Ireland women’s team mark their return from the World Cup with their first ever Aviva Stadium appearance
38,000 tickets have been sold for tomorrow’s UEFA Nations League opener against Northern Ireland. A record for a women's international home game.
Whereas, the first ever game at the Aviva Stadium for the Ireland Women’s National Team kicks-off at 1pm. The Ireland squad travel straight to the airport afterwards to fly to Hungary for their second game in Group B1.
“It is a privilege for this group of players and staff to be involved in what will be a historic occasion” declared Ireland interim head coach Eileen Gleeson.
"We understand how important this game is” added Gleeson. “Preparations are going well. We have a fully fit squad to choose from, which is a credit to players and all staff.
"We expect a tough challenge from Northern Ireland. A team with major tournament experience, and of course a new Head coach in place who brings a wealth of experience and expertise. We won't be taking anything for granted."
The game is Ireland's first since the completion of the 2023 Women's World Cup and the first since te depature of boss Vera Pauw.
Ireland WNT Squad
Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (London City Lionesses), Megan Walsh (West Ham United).
Defenders: Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Diane Caldwell (FC Zurich), Caitlin Hayes (Celtic), Claire O’Riordan (Standard Liege), Savannah McCarthy (Shamrock Rovers), Éabha O’Mahony (University of Texas), Hayley Nolan (Crystal Palace), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City).
Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Tyler Toland (Blackburn Rovers), Jamie Finn (Birmingham City), Megan Connolly (Bristol City), Lily Agg (Birmingham City), Heather Payne (Everton), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Marissa Sheva (Washington Spirit), Izzy Atkinson (West Ham United).
Forwards: Kyra Carusa (San Diego Wave), Abbie Larkin (Glasgow City), Amber Barrett (Standard Liege), Saoirse Noonan (Durham WFC), Emily Whelan (Glasgow City).
UEFA Nations League
Republic of Ireland v Northern Ireland
Saturday, September 23
Aviva Stadium
Kick-off: 13:00
Referee: Hristiyana Guteva (Bulgaria)