Both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland Women’s teams brought the positivity of Saturday’s Aviva Stadium meeting into the second round of UEFA Nations League games last night with wins over Hungary in Budapest and Albania at Seaview in Belfast.
It was a first win for new Northern Ireland manager Tanya Oxtoby and leaves Northern Ireland poised second in the group. The two sides meet again in Belfast on December 5th.
For the Republic of Ireland it was a 4-0 win away from home in what has been an electric start under interim manager Eileen Gleeson. Katie McCabe, Denise O’Sullivan, Caitlin Hayes and Kyra Caruso all found the back of the net playing an attractive brand of flowing football.
This time last year the team were in the midst of a six game run of wins without conceding a goal so it has not come out of nowhere but the mood around the team is rocking.
Gleeson stressed again last night that her ‘day job’ of Head of Women’s and Girls football is the most important to her at this point in time but the lift she has led in terms of mood after the transition from Vera Pauw’s historic time in charge has given time to breathe and allow for the search for a permanent successor, should that be the ultimate outcome.
The team now go back to their clubs and the start of the English Women’s Super League at the weekend, as well as the conclusion to the domestic season.
It has to be hoped that the surge of interest will carry through to a potential full house at Tallaght Stadium for the Sports Direct Women’s FAI Cup Final just after the next international window next month.
