The Irish Women’s National Team had never qualified for a major tournament before this World Cup. This historic team is packed full of talent, with 14 players playing in England, four playing in the US, two in Scotland, one in Germany, and even two home-based players in the squad. Here I take a look a deeper look at my five players to watch, in the upcoming World Cup.
Courtney Brosnan
The Irish Goalkeeper, who recently signed a contract extension with Everton, is an integral part of this Irish team. After a short spell at French team Le Havre, Brosnan moved to the WSL in 2019, where she played for West Ham United before her transfer to Everton in 2021. Brosnan was recently awarded the FAI (Football Association of Ireland) Senior Women’s International Player of the Year, after she made an impressive run of seven clean sheets, with four of them coming in World Cup Qualifying games.
The 27 year old, who is USA born, has 23 caps for Ireland, after only making her debut in 2020. Brosnan has made many crucial saves for her country, however, the save that will go down in history is her first-half penalty save, from Caroline Weir, in the World Cup Qualification game against Scotland, which Ireland eventually went on to win 1-0.
Brosnan faces tough competition at Everton from Manchester United loanee, and England underage International, Emily Ramsey, so this World Cup is a brilliant chance for Brosnan to demonstrate her talent, on a World Stage.
Denise O’ Sullivan
Denise O’ Sullivan. Photo credit: Football Association of Ireland via Twitter.
If Ireland is to do well at this World Cup, it will be vital that Denise O’Sullivan is at the top of her game. The 29 year-old midfielder, who hails from Cork, has been a valuable member of this Irish squad since her debut in 2011. O’Sullivan has since amassed 102 International caps.
The midfielder played for both Cork City and Peamount United, before moving to Glasgow City in 2013. O’Sullivan moved to the NWSL in 2016, where she played for Houston Dash for a year, before moving to North Carolina Courage, where she still plays today.
The NCC woman was voted MVP (Most Valuable Player) for her team in both 2018 and 2019. O’Sullivan began her career as a forward and eventually developed into a playmaking midfielder. When Vera Pauw took over as Ireland manager in 2019, she hailed O’Sullivan as one of the best players in the world.
The playmaker will be looking forward to representing her country down under, and to showcase her talent, and work-rate that we have seen over recent years.
Kyra Carusa
After playing for the United States underage, Kyra Carusa made her Ireland Women’s team debut in 2020, after receiving Irish citizenship through her grandparents. Carusa played college football with Stanford and Georgetown. before being drafted as the 19th overall pick in 2019. However, the striker went a different route, instead signing for Le Havre AC, in which she made three appearances and scored four goals.
The 27 year-old then signed for HB Køge of Denmark, where she played for three years and became captain of the side. Carusa also won a Golden Boot and Player Of the Season award there, before joining the London City Lionesses in February 2023. In her 12 Irish appearances, Carusa has scored two goals. Vera Pauw has changed her teams’ system which now leaves Carusa up front as a lone target woman, as the rest of the team descends into a defensive system. Carusa has adapted well to this system, and won Player of the Match in the farewell game versus France last week.
Carusa will be hoping to do her Irish relations proud, as she pulls on the Green jersey, remembering her late Irish grandfather.
Abbie Larkin
Abbie Larkin is the youngest member of this Irish World Cup squad, having made her debut at only 16 year-old. The now 18 year- old is tipped as one of the stars of the future.
Larkin, who grew up in the Ringsend area, has made senior appearances in the Irish Women’s National League for both Shelbourne and her current team Shamrock Rovers.
The striker will likely be looking to make an impact off the bench at this World Cup.
Larkin is praised for her positioning, and the valuable runs she makes in behind defences.
During the friendly against Zambia, Larkin was one of the standout players, and rightfully earned her spot on the plane.
The 18 year-old will be looking to catch the attention of the world, and more importantly, some European coaches, as she will likely be heading abroad within the next few years.
Katie McCabe
Irelands captain and most valuable player, Katie McCabe has already made a name for herself, however, this tournament is a chance for McCabe to showcase her talent and leadership for her National team. McCabe mainly operates as a left back, although she is also a threat when she goes forward as she can also play as a left winger.
The Kilnamanagh native grew up playing for boys teams, before signing for Raheny United (now known as Shelbourne) once the Women’s National League was formed. McCabe signed for Arsenal in 2015, where she remains today, at the heart of the team after winning Women’s Player of the Season this year.
The 27 year-old made her Irish debut in 2015 and was appointed captain in 2017, at only 21 years-old, making her the youngest captain ever of the women’s team. McCabe will be hoping to have some success off of her set pieces, and will be counting on her aggressiveness and leadership to help her team through the group stages.
Irelands first World Cup game takes place on July 20th, at 11am BST. Click here to check out our guide to Irelands group B.
To read more Women’s World Cup related articles, click here.
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