WORLD CUP FEVER is starting to grow ahead of this month's Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand." The tournament will be Ireland's first-ever major tournament since the establishment of the women's team in 1973.
"Ireland will play co-hosts Australia, Nigeria, and Canada this month, and for the players, it is a chance to make history and cement a legacy for generations of Irish hopefuls to follow down the line."
Stars like Katie McCabe, Denise O'Sullivan, Niamh Fahey, and Courtney Brosnan are all household names in the women's game already, but there are members of Ireland's squad who will be unfamiliar to some fans at home.
Here is a profile of every member of Ireland's World Cup squad for the upcoming FIFA tournament.
Forwards
Marissa Sheva Age: 26 Club: Washington Spirit Born: Philadelphia, USA Ireland debut: China, 2023
Sheva, a talented middle-distance runner from Penn State, recently debuted against China. Sheva will be looking to impress Vera Pauw along with a number of other forwards this month. Born and raised in the United States to an American father and an Irish-American mother, Sheva has 3 caps for her country
Abbie Larkin Age: 18 Club: Shamrock Rovers Born Dublin Ireland debut: Russia, 2022
One to watch. Larkin is highly rated at Rovers and will most likely end up in England down the line. Larkin already has seven caps to her name and will most likely add to that tally when Ireland play their group games.
Kyra Carusa Age: 27 Club: London City Lionesses Place of birth: San Diego, USA Ireland debut: Montengro, 2020
Carusa has had a bit part role in Vera Pauw's side since 2020, Born in the United States, but able to play for Ireland through her grandparents, Carusa will be looking to make a claim for the number one jersey this summer.
Amber Barrett Age: 27 Club: Standard Liege Place of birth: Donegal Ireland debut: Wales, 2016
Amber Barrett became a household name in Irish football her World Cup defying goal against Scotland in the Autumn. Her solo strike ensured that Ireland would be heading the World Cup for the first time. Barrett has won 36 caps for her country and has scored seven times for the Girls in Green. She is best placed to Vera Pauw's starting forward after scoring 2 goals in the 3-2 win over Zambia last week.
Amber Barrett's goal but it's Reeling in the Years 1990 #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/wCJtquF0fG
— Adam Moynihan (@AdamMoynihan) October 11, 2022
Midfielders
Katie McCabe Age: 27 Club: Arsenal Born: Dublin Ireland debut: Hungary, 2015
McCabe, the shining star of the team, combines exceptional technical skills with relentless aggression. The team captain is expected to shine.
Denise O'Sullivan Age: 29 Club: North Carolina Courage Born: Cork Ireland debut: Wales, 2011
One of Vera Pauw's key players like McCabe. O Suillvan's pass against Scotland was perfectly timed for Amber Barrett to etch her name in history.
Lily Agg Age: 29 Club: London City Lionesses Born: Brighton, England Ireland debut: Philippines, 2022
Agg became a hero by scoring the crucial winning goal against Finland on the path to Australia and New Zealand. A tireless worker and skilled ball retriever, Agg dedicated that moment to her late grandmother from Cobh.
Ruesha Littlejohn Age: 32 Club: Free agent Born: Glasgow, Scotland Ireland debut: Hungary, 2012
With her enduring presence in the Ireland set-up, Littlejohn is a beloved figure known for her hard-running and smart distribution, providing stability in the midfield.
Ciara Grant Age: 30 Club: Hearts Born: Donegal Ireland debut: USA, 2012
A qualified physician and the first Republic of Ireland international to sign for Rangers since Alex Stevenson in 1932, Grant joined Hearts in 2022.
Sinead Farrelly Age: 33 Club: Gotham FC Born: Pennsylvania, USA Ireland debut: USA, 2023
Having been out of the game for eight years before signing with Gotham in March, Farrelly's exceptional football skills make her a guaranteed starter in the match against Australia.
Lucy Quinn Age: 29 Club: Birmingham City Born: Southampton, England Ireland debut: Australia, 2021
Quinn had an outstanding debut against Australia, scoring and delivering a stellar performance in a 3-2 friendly win. A late call-up because of Megan Campbell's withdrawal.
Dublin , Ireland - 25 November 2021; Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw, centre, with Katie McCabe, right, and Denise O'Sullivan. (Photo By Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile via Getty Images)Defenders
Áine O'Gorman Age: 34 Club: Shamrock Rovers Born: Wicklow Ireland debut: Denmark, 2006
A loyal servant to Ireland, O'Gorman came out of retirement and played a vital role in the historic playoff victory against Scotland under Pauw's guidance.
Louise Quinn Age: 33 Club: Birmingham City Born: Wicklow Ireland debut: Poland, 2008
As the defensive line underwent changes, Quinn remains a constant assett to Vera Pauw
Niamh Fahey
Age: 35 Club: Liverpool Born: Galway Ireland debut: Portugal, 2007
With 16 years of dedication to the national team, Fahey, a Galway native endured injury setbacks but made a timely return to secure her spot for the journey to Australia.
Diane Caldwell Age: 34 Club: Reading Born: Dublin Ireland debut: Denmark, 2006
Amidst wedding celebrations, Caldwell's dependability shone through. Although not always a starter, she consistently displays solidity when called upon by Pauw.
Megan Connolly Age: 26 Club: Free agent Born: Cork Ireland debut: USA, 2016
Connolly's courage and commitment were evident when she played through injury in the crucial victory against Finland. Her versatility allows her to contribute in defense and midfield.
Dublin , Ireland - 23 June 2020; Republic of Ireland international Chloe Mustaki during a rehabilitation session at the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin . (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)Age: 27 Club: Bristol City Born: Ohio Ireland debut: Russia, 2022
Born to an Irish mother and French father, Mustaki's football journey, including overcoming Hodgkin's Lymphoma and an ACL injury, is remarkable. Her selection in the final squad is well-deserved after impressive performances and overall improvement.
Izzy Atkinson Age: 21 Club: West Ham Born: Dublin Ireland debut: Portugal, 2018
The left-footer, who started at Shelbourne and moved to Celtic, scored the winning goal in the Scottish Cup final. Atkinson's progress earned her a surprise place in the squad, rewarded for her impressive displays against Zambia.
Heather Payne Age: 23 Club: Free agent Born: Roscommon Ireland debut: Scotland, 2017
From a lone striker to a flourishing right wing-back, Payne has adapted brilliantly. With her time at Florida State University concluded, she will be sought after by many clubs after the World Cup.
Claire O'Riordan Age: 28 Club: Celtic Born: Limerick Ireland debut: Hungary, 2016
O'Riordan showcased her brilliance in the Scottish Cup final and continued her excellent form in the friendly win over Zambia. Her inclusion in the World Cup squad is well-deserved.
Goalkeepers
Courtney Brosnan Age: 28 Club: Everton Born: New Jersey, USA Ireland debut: Montenegro, March 2020
Brosnan has become a vital player for Ireland during the qualification campaign. The 28-year-old has showcased significant improvement in recent years and will aiming for a lot of clean sheets in Australia.
Grace Moloney Age: 30 Club: Reading Born: Slough, England Ireland debut: Germany, December 2020
Having served as a backup to Emma Byrne during the 2015 World Cup qualification campaign, Moloney brings experience and reliability to the team
Megan Walsh Age: 28 Club: Free agent Born: Bromsgrove, England Ireland debut: Russia, February 2022
Recently released by Brighton and Hove Albion, Walsh made the switch to represent Ireland after previously playing for England at various youth levels. Qualifying through her Wexford-born grandfather. Walsh may or may not game time.
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/0gqiDod0Wm
— Courtney Brosnan (@court_brosnan18) July 1, 2023
Jamie Finn Age: 25 Club: Birmingham City Born: Dublin Ireland debut: Greece, 2019
Despite being left out of the final 23, Finn's versatility and skills make her a valuable asset. If injuries occur before the July 19 cut-off, she will be elevated to the squad.
Harriet Scott Age: 30 Club: Birmingham City Born: Reading Ireland debut: Czech Republic, 2017
Scott couldn't secure a place in the final 23 but provides reliable defensive cover
Sophie Whitehouse Age: 26 Club: Lewes FC Born: Enfield, England Ireland debut: Yet to make her debut
While it's unlikely that Whitehouse will see any playing time, her presence in training is valuable. As a backup goalkeeper, she could make the matchday squads if injuries happen
