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• New for 2023 – All print subscriptions purchased include a free digital subscription where you’ll receive a digital issue before each home game!

Individual print issues (€5 each) will be available to purchase on match-night and in the days following from the club shop (subject to availability).

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We’ll also have a Digital Subscription available again for 2023. Each issue will be emailed to you before each home game and can be viewed on any digital device (laptop, phone, tablet). The digital offering costs €35 and can be ordered online: Order Now

“Going into the game on Saturday it’s really good to get back to playing league games. We are excited to go to Galway. We know the opposition is tough, they are strong and physical and a team we have struggled with dealing with in the past. We have done the hard work now. We have trained really well in the last 2-3 weeks and the girls came back in good shape”.

“It’s been a long break and it feels like we have done another mini pre-season, and everyone is really excited for this game. We prepared well to hopefully get the best possible result on Saturday evening”.

Galway have been busy with incoming and outgoing players during the summer break. This week Julie-Ann Russell resigned for the club after returning from maternity leave. Russell has represented the national team on 59 occasions, won Women’s national league player of the year in 2014, won FAI senior women’s international player of the year in 2014/15. She played for Western Sydney Wanderers in the Women’s A League from 2017-2020.

Scorer of the winning goal in the Avenir Sports All-Island Cup Final Gemma McGuinness has departed the club to join AFC Bournemouth across the Irish sea. The winger scored 5 goals in 16 games for the Tribeswomen.

Former City defender Orlaith Deasy joined Galway United from Wexford Youths this summer break. Deasy was a key member of the team that won the u17s league with City in 2020.

Galway have won seven of their 13 games and currently sit 5th in the table though the sides were only separated by a late Jenna Slattery goal in the previous meeting between the teams this season.

The 24-year-old most recently played for Vorskla Poltava in his native Ukraine, and has been capped up to Under 21 level.

Speaking after signing for the club, the midfielder said: “I am very pleased to be in Cork and have signed for Cork City. I am looking forward to playing with the team, and I hope that I can help the club to get some positive results. I look forward to playing in front of the Cork City fans at Turner’s Cross.”

Commenting on the news, City’s Sporting Director, Liam Buckley, said: “We are very pleased to have Andrii on board. He is a talented player, who has played at a high level. He is a midfield player who is technically good on the ball and he will give us another option in the middle of the park. We look forward to seeing him in action and hope that he can make a positive contribution.”

The 22-year-old, who can play as an attacking midfielder or a winger, joins the club after a spell with Wrexham.

The Amsterdam native was also previously on the books of Middlesbrough, and he told CorkCityFC.ie that he was pleased to have joined the club: “I’m very pleased to have joined Cork City and I’m looking forward to getting started. I have been in training with the squad for the last number of days, and I have really enjoyed it, so I am very happy to get this done. We have some big games coming up, so I am looking forward to playing my part, and hopefully I can help the club to push on.”

Cork City’s Sporting Director, Liam Buckley, welcomed the signing, saying: “Malik is a good signing for us. He is an offensive player, who will certainly add to our options in attacking areas. He will add some power and pace to the side in an attacking sense, so hopefully he will add an attacking threat to the side. He came in last week and has trained with us a number of times; he’s done well in training, so we are pleased to have him on board now.”

“As everybody knows, we have had some serious injuries over the last few months, which has seen a number of players ruled out on a long-term basis, so it was important that we added to our squad. Malik is the latest player we have added to the squad since the window opened in July, along with a couple of our talented academy players signing contracts as well. We are still looking to see if we can strengthen a bit further in the coming days, and we are also hopeful that we will get a few of the injured players back in action in the very near future as well, which will strengthen us further as well.”

Subscription Links:

Print Subscription

Get every issue delivered to your door. The subscription costs €90 (plus delivery) and can be purchased online or from the club shop: Order Now online.

This includes programmes for a minimum of 18 home league games plus any potential cup matches. 

• New for 2023 – All print subscriptions purchased include a free digital subscription where you’ll receive a digital issue before each home game!

Individual print issues (€5 each) will be available to purchase on match-night and in the days following from the club shop (subject to availability).

Digital Version

We’ll also have a Digital Subscription available again for 2023. Each issue will be emailed to you before each home game and can be viewed on any digital device (laptop, phone, tablet). The digital offering costs €35 and can be ordered online: Order Now

This is an exciting opportunity for volunteers to learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a high performance football environment.

The role involves recording games using a mast or tripod and uploading the footage. Full training around equipment will be provided.

Successful candidates will be passionate about football, internally motivated, and will be eager to be involved.

It is essential that you are available on weekends to attend home or away games (transport provided).

Applications, by way of a short cover letter (max 1 page) and CV (max 2 pages), should be sent to Head of Academy lkearney@corkcityfc.ie & Head of Academy Analysis fionnft99@gmail.com

Match Tickets are available online here. Please purchase your tickets in advance as they will not be available outside the stadium on matchday and Cork City supporters in possession of home tickets will not be admitted. 

Weather Watch  

The forecast for Sunday evening in Dublin is 12°C and dry.  Sunset is at 9.12pm. 

Ref Watch  

Sunday’s match referee is Damien McGraith and he will be assisted by Robert Clarke and Shane O’Brien.  Alan Patchell is the fourth official.  

Press Conference 

Watch our pre-match press conference on RebelArmy TV for all of the latest from the City camp. 

Opposition Preview  

Shamrock Rovers match preview will be available here 

Match Coverage    

Updates will be provided on our  Twitter account (@CorkCityFC), as well as updates of key incidents on our  Facebook page. We will also have reports and reaction on  RebelArmy.TV, Soundcloud, Spotify and CCFC.ie. 

Supporters who are not travelling can watch the livestream by subscribing here to LOITV for €7 per match. If you subscribe to the live stream, don’t forget to select Cork City FC as the club you support. 

Don’t forget to tune in to our social media channels for all the latest news and exclusive content, and you can use our official hashtag for all of your posts – #CCFC84 

Travelling supporter information 

How do I get there?  

Directions to the Tallaght Stadium are available here  

From Cork: take the M8, then M7, followed by N7, R136 and N81.   

The stadium address is Tallaght Stadium, Whitestown Way, Oldbawn, Dublin 24,  D24 FNK6 

The 21-year-old midfielder made his first team debut for Cambridge United at the age of 16, and made over 20 first team appearances for the League One side last season.

The midfielder will train with his new team mates at Bishopstown for the first time this morning, and speaking to CorkCityFC.ie, Worman said: “I’m really looking forward to the opportunity. I am at the stage of my career where I want to play as many games as I can, so hopefully I can do that here and show everyone what I am about.”

“We want to get out of the position we are in the league, that’s massive for the club. Giving 100% is the minimum requirement for each game and that is what I will be looking to do, to give my all. The fans can expect that from me, at a minimum, and I will also be looking to try and create and score a few goals along with that as well.”

“I have heard good things about the club and good things about the league. Quite a few players have gone over to Ireland and it has been a good opportunity for them, so I was excited when the chance arose and I am looking forward to it.”

City’s Sporting Director, Liam Buckley, welcomed the latest addition to the squad, saying: “We are very pleased to get Ben in. He’s a good addition to the group, he has quality and he has League One experience as well. He can score and create goals, or he can also play deeper, so he will give us good options in the middle of the park.”

Buckley also confirmed that Daniel Krezic has left the club to return to Sweden, saying: “Daniel has returned to Sweden. We thank him for his time with the club and wish him the best of luck for the future.”

Subscription Links:

Print Subscription

Get every issue delivered to your door. The subscription costs €90 (plus delivery) and can be purchased online or from the club shop: Order Now online.

This includes programmes for a minimum of 18 home league games plus any potential cup matches. 

• New for 2023 – All print subscriptions purchased include a free digital subscription where you’ll receive a digital issue before each home game!

Individual print issues (€5 each) will be available to purchase on match-night and in the days following from the club shop (subject to availability).

Digital Version

We’ll also have a Digital Subscription available again for 2023. Each issue will be emailed to you before each home game and can be viewed on any digital device (laptop, phone, tablet). The digital offering costs €35 and can be ordered online: Order Now

The attacker has featured regularly for City’s Under 19s this season, and has also been named in the first team squad on a number of occasions.

Speaking to CorkCityFC.ie, the 18-year-old said: “I’m delighted to have signed my first professional contract with the club. It’s a proud day for myself and my family. I’m really enjoying my football at the moment and I would like to thank Liam Kearney, Stephen Bermingham, Dave Moore Dan Murray and Billy Wood, as well as all of the coaches that I have worked with for their help in getting me to this point. I know there is still a lot of hard work ahead of me, and I am really looking forward to it.”

Liam Kearney, Cork City’s Head of Academy, welcomed the news, saying: “Josh is an exciting, attacking player, and we are really glad that he has signed a professional contract with the club. He has done well and has really progressed over the last six months in particular. He is another academy player to sign a contract with the club, and we are all very pleased at that. He has a lot of work still to do, but he also has a lot of ability and we are looking forward to working with him and helping him to continue his progress.”

]]> https://www.corkcityfc.ie/home/2023/07/27/ollie-byrne-signs-for-city/ Thu, 27 Jul 2023 14:59:34 +0000 https://www.corkcityfc.ie/home/?p=124970 Cork City FC are delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper, Ollie Byrne, from Altrincham FC, pending international clearance.

The 25-year-old joins on loan having previously played for Connah’s Quay Nomads, Blackburn Rovers, Cardiff City, and Manchester United’s academy side. The left-footed keeper arrives with a number of years of experience having won two Welsh Premier titles, and featuring in Champions League & Europa League qualifiers.

Speaking in Bishopstown this afternoon, Byrne said: “I’m delighted to have signed for Cork City FC. I know that this is a massive club with a huge and dedicated fanbase, and I can’t wait to get going. I am looking forward to getting stuck in here and working with the staff and my team mates. We are not where we would like to be in the table at the moment, and we want to start picking up results in our upcoming games.”

City’s sporting director Liam Buckley said: “We are very pleased to get Ollie on board for the rest of the season. He will add competition to our squad and I feel he is a very good signing for us. He brings a good bit of experience to the squad and I am looking forward to working with him.”

The 16-year-old made his return from a long-term injury last weekend for City’s Under 17s against Waterford, and has also been training with the first team squad in recent weeks.

Speaking after signing his first professional contract, Cathal told CorkCityFC.ie: “I’m absolutely thrilled to sign my first professional contract with the club. I was delighted to get back to playing last weekend after a long time out, and I’m really enjoying it. I would like to thank all of my coaches who have helped me along the way at schoolboys level. Since I came in to Cork City, I would like to thank my managers Greg Yelverton, Stephen Bermingham and Dave Moore, as well as all of the coaches. I know I have a lot of hard work ahead of me, but I am delighted with the opportunity and really looking forward to it.

City’s Head of Academy Liam Kearney welcomed the news, saying: “I am delighted that we have got this deal done; Cathal is one of the most naturally talented players we have had in our academy. We feel that Cathal has huge potential, so we are very pleased that he has committed himself to the club on a long-term contract. He has worked very hard to come back from a long-term injury and he is nearly back to full fitness. Now that he is back playing, we look forward to working with him and aiding his development to help him become the player we know he can be.”

]]> https://www.corkcityfc.ie/home/2023/07/25/jaze-kabia-signs-for-city/ Tue, 25 Jul 2023 14:05:26 +0000 https://www.corkcityfc.ie/home/?p=124960 Cork City FC are delighted to announce the signing of Jaze Kabia!

The attacker joins the club after a spell in Scotland, having also played in the League of Ireland for Cobh Ramblers & Shelbourne.

Speaking this afternoon after putting pen to paper, Jaze said “It’s great to get it over the line, and it’s good to be home also. I’m looking forward to getting going! I’d know a few of the boys already, and they’ve been great. They’ve helped me settle in, and get to know the rest of the squad.

I’ve watched what Liam & the rest of the staff have been doing on the training pitch for the last couple of weeks, and I know that everyone’s good enough. We have the quality and we have the players,  so we’ll put it right no doubt.”

City’s Sporting Director, Liam Buckley, commented: “We are delighted to have Jaze on board for the rest of the season. He has come in to training and done well, so we are pleased to get the deal done. He is a forward player and will give us options in an attacking sense. He’s also a Cork lad and is really keen to play for the club, so we are looking forward to working with him.”

]]> https://www.corkcityfc.ie/home/2023/07/21/fai-cup-preview-treaty-united-vs-city/ Fri, 21 Jul 2023 17:50:18 +0000 https://www.corkcityfc.ie/home/?p=124951 Cork City are on the road on Saturday, kicking off their 2023 Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup campaign with a trip to Limerick to take on First Division side, Treaty United, at the Markets Field.

City will be looking to bounce back from Saturday’s defeat away to Sligo Rovers in the league, while Treaty will be looking for a second consecutive win, having defeated Kerry in their last league game. It will be the first competitive meeting of the sides since the 2022 season, and a first trip to the Markets Field in over a year, with City winning 5-0 in the last visit. Of the four meetings in 2022,  City won three, with Treaty winning the other – a 2-0 victory at Turner’s Cross last August.

Kick-off in Limerick on Saturday is at 2pm, and the game will be streamed live on LOITV, included for Season Pass & Half-Season pass holders, or a single match pass is also available.

On the squad front, Matt Healy has departed the club, signing for Royal Francs Borains in Belgium, while Albin Winbo has returned to Sweden following his injury. Jonas Häkkinen is out, having picked up an injury in the game against St. Patrick’s Athletic, while Darragh Crowley & Ethan Varian remain sidelined. Former Under 19 player Oran Crowe has been added to the squad.

Saturday’s referee is Damien Macgraith and he will be assisted by Conor Harkin and Ciaran O’Reilly. Mark Patchell is the fourth official.

Tickets for City supporters are available from Treaty United’s website, here.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Ruairí and the entire Keating family at this exceptionally difficult time.

We ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this difficult time. Funeral arrangements will be confirmed in due course.

May he rest in peace.

Match Tickets are available online here.

Weather Watch 

The forecast for Saturday evening in Sligo is a temperature of approximately 13°C and cloudy with some showers. Sunset will be at 10pm.

Ref Watch 

Saturday’s match referee is Rob Hennessy and he will be assisted by Dermot Broughton and Ciaran O’Reilly. Damien MacGraith is the fourth official.

Team News 

See our team news report for all of the latest from the City camp.

Opposition Preview 

Sligo Rovers match preview will be available here.

Match Coverage   

We will have live online coverage of the game. Updates will be provided on our  Twitter account (@CorkCityFC), as well as updates of key incidents on our  Facebook page. We will also have reports and reaction on RebelArmy.TV, Soundcloud, Spotify and CCFC.ie.

This match will be available to watch live through #LOITV – the SSE Airtricity League’s online streaming service for the First Division! This is not part of the subscription package so you can purchase a single match pass to watch this game for just €5. Sign up here.

Don’t forget to tune in to our social media channels for all the latest news and exclusive content, and you can use our official hashtag for all of your posts – #CCFC84 

Travelling supporter information

How do I get there? 

Sligo Rovers play at The Showgrounds, Church Hill, Knappagh Beg, Sligo F91 C861

Directions are available here

Take the M8 as far as the Michelstown exit.  Head towards Limerick on the R513, near Limerick, find the N17 and M18 towards Galway.  Continue onto the M17 and on as it becomes the N17.  Take the N4 on to Sligo and at the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Ray MacSharry Rd/N4. Turn left onto Church Hill. Continue onto Sráid Eoin Uachtarach, turn right and arrive at the Showgrounds.

The journey takes approximately four hours.

The striker has made 50 league appearances for the club, scoring 21 goals, since joining from Galway United ahead of the 2022 season.

The 27-year-old has notched 8 goals in his 23 league appearances for City since their return to the Premier Division, and he told CorkCityFC.ie that he was only too happy to commit his future to the club: “It was an easy decision because the club made it clear from the start that they wanted me to stay. Obviously, it is nice to have interest, it means I must be doing something right, but I just want to keep my head down and keep scoring goals for the team.”

“I like where the club is going. There are a lot of good plans in place to get the club back to where it should be, and I want to be part of that. I’m happy here; I just want to keep scoring goals and kick on.”

“It’s nice, individually, to be scoring goals and putting smiles on faces. That is only going to boost your stock, but I want to get the club back into Europe and be challenging for leagues and cups again. I love the set-up at the football club and where it is going, so hopefully we can all kick on together.”

Liam Buckley, City’s Sporting Director, commented: “We are delighted that Ruairí has signed a long-term contract with the club. He has had a very impressive season so far, and we believe he has the ability to push on and do even better.”

“As a club, we are trying to build for the future and getting Ruairí nailed down is good news in that regard. We are a work in progress, but this is a very positive step.”

The central midfielder joins the club after a spell in Romania, having also played in his native Lithuania and Israel.

Speaking to CorkCityFC.ie, the 28-year-old said: “First of all, I am really happy and honoured to be part of Cork City FC. I did not know too much about the club before, but then I heard that club played in the Europa League against Ekranas from Lithuania in 2005. I was there in the youth academy of Ekranas, and I remember I was at the game.”

“I am a team player, and I will give everything for the team in every game. I hope that the fans will see more long shots, passes and stability from the middle. I trained with my teammates this morning and everybody greeted me warmly. The quality of the training was great and I think the team have all the conditions to succeed.”

City’s Sporting Director, Liam Buckley, commented:  “I am delighted to get Rokas on board, and I think he will be a very good addition to our squad. He’s a good passer of the ball, he can get around the pitch well and links the play well, so I think he can help us improve. He has a good range of passing and he is also an experienced player, so I am pleased to add him to the squad.”

Ireland’s final game in the group stages of the World Cup will see them face Nigeria, and it looks likely to be a key game for both sides. 

The Girls in Green are in Group B alongside Australia, Canada and Nigeria. Only 33 places separate the four teams in the latest world rankings, with Olympic champions Canada seventh, Australia 13th, Ireland 24th and Nigeria a further 16 places behind Ireland. 

However, with Canada’s current injury list and the feeling that Nigeria’s ranking and form last year is not a true reflection of their ability, it is no surprise than many observers are referring to the group as the Group of Death. 

Ireland and Nigeria meet in the final group fixture on July 31. The Super Falcons were beaten in the semi-final of last year’s African Cup of Nations and are the highest ranked team from the four African nations at the tournament, ahead of Zambia, Morocco and South Africa. Nigerian football expert Biola Solace-Chukwu believes that, despite their setbacks, Nigeria are expecting to do well at the World Cup with their mix of young and experienced players, none more so than Onome Ebi, one of four players in the tournament who will be playing in their sixth World Cup. 

“Nigeria are basically expecting the Super Falcons to do better than they have done in previous tournaments,” says Biola. 

“This is a team that hasn’t got as far as the quarter finals since 1999. So, Nigerians are really yearning for at least a quarter-final place this time to match our record that we have been holding. Definitely the players are looking forward to doing that as well. Some of the players have played for the national team for so many years. Forty-year-old Onome Ebi, for instance, will be playing at the World Cup for the sixth time so she is pretty experienced and has high hopes to do better at the tournament. She wasn’t part of the 1999 team  that reached the quarter-final so she would definitely like to do that. 

“It hasn’t been a great time in Nigerian women’s football in the last year and to be honest the hopes haven’t been so high but somehow we need to keep focusing on the Super Falcons can break that quarter-final jinx for the first time since 1999. 

“Last year we finished fourth in the African Women’s Cup of Nations and that was Nigeria’s worst result in the African Women’s Cup of Nations in a long time, I think it could be the worst result ever.” 

Nigeria have a number of players playing at the highest level around the world and there is no doubt who their star is. Fresh from winning the Champions League and with 90 goals in 96 club games since joining Spain’s Liga F, Asisat Oshoala is a player who could light up this World Cup. 

“Definitely Asisat Oshoala, who plays for Barcelona and won the Champions League with Barcelona very recently,” says Biola. “She has been immense for the club since she joined in 2019. 

“Uchenna Kanu, who plays for Racing Louiseville, is bagging goals. We have quite a lot of players who are doing well individually. There is the likes of Rasheedat Ajibade [Atlético Madrid] as well. I mentioned Onome Ebi as well who is 40 years old and is still pretty solid in defence. There is Ashleigh Plumptra with Leicester City, who will be playing in her first World Cup. These are very exciting players to look forward to watching at the World Cup. 

 “We mostly like to play very attacking football. With Nigeria, attacking football has always been important for the squad. We like to score as many goals as possible especially at the World Cup where it is very, very difficult. So, yes, Nigeria will be going all out with at least three, maybe four strikers.” 

With Canada and Australia both expected to go far in the competition, Biola pulls no punches when it comes to her country facing Ireland. 

 “To be honest, the players, management and Nigerians as a whole actually think Ireland should be the easiest fixture in that group,” she says. “It’s a pretty tough group. With Canada, co-host Australia, it is going to be a very tough group. I know there are no minnows in women’s football anymore but somehow Nigerian’s believe that Ireland should be “the weak link” in that group. They are the team that we can most likely get maximum points against. Of course, in every match you want to do your best, but Nigerians are almost certain that we can get the win against Ireland.” 

Chris O’Mahony, @ChrisOMsport   

Next week, history will be made when the Girls in Green’s play in their first ever World Cup game. 

Ireland’s opponents in Sydney will be joint hosts Australia in a game that has already exceeded expectation to the point of having to be moved to the country’s second-biggest stadium, the historic Stadium Australia. The enormity of not just qualifying for but playing in Ireland’s first ever game at a major tournament possibly won’t fully sink in, for players and supporters alike, until Vera Pauw’s team line up with the Matildas and step out onto the field. 

What is sure to be a momentous occasion for Ireland will be equally so for Australia, for slightly different reasons. 

I spoke with Australian football journalist Samantha Lewis ahead of what is sure to be an unforgettable tournament. 

“The tournament is finally starting to feel very real,” she says. “Squads are being announced, match tickets are flying out the door, host stadiums and training bases are putting their finishing touches on pitches and facilities, World Cup merchandise and national team jerseys are in the front windows of sports stores, ads for the tournament are increasingly visible on billboards and television and social media, and fans are in their final stages of booking flights and accommodation. 

“After years of quiet work behind the scenes, the tournament is now starting to break through into the consciousness of the Australian public. 

“The fact that the opening game between Australia and the Republic of Ireland was moved to the tournament’s biggest stadium due to overwhelming ticket demand is the latest example of just how popular the Matildas have become. The national team has been on a steady rise of popularity since around 2017, but the past four years in particular has seen them reach brand new heights.  

“The Matildas are now one of the most recognisable and beloved sports teams in the country, with captain Sam Kerr regularly listed as one of the most popular athletes. Moving the game to the tournament’s biggest stadium so late in the piece also reflects the fact that even Fifa perhaps doesn’t really appreciate just how big women’s football is becoming here. If that opening game against Ireland is a sell-out, it’ll be a new attendance record for a Matildas game, and likely one of the biggest sports crowds in our country’s history. History will happen before our very eyes.” 

The legacy of this World Cup has already started with the demand for tickets and Samantha believes success for Australia can leave a lasting impact for the sport. 

“There’s no doubt that the Matildas doing well at this home World Cup is important,” she says. “We all saw the impact of England winning their home European Championship last year had on women’s football there and how the success of that team galvanised the community and forced governments and other institutions to sit up and pay attention. Australian sports fans love a winner, so in terms of the momentum of the tournament, the Matildas progressing to at least the quarterfinals is the expectation. 

“However, if you look across the history of the tournament, only once has the host nation ever gone on to win the entire thing; that was the USA in 1999. And besides, if we look at the bigger picture, the legacy the Matildas have left on Australian football has already been enormous. They’ve already done so much for the sport just by being who they are, it almost doesn’t matter how far they go in the tournament itself. Their impact will far out-live the World Cup.” 

While Australia have home advantage, Samantha is fully aware of the support and passion the renowned Green Army will add to the game. A large number of Irish people live in Australia; add to that the amount of people planning to travel Down Under and Ireland’s games are sure to have huge support. 

“There is a huge Irish expat population here in Australia, particularly in Sydney,” says Samantha. “Given this will be the first time the country has appeared at a Women’s World Cup, I’d be shocked if there wasn’t a big green wall of Irish fans that fills up one end of Stadium Australia on July 20th. And even if Aussies outnumber Irish fans, I’m pretty sure you can out-sing and out-chant us as though you had thousands more there in the stands with you! That’ll be your best intimidation tactic, I think, the noise that this small but mighty population can make while supporting their Girls in Green.” 

The achievements of Vera Pauw’s squad in recent years has not gone unnoticed and Samantha feels the team have a good balance which will help them at the World Cup. One player she singles out for particular praise is former Cork City captain Denise O’Sullivan, who has already experienced playing in Australia and not surprisingly left a big impression. 

“From an Australian perspective, Ireland are a fierce, disciplined and very physical team with a couple of superstars like Katie McCabe and Denise O’Sullivan who can turn a game on its head,” says Samantha. “Aussie fans are especially familiar with O’Sullivan’s qualities, as we were lucky enough to watch her play in our local W-League for a couple of seasons with Canberra United and Western Sydney Wanderers, where she was outstanding. Ireland have also got some key defensive players such as Louise Quinn, Megan Connolly, Aoife Mannion and Courtney Brosnan in goal, who have all been playing at the highest level in England.  

“I think one of Ireland’s great strengths is their underdog mentality: They know they’re not the favourites, they know their team isn’t overflowing with household names, but they believe in each other, and they represent their country with such incredible passion and commitment. Sometimes that heart and fight can make all the difference. 

“Those who play close attention to women’s football are definitely not underestimating the Republic of Ireland. The last time the Matildas played them, in September 2021, we actually lost 3-2, so that’ll give Ireland real confidence coming into this opening match. However, the Matildas likewise have a point to prove, particularly captain Sam Kerr, whose 100th appearance for Australia was ruined by that loss. 

“Given the Republic of Ireland are in one of the toughest groups in the tournament, where each nation is capable of beating every other nation, it’s tough to predict how far any of them can go. Football is ultimately played on the day, and I can absolutely see Ireland getting out of the group and progressing to the Round of 16 if they’re able to secure at least a win and a draw, so long as they continue finding the back of the net, as they may be up against teams from other groups, with goal difference being the deciding factor. But the jeopardy and drama are what makes this group so exciting.” 

Samantha also identified three crucial players to the Australian team who could be crucial to their hopes at the tournament and who Ireland will need to watch closely. 

“Over the past four years, Sam Kerr has undoubtedly become one of the best strikers in the world and comes into the Women’s World Cup riding a wave of individual awards after yet another stand-out season with Chelsea. It’s not just her clinical goal-scoring that is crucial to Australia’s tournament hopes, but also the work Kerr does in other areas of the game: Her speed, her aerial presence, pressing from the front, stretching defences, bringing team-mates into play. The Matildas captain is as close to irreplaceable as a player can get. 

“Despite an injury-interrupted season with Arsenal, left-back Steph Catley remains a crucial member of any team she’s part of. She epitomises the modern full-back role: Not only is she defensively solid, but she is also regularly involved in build-up and attacking play, overlapping and overloading down the left wing and delivering pin-point crosses into dangerous areas. In addition, Catley is also Australia’s designated set-piece taker, with her corners and free kicks almost always leading to significant chances for her team-mates. 

 “Since returning from giving birth to her daughter Harper in 2021, midfielder Katrina Gorry has hit the form of her career. Her role in the centre of the park is a hybrid of a bulldozing defender combined with the forward-thinking creativity of an attacker. Described by Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson as a ‘quarterback’ midfielder, Gorry is regularly the pivot-point around which the entire team revolves, using her superior ball retention and long-range passing ability to dictate the flow of play.” 

Chris O’Mahony, @ChrisOMsport