The Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team got their qualification for the Euro2021 finals in England underway at tallaght Stadium last night with a 2-0 win over Montenegro.
There was plenty to like about the night not least the opening goal and Player of the Match performance from 18 year old Tyler Tolland.
Tolland made her debut at the age of 16 but this was her most assured performance and holds out real excitement for the future. She signed her first professional contract joing Manchester city last month and that had doubtless added to her confidence.
There was some disapointment at not scoring more against a side that shipped ten against germany at the weekend but the Germans then went on last night to score another eight against our next opponents, and second seeds in the group, Ukraine.
While nobody ever says they are playing for second, that in itself would most likely secure a place at Ireland’s first ever major senior Championhip Finals.
The winners of each of the nine qualifying groups get automatic passage, as do the three runners up with the best record in their groups. The other six runners up go into a play off to secure the final three places alongside hosts England.
The finals taking place in England are expected to draw an aggregate attendance of 700,000 in two years time so the prize is massive.
The remaining Republic of Ireland home fixtures are against Ukraine on Tuesday, October 8th, Greece on Friday, March 6th and Germany next September 22nd. That is the last game in qualifying after away trips next April and June to Ukraine and Germany, making next month’s clash a critical one. A win and the team will be in especially good shape to take that important next step.
Heavy rain in the run up to the kick off last night may have dampened the crowd which numbered 3,423 but that was the only element that could be seen as underperforming.
RTÉ broadcast full live coverage with commentary from George Hamilton and Ruth Fahy, backing up their commitment expressed after the summer FIFA World Cup Finals.
Around the ground as well there was visible evidence of the commercial support that is coming in behind the team with Three, Aviva, Boots and Nissan all in clear focus.
President Michael D Higgins was in the stadium and made a special presentation to Michelle O’Neill who was part of the officiating team at the World Cup Final in July.
The importance of next month’s game, as well as the rising tide surrounding Women’s sport will hopefully draw a bigger attendance with a target of 5,000 easily accomodated by the now three full sided stadium in Tallaght.
It’s up to all of us as fans us to make that number happen.
The identity of the new full time manager of the team will be unveiled at the FAI’s Abbotstown HQ later today.
On Monday, September 9th Sport for Business and Liberty Insurance will commence the naming of 50 Women of Influence in Irish Sport for the seventh successive year. This will herald the start of a series of features building up to the Annual Sport for Business Women in Sport Conference taking place at the studios of RTÉ on Wednesday, November 13th.
Image Credits: FAI
