The post-match tears and downcast interviews make it clear that the Irish WNT are massively disappointed to be out of the running for the Last 16 of the Women’s World Cup. But to have that be such a blow is a privilege in itself, depicting the metamorphic journey this team has been on.
There was a time when even making the tournament at all felt like a dream, but that since became a reality, as did the very tangible support they’ve garnered along the way.
Last week they made history to become the first Irish women’s team to play at a major tournament. On Tuesday, they went a step further today vs Canada and scored their first-ever goal at one, from the boot of non-other than captain fantastic Katie McCabe.
⚽️ IRELAND’S FIRST WORLD CUP GOAL, FROM A KATIE MCCABE CORNER NO LESS 👏
🇮🇪 Vera Pauw’s side are 1-0 up against the Olympic champions 🇨🇦
McCabe’s childhood club, Kilnamanagh, were a touch happy with it to say the least🥹👇#coygig @ballsdotie pic.twitter.com/egk1dxABIN— Alanna Cunnane (@acunnane10) July 26, 2023
Hell, who knows, there could be a first World Cup point to come against Nigeria next week, or dare it be said, even a first win.
Led by McCabe, this team of Girls In Green would make you believe anything is possible, embodying the spirit of the plucky underdog and sending tails wagging all around the world, but perhaps more importantly, here at home.
A newfound blaze of bandwagoners were welcomed with open arms into the fanhood of the Irish WNT, inducted into the ups and downs that come with that, and more substantially making the experience one for the many, and not just for the few.
Once upon a time, fifty years ago, the inaugural 1973 team kickstarted the adventure, without support, without investment and without any inkling as to the possibilities that their bravery and determination would one day ignite.
Many legends spanned the decades that surpassed, with the proposed strike in 2017 marking a line in the sand where such disrespect would no longer be tolerated. From then, a new day donned for Irish women’s football.
And while today is hugely disappointing, it is yet another landmark moment for the Irish team, one which sets a bar of what is possible, but also of what more can be achieved.
🇮🇪 Ireland 1-2 Canada 🇨🇦FT
Heartbreaking. It was all going so well, until it wasn’t.
McCabe unbelievable, Brosnan class, as were most of the Irish team today in the first half, second saw a dip
Likely Canada and Australia to come out of Group B now, Ireland have Nigeria next🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/skf7vTKEgk— Alanna Cunnane (@acunnane10) July 26, 2023
That’s epitomised by the team’s constant talk of inspiring the next generation, but little do they realise that that process is already well in motion.
Abbie Larkin, aged 18, consistently has shown her ability to grab the game by the scruff of the neck, as have Heather Payne, Izzy Atkinson and Marissa Sheva, who are all only really beginning their international journeys yet already have so much experience.
Looking up to the likes of Niamh Fahey, Áine O’Gorman, Diane Caldwell, Louise Quinn, Denise O’Sullivan and McCabe, it really is no wonder where they took it from, and for every generation since it must feel as though the legacy is just kicking into gear.
A tough night in Perth for the Girls in Green, but they did us proud
| @CarlsbergIE 0.0 is an official partner of the Republic of Ireland Women's National Teamhttps://t.co/Pt7A7O6rEf— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) July 26, 2023
The Irish WNT are disappointed, but need to keep pushing on
Marian Donnelly Walsh, a member of that maiden WNT of 1973 attended the Kilnamanagh watch party and was keen to encourage an uplifting mood even after today’s defeat.
“It was an unbelievable performance” she said, particularly in awe of Ireland’s work rate and attacking opportunities in the first half.
“I think the country have to be proud of the girls. Very disappointed but it is what it is and they gave their all.
Hopefully we’ll be back again, we’ll play for pride against Nigeria first but in the next one we’ll be better.”
"We still need to keep going."@acunnane10 spoke to Marian Walsh who was on the first Irish women's football team in Kilnamanagh today, moments after Ireland's World Cup dream ended in Perth.
| @CarlsbergIE 0.0 is an official partner of the Republic of Ireland Women's National… pic.twitter.com/F1eX26VPBV— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) July 26, 2023
Walsh also spoke of the transformative effect the tournament has had on the perception of women’s football in Ireland, but urged that progress must not halt just yet.
“We still need to keep going” she said.
“Everything is about the men and we do have to keep going. We have to be there promoting it all and that’s what we want, everyone to get behind them and keep going forward.
“That’s the only way. If we don’t there’s no point in all of this so we have to keep going.”
With Nigeria the next stop on that journey, here’s hoping the Irish WNT can go on to continue to blaze a trail on Monday at 11am from Brisbane. They’ll almost definitely have an ever-expanding green army to cheer them over the line once again, and a ever-growing fanbase ready to welcome them home
