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Cork accents 'getting stronger' in squad as Ireland focus for French invasion

The Republic of Ireland continue their Euro 2025 qualification campaign against France in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND Manager Eileen Gleeson paid a visit to Páirc Uí Chaoimh a few months ago with one eye on what awaited her team at the iconic venue this week.

a-view-of-training The Ireland team in Páirc Uí Chaoimh before their Euro 2025 qualifier against France on Tuesday. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

Home to Cork GAA, groundsmen were out this morning converting the pitch into a football surface in preparation for Republic of Ireland v France in the Euro 2025 qualifiers. By the time the media scrum walked out to greet Gleeson and captain Katie McCabe with recorders and questions, the soccer goal posts were already up. The stands all around us were decorated in Outbelieve advertising boards. A new lick of white paint outlining the dimensions of a soccer field had already been applied.

That brings relief to McCabe. She was initially startled when she saw the width of a GAA pitch unfold before her on first glance. She laughs when she realises where she is and the work that is going on around her to put her in more familiar surroundings. Some of her teammates know this place. Cork is home to Denise O’Sullivan, Megan Connolly and Eva Mangan. Colin Healy is a Rebel too. The occasion is having an affect on their accents.

“Colin, Denise, Megs, Eva, they’re all getting stronger and stronger,” McCabe laughs. Even [RTÉ Soccer Correspondent] Tony O’Donoghue over there, he’s happy to be back as well.

“Lily Agg is still working on hers!” she added, referring to her teammate’s roots in Cobh.

This isn’t the first time that Páirc Uí Chaoimh has hosted a football game. A tribute match to honour the memory of Liam Miller was held here in 2018.

As the doors open once again to the sport, both Ireland captain and manager are delighted with the efforts to make them feel at home.

“The work they’ve been doing is phenomenal,” says Gleeson. “It looks amazing. We’re really enjoying being here in Cork.”

eileen-gleeson Republic of Ireland manager Eileen Gleeson. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

This is Ireland’s final group game in the qualifying campaign. The teams come into the tie with contrasting ambitions as their paths to Switzerland start to diverge. Ireland are aiming for a seeded place in the play-offs while France, current leaders in Group A3, are out to top the group. Fast, direct ball is what Gleeson expects to see from the visitors after the 6pm kick-off.

And with that in mind, the focus for her team is to avoid conceding an early goal. 

“It’s been a feature in our games,” says Gleeson referring to Alessia Russo’s fifth-minute goal in a 2-1 win for England last Friday. The French also struck a blow in the seventh minute when Ireland travelled to Metz for their opening qualifier back in April.

“We need to make sure we’re not chasing early,” Gleeson continues before thinking back to the French game and the Marie-Antoinette Katoto goal which she feels was “preventable.”

Throughout the campaign, Gleeson has watched her side evolve. She points to their performance last Friday and the improved transitional movements in her side’s build-up play. A more composed approach to holding possession was evident too.

When asked what changed after England’s goal to help her side grow more into the contest, she said:

“We changed the flat three to a two and a one. And the strikers were meant to be engaging higher so we had to reinforce that message, that they were the first line of the press.

“That wasn’t happening so the England centre-backs obviously had a lot of time on the ball that we didn’t want them to have, and then (Keira) Walsh was picking up the ball so we just affected that area and then got the press on. That first 20 minutes felt like hours but I think they did really take on that change and it helped. We were much more secure then.”

Julie Ann-Russell’s goal in the 94th minute was Ireland’s first in this qualification campaign. They have conceded nine times. Gleeson agrees that her side’s opening goal of 2024 brings a “psychological boost” to the group but highlights that her team were always confident that they could score. 

“I think there’s a reality around this group and who we’re playing,” she explains.” I know people were pulling stats out of here and there but if you look at the games between those teams in the group, against France and England – they’re not high-scoring games. You’re playing against top opposition.

“We didn’t think we were never going to score again.”

Russell’s performance off the bench has put her in the conversation regarding tomorrow’s line-up, according to Gleeson. And her goal strengthens Ireland’s chances of earning a seeded play-off spot and avoiding a more difficult to next summer’s tournament. Poland, who are Ireland’s nearest rivals, are four behind on goal difference.

“It does have to affect,” the Ireland boss replies when asked about the importance of their battle with Poland.

“It has to kind of be the starting point, goal difference. We can’t control anything that goes on in the Iceland-Poland game with what we do here, but if we throw caution to the wind and concede five goals they have a better goal difference so you have to be realistic. It’s international football, we want to have that seeded place and do everything we can do. It’s definitely the starting point in the conversation.”

Gleeson is happy to report a clean bill of health in the squad. And the welcoming atmosphere of the locals is making their trip to Cork all the more enjoyable.

A French invasion awaits.

“We go on little walks and we’re getting great support, it’s really positive, the girls are loving it, the hotel is brilliant.”

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    Mute Ronan O'Healy
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    Jun 11th 2015, 9:56 PM

    Breen
    Breen Breen Breen Breen

    Breen Breen Breen Breen

    Breen Breen

    198
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    Mute EoinM
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    Jun 11th 2015, 10:53 PM

    Aaaaaand number 1 is Gary Breen….

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    Mute Bee Shop
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    Jun 12th 2015, 2:44 AM

    Westwood

    Coleman O’Shea Wilson Brady

    Hoolahan McCarthy McClean McGeady

    McGoldrick Long

    ———————-
    Subs:

    Walters
    Keane
    Hendrick

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    Mute Liam Gallagher
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    Jun 12th 2015, 1:15 PM

    How anyone would start Westwood ahead of Gary Breen in goals is beyond me…

    8
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    Mute Rory Fleming
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    Jun 11th 2015, 9:45 PM

    Long
    McClean Hoolahan. McGeady
    Whelan. McCarthy
    Brady. Wilson O’Shea Coleman
    Given

    130
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    Mute N O hUallaigh
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    Jun 11th 2015, 10:37 PM

    I find it very odd that Forde isn’t being mentioned by anyone, he has done nothing wrong, in fact he’s been our best player and man of the match in a few games in the last campaign

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    Mute N O hUallaigh
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    Jun 11th 2015, 11:30 PM

    is he injured or something?

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    Mute Hugh Jass
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    Jun 12th 2015, 12:11 AM

    Forde would never have played a minute only Westwood got injured. He was solid but unspectacular and it was only a matter of time before he lost his place. It is probably unfair on him but it’s nothing to do with fairness at this level. This isn’t u-10. The fact is both Given and Westwood are better keepers who are also in better club form and therefore should be ahead of him.

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    Mute Ger
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    Jun 12th 2015, 12:44 AM

    Forde has just had a mare of a season. I think it’s a close call between Givens experience and Westwoods form this season but I’d probably just favour Shay. and I’d go with the same 11 you picked Rory.

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    Mute Augustus hoop
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    Jun 12th 2015, 7:05 AM

    Few inaccuracies here – Forde first started competitively against Sweden – Westwood was fully fit and on bench but was having a mare at Sunderland at the time and at the time there was a feeling that trap still blamed him for the 6 going on against Germany (Westwood wasn’t for me at fault).
    Forde was widely regarded as one of millwalls best players this season.
    Being solid is all you want from a keeper!
    Having said all of that – a confident Westwood should be in the team – it’s iust very harsh on forde

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    Mute N O hUallaigh
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    Jun 12th 2015, 8:30 AM

    I knew the club form would be mentioned and that’s a load of boll*x: firstly milwall were absolutely rubbish last year and their defence had more holes than a colander, you couldn’t blame Forde and I wonder here how many saw actual millwall games? secondly club form doesn’t always translate to international, just look at Coleman and McCarthy who should be setting the world alight and have yet to really do it with an Irish jersey on, and look at the likes of Gary Breen who we all take the Mick out of of but was one of our stand out performers at 2002 world cup while without a club. fact of the matter is Given I thought shouldn’t have been beaten from that angle against the poles and I think is well past his best, Westwood has had a couple of nightmares in the green jersey while Forde has actually kept us in games with great saves and solid performances, it should be a meritocracy

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    Mute Cathal O'Flaherty
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    Jun 11th 2015, 9:51 PM

    Bonner

    Hughton McGrath McCarthy Staunton

    Houghton Whelan Townsend Sheedy

    Aldridge Quinn

    112
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    Mute Liam Gallagher
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    Jun 12th 2015, 1:44 PM

    That’s one of the best line ups I’ve seen without Gary Breen starting but I can’t help but guess, 47 and that’s a conservative guess at your age my man???

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    Mute Joe Mckay
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    Jun 11th 2015, 9:42 PM

    Westwood

    Coleman oshea Wilson Brady

    Walters whelan mccarthy mcgeady

    Hoolahan

    Long

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    Mute Patrick Calvey
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    Jun 11th 2015, 10:19 PM

    How anyone can argue that given should start ahead of Westwood needs their head tested, given is a sub goal keeper, way past his best. Westwood had an unbelievable season with Sheffield Wednesday and is Ireland’s best keeper by far, I thought it was harsh dropping Forde as he has done well for Ireland but to give Given the number one spot is a joke!

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    Mute Emmett McNamara
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    Jun 11th 2015, 10:57 PM

    agree absolutely. he was shocking when he can on against the tans. he even pulled off a dreaded kick out straight to throw in. way past it and a liability at this stage

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    Mute Barry Newell
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    Jun 12th 2015, 12:17 AM

    He also conceded 11 in his last two clubs matches

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    Mute Emmett McNamara
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    Jun 11th 2015, 11:07 PM

    I was having a look at our results page on wiki and I got sad. Lads the Holland game was 14 years ago. We haven’t beaten anyone worth writing home about since. 14 years like. On Sat evening we just have to win. Enough talking and draws and friendly wins and blaming managers tactics and bitching. We need 3 points. Simple as. The players need to believe in themselves and man up. If they don’t it could be the end for a lot of fans. Not only is our qualification riding on this our seeding for the upcoming wc draw is in the balance too. It’s massive. COYBIG

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    Mute Mick S
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    Jun 11th 2015, 11:59 PM

    Yeah Emmet I like it. Players just need to do the business. Can’t wait for it.

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    Mute Emmett McNamara
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    Jun 12th 2015, 12:09 AM

    if you hear a man freaking out in block 107 that’s me! COYBIG

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    Mute Lochlainn McKenna
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    Jun 13th 2015, 8:41 AM

    See you in block 107 pal!

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    Mute Mark Gerard Lochlain
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    Jun 11th 2015, 9:52 PM

    What’s the craic like…do we have to win or what? :)

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    Mute Don Draper
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    Jun 11th 2015, 10:00 PM

    4/5 picked given and Whelan. I’m sorry lads but are yous having a laugh!?

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    Mute Kilbur
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    Jun 11th 2015, 10:24 PM

    I’d pick Whelan, just because we lost against em when he didn’t play. Westwood should start ahead of Given though

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    Mute Thomas O' Donnell
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    Jun 11th 2015, 10:29 PM

    We lost when I didn’t play too?

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    Mute Tom Sheerin
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    Jun 11th 2015, 10:57 PM

    Whelan gets a hard time and doesn’t deserve it. He is a strong holding midfielder who has held off many the challenge to his position at Stoke. His role is not pretty and his influence is understated. This was proven in the Germany where 5 mins after he went off injured they scored through an area he patrols. For me it’s McCarthy who really needs to step up in the green and justify the hype surrounding his ability, we’ve not seen it yet for Ireland.

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    Mute david gaynor
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    Jun 11th 2015, 10:28 PM

    I can definitely see a red card in this game.

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    Mute Cosmo Kramer
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    Jun 11th 2015, 9:55 PM

    Given should be nowhere near the team

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    Mute James McNamara
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    Jun 11th 2015, 10:05 PM

    Westwood, Coleman, O’Shea, Wilson, Brady, McGeady, Mccarthy, Holohan, McClean, Long, Murphy

    21
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    Mute Irishoversea
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    Jun 11th 2015, 9:37 PM

    Given
    O Shea. Keogh Wilson

    Coleman Brady

    McCarthy Holhann Whelan

    Walters
    Long.

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    Mute Irishoversea
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    Jun 11th 2015, 9:39 PM

    I’d changed my mind Keane over Walters

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    Mute Don Draper
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    Jun 11th 2015, 10:13 PM

    Westwood, Coleman, o’sea , Wilson, Brady McCarthy, hoolihan , Myler Walters MacLean long

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    Mute WorldCupStickers
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    Jun 11th 2015, 9:45 PM

    Jack Freakish should start…

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    Mute WorldCupStickers
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    Jun 11th 2015, 9:49 PM

    Meant Grealish but I’m sure he’s been called worse

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    Mute Glenn Harman
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    Jun 11th 2015, 9:37 PM

    Given, Coleman, O Shea, Wilson, Brady, McGeady, Whelan, Mcarthy, Walters, Keane, Long

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    Mute Robert O'Sullivan
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    Jun 12th 2015, 12:22 AM

    Westwood Coleman O’Shea Wilson Brady McGeady McCarthy S.Quinn Hoolahan McClean Long

    5
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    Mute Glenn Finlay
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    Jun 11th 2015, 11:41 PM

    In goals : Westwood,
    3backs : Meyler, O’Shea, Wilson
    5midfield: Coleman, Whelan, Hendicks, Brady
    Hoolahan
    Strikers: Walters, Long

    Suds: 60min Arthur for Hoolahan
    : 70min McGeady for Brady
    : 75min. Keane for ????

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    Mute David Duignan
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    Jun 11th 2015, 9:35 PM

    Patrick wards pick is the most balanced

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    Mute Cormac Byrne
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    Jun 12th 2015, 9:07 AM

    Westwood
    Coleman O’Shea Wilson Brady
    McCarthy Whelan
    Walters Hoolahan McGeady
    Long

    Subs:McClean 65 minute mark, will get the croud going and his energy will cause tired defenders problems.

    Hendrick: Go to a 3 man midfield at half time if under the cosh, take Walters off and send Wes out on the right.

    Keane:70 minute mark if we need a goal.

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    Mute Ciaran McHugh
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    Jun 12th 2015, 8:14 AM

    Given Coleman oshea Wilson Brady mcgeady Hendrick McCarthy McClean Holohan Long

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    Mute Aidan
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    Jun 12th 2015, 12:25 PM

    Forde
    Coleman O’Shea Wilson Brady
    Hendrick McCarthy
    McGeady Long McClean
    Murphy

    1
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