Eoin Harrington reporting from SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork
Denise O'Sullivan has called for more Ireland internationals in Cork after Tuesday night's brilliant 3-1 victory over France in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
For the first time in 12 years, O'Sullivan represented her country in her home town, as 18,399 fans marched down the Blackrock Road for the visit of group winners France.
It was a fairytale return for the 30-year-old, who opened the scoring with a belter from just outside the box with 25 minutes to play. One would wager the cheer could be heard as far as O'Sullivan's family home in Knocknaheeny.
Léigh an scéal seo trí Ghaeilge ar Liathróidí.ie brúigh anseo.
Speaking to us post-match, O'Sullivan said that the brilliant atmosphere at the Páirc summed up why more Irish games should be played outside of Dublin.
The cheer was unbelievable. I think I zoned out, honestly I was just absolutely buzzing. I grew up in this city. The city has done a lot for me so to play here in Cork is phenomenal.
Think we should be playing here more often, they should be a bit more spread out. The fans were amazing.
There was 18,000 there but it sounded like there was a lot more because they just never stopped. It gave me a lot of energy, they’ve been fantastic.
When I heard that we were going to be playing here I was absolutely buzzing. As I said, I think there should be more games here, the fans were absolutely fantastic tonight.
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Denise O'Sullivan hoping to be back in Cork soon
16 July 2024; Republic of Ireland's Denise O'Sullivan celebrates with Julie-Ann Russell and her daughter Rosie after the 2025 UEFA Women's European Championship qualifying group A match between Republic of Ireland and France at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Many of Denise O'Sullivan's family were present in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Tuesday night for one of the finest hours of her long international career.
She revealed post-match that she and coach Colin Healy felt a goal for the hometown hero was written in the stars ahead of kick-off.
To score here in Cork, it was written in the stars.
Colin Healy said it to me before the game, ‘Denise you’re going to score tonight’. I said, ‘yeah I will’. We just both smiled and walked off.
Yeah, unbelievable to do it in front of my family and more importantly beat a world-class team.
To do it in front of my family…my partner is over from America as well and it’s his birthday, so to get a goal for him on his birthday was very special. I’m absolutely buzzing.
O'Sullivan returns to America late this week, with the NWSL season set to continue next month.
It has been a frantic few months for the midfield maestro, who has battled back from injury amid speculation of a move to Manchester United, and a gruelling qualification campaign with Ireland. She is grateful for home comforts before her flight back Stateside.
I think hanging out with the family was the most important thing. I’ll be heading back to America in a few days so some down time is needed for sure, a bit of a reset.
Ireland's victory on Tuesday ensures that they will be seeded throughout the playoff path to EURO 2025. They will learn their opponents in the draw on Friday, with the first round of matches set to take place in late October.
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