Ireland boss Vera Pauw called on fans to support the girls in green as they prepare to welcome fans to Tallaght Stadium for the first time in 18 months when Australia hosts Australia during a friendly match next Tuesday.

The women’s national team had a record turnout in their ill-fated European Championship qualifier with more than 5,000 in attendance against Ukraine and 4,500 against Greece before Covid-19 restrictions forced them to fight their campaign behind closed doors.

How damaging this was to their chances is questionable with the damage done in the away loss to Ukraine, a game Ireland dominated only to ultimately lose after a goal against their own abnormal side and a penalty kick missed opened the door for hosts to pinch the dam. spot that seemed Ireland to lose for most of the campaign.

The ensuing 3-1 loss to Germany on empty Tallaght land set the final nail in a campaign that has promised so much. But with Australia clashing the last game before Pauw’s side begin their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign next month, the manager sees the perfect opportunity for that support. growing to rekindle their bond with the team.

“We are really looking forward to reuniting with our fantastic fans at Tallaght Stadium after such a long time,” said Pauw.

“It wasn’t the same without the special atmosphere they create and the support they give to our players.

“Irish fans are known the world over for their passion, color and pride. It’s no secret that they help motivate our players during certain times of a game and they never let us in publication date.

“We have had some really memorable nights in Tallaght before and Tuesday may be another. We face an elite opponent in Australia, but most importantly we get to play in front of our own fans again.

“It would be fantastic to bring as many fans as possible to Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday because we – the players and the staff – would like to give them something back. We have missed our fans so much, but now we can end that wait with this game.

“After agreeing on an equal pay structure for the players and welcoming Sky as our very first main partner, we believe that women’s football in Ireland has never been in a better place off the pitch. Now we want to come back among our loyal fans and together let’s take the next steps forward. “

Republic of Ireland WNT Squad

Goalkeepers: Grace Moloney (reading), Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Eve Badana (DLR Waves)

Defenders: Harriet Scott (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Diane Caldwell (North Carolina Courage), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Claire Walsh (Glasgow City), Savannah McCarthy (Galway WFC), Áine O’Gorman (Peamount United) , Isibeal Atkinson (Celtic)

Midfielder : Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Jamie Finn (Birmingham City), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Ciara Grant (Shelbourne), Niamh Farrelly (Glasgow City), Aoibheann Clancy (Wexford Youths), Jess Ziu (Shelbourne), Katie McCabe (Arsenal)

Forward: Heather Payne (Florida State University), Rianna Jarrett (London City Lionesses), Amber Barrett (FC Koln), Kyra Carusa (HB Hoge), Clare Shine (Glasgow City), Emily Whelan (Birmingham City), Saoirse Noonan (Shelbourne), Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City)