LIMERICK’S Claire O’Riordan, as anticipated, has been included in the Republic of Ireland Squad for the upcoming World Cup in Australia/New Zealand.
Manager Vera Pauw revealed her 23-person squad on Wednesday (June 28) for next month’s tournament, which spills into August.
O’Riordan enhanced her prospects with an eye-catching performance, one that included a great headed goal (her first at international level) in the recent 3-2 defeat of Zambia at Tallaght Stadium, Dublin. She also enjoyed a strong end to the club season with Celtic, starring in their Scottish Cup final win against Rangers.
Ahead of the squad announcement, 28-year-old O’Riordan, who is spending time at home with family in Newcastle West, told RTÉ: “Whatever comes in the next few days I’m prepared for.”
“I’m grateful that I was part of the starting side (v Zambia) and I saw out the game, even if I had a few cramps.”
She continued: “Vera (Pauw) is the one who helped set me up for this game. I’m thankful to the staff that are around me to give me that boost and confidence.
“Everyone loves playing football games and that is why we are here because we love the game and it is our passion.
“We enjoy the preparations as we are building team moral and building as a group. We worked towards this game and I’m thankful we got the result.”
Concluded O’Riordan: “There is always an open line of communication there. I’m getting little tips and info so that I can add to my game. Even at half-time, you can never stop learning. They gave me some info that I was able to bring into the second half.”
Ireland are grouped with Australia, Canada and Nigeria.
Meanwhile on the local front, Treaty United host Bray Wanderers in the First Division at the Markets Field Stadium on Friday night (7.45pm). Goals from Enda Curran (his 28th in his relatively short spell with Treaty) and Willie Armshaw earned the visitors a wonderful 2-0 win at Athlone Town last time out.
