was a thing of outstanding quality, which got her through to the final round of nominees. 

Roch did however get a huge swell of support, as people both at home and abroad managed to push her to second place in the voting and make it a tightly run race.

Unfortunately, it wasn't to be, but the campaign surrounding the goal and the focus it has brought to the level of talent in the women's game in Ireland and around the world will hopefully continue to help the sport grow here at home.