The moment has arrived. After a historic qualification campaign that captivated a nation, Vera Pauw has named her final 23-player squad that will carry the hopes of the Republic of Ireland into their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup. This isn’t just a team; it’s a symbol of years of perseverance, a blend of hardened veterans and exciting young talent ready to make their mark on the world’s biggest stage. Mcw Casino brings you an exclusive, in-depth profile of every single history-maker set to take on Australia, Canada, and Nigeria in Group B.
The Last Line of Defense: Goalkeepers
Courtney Brosnan
The undisputed number one for the Girls in Green, Courtney Brosnan has been nothing short of phenomenal. The American-born Everton shot-stopper was the catalyst for the team’s incredible qualifying run. Her most iconic moment? A crucial 13th-minute penalty save from Caroline Weir against Scotland, which paved the way for Amber Barrett’s legendary winner. Prior to a friendly against the USA, Brosnan had an astonishing clean sheet record spanning over 650 minutes of international football—a testament to her focus and the team’s defensive solidity. Off the pitch, she’s known to be an avid reader, often bringing a small library to training camps.
Grace Moloney
A one-club woman until recently, Grace Moloney spent her entire career at Reading before their relegation. Born and raised in Slough, her dream of representing Ireland was nurtured by her father, who always kitted her out in the latest green jersey. Moloney is the ice-cool specialist for penalty shootouts, a skill she demonstrated this season by heroically leading Reading to an FA Cup victory over Leicester from the spot. Her long-standing friendship with England star Fran Kirby, dating back to their time together as 10-year-olds at Reading, adds a fascinating layer to her story.
Megan Walsh
Oozing experience, Megan Walsh holds a unique and impressive accolade: she has made the most saves in Women’s Super League history. As a free agent after leaving Brighton, the 28-year-old brings a wealth of top-flight experience as a reliable and proven backup option. While she has fewer caps than her counterparts, her potential at the international level is immense, having been the busiest goalkeeper in one of the world’s toughest leagues.
The Iron Wall: Defenders
Diane Caldwell
The calm and collected Diane Caldwell is a true footballing nomad, with professional experience in the USA, Iceland, Germany, and England. A lifelong Manchester United fan, she also made history by becoming the first Irishwoman to play for the club. Now at Reading, her commanding presence in both defense and midfield provides vital stability and leadership. She is on the cusp of a major milestone, potentially earning her 100th cap during the tournament.
Louise Quinn
Once described as a “tiger” by Vera Pauw, Louise Quinn is the embodiment of reliability. She started every single one of Birmingham City’s 29 fixtures in a challenging season, showcasing her durability and commitment. With set-pieces being a crucial part of Ireland‘s attacking strategy, Quinn’s aerial ability in the opposition box will be a significant threat. Her leadership and role in maintaining team cohesion are invaluable assets.
Heather Payne
The Florida State University star is a bundle of energy, typically deployed at right wing-back. Her pace and endless work rate make her a constant threat down the flank. At club level, she gains unique insights by sharing a dressing room with players from Australia, China, and Nigeria—potential World Cup opponents. Though she has only one international goal to her name, her relentless running and ability to work the channels make her a firm favorite.
Aine O’Gorman
One of Ireland‘s most celebrated footballers, Aine O’Gorman’s story is one of dedication. She earned over 100 caps before retiring internationally in 2018, only to reverse her decision in 2020 to help Ireland reach this very moment. The Shamrock Rovers captain, who started her career as a striker, brings incredible versatility. She was the only home-based starter in the historic team that beat Scotland 1-0 to qualify. She will have a special cheerleader in Australia; her son James turns one on July 24.
Claire O’Riordan
Claire O’Riordan’s journey to the World Cup is a testament to resilience. After a horrific ankle break sidelined her, she made her first competitive start in three years in a crucial win against Slovakia last September. The Celtic defender, who has a background playing camogie and Gaelic football for Limerick, knows how to win, scoring in Celtic’s Scottish Cup final victory over Rangers last season.
Niamh Fahey
A mainstay in Pauw’s defense, Liverpool captain Niamh Fahey is back to full fitness after a persistent injury. Her career is decorated with success, having won three WSL titles with Arsenal and Chelsea and earning promotion with Liverpool. A versatile player who can operate across the backline or in midfield, Fahey also boasts an All-Ireland Senior Ladies Football Championship title with Galway, won back in 2004.
Izzy Atkinson
The 21-year-old West Ham winger, who can also fill in at left-back, is heading to her first major tournament. She won her first cap at just 16 and brings valuable Champions League experience from her time with Celtic. She lives with her best friend and international teammate Jess Ziu, highlighting the close-knit nature of this squad.
The Engine Room: Midfielders
Katie McCabe
The captain, the leader, the poster girl. Katie McCabe is the heart and soul of this Irish team. Known for her fiery temperament and incredible quality, she stepped up as Arsenal captain this season amidst an injury crisis at the club. Her thunderous strike against Manchester City won the WSL Goal of the Season award, and she was the only WSL player named in the Champions League team of the season. From a family of 10 siblings, her leadership both on and off the pitch will be the glue that holds the team together in their World Cup debut.
Denise O’Sullivan
If McCabe is the heart, Denise O’Sullivan is the brain. The North Carolina Courage captain is a technically gifted, box-to-box midfielder referred to as a ‘junkyard’ player for her aggression and tenacity. Along with McCabe, she was utterly instrumental in qualification, with the pair contributing to half of Ireland‘s 26 goals. Vera Pauw has described her as “one of the best midfielders in the world,” and her ability to dictate the tempo of a game will be paramount against the world’s best.
Megan Connolly
An attack-minded midfielder with sublime technique, Megan Connolly’s set-piece delivery has been pivotal for Ireland. She scored one goal and set up another with her iconic free-kick in the qualifiers against Finland—a game she remarkably played with broken ribs. Now a free agent after leaving Brighton, her intelligence and dead-ball expertise will be key weapons.
Ruesha Littlejohn
The joker of the squad, Ruesha Littlejohn is a huge personality and a pivotal part of the team’s core. A quick and deadly finisher, she missed the historic qualification win over Scotland with a broken foot, making this World Cup appearance even more special for her. Off the pitch, she’s built a budding vlogging career on YouTube, endearing herself to fans with her charismatic personality.
Lucy Quinn
Lucy Quinn knows what it takes to score against Australia, having done so on her debut in a famous 3-2 win in 2021. Deployed in midfield or attack, she is never afraid to take a shot and has a habit of scoring spectacular goals, as evidenced by her two Goal of the Season awards at Birmingham City.
Lily Agg
Lily Agg has already secured her place in Irish football folklore. It was her header from a Connolly free-kick that secured the 1-0 win against Finland and Ireland‘s first-ever World Cup play-off. The London City Lioness, who also works as a sports lecturer, brings a proven track record of delivering in the biggest moments.
Ciara Grant
Ciara Grant’s journey is unique. She stepped away from football in 2015 to focus on her medical studies, trading the pitch for the hospital. Her return to the game has been triumphant, becoming a key leader at Hearts in Scotland and now earning her place on the plane to the World Cup.
Sinead Farrelly
Perhaps the most remarkable story in the squad. American-born Sinead Farrelly had been out of football for nearly eight years after bravely coming forward as a whistleblower in the US abuse scandal. Her debut for Ireland in April was emotional and transformative. Pauw has hailed her as the missing piece in the puzzle, a sharp and skilful midfielder who has single-handedly elevated the team’s tactical approach.
The Attacking Threat: Forwards
Amber Barrett
Forever known as the Hero of Hampden. Amber Barrett’s name is etched into Irish sporting history after her goal confirmed World Cup qualification. In a moment of profound poignancy, she used her celebration to pay tribute to the victims of the Creeslough tragedy. Despite a challenging season that saw her club, Turbine Potsdam, relegated from the German Bundesliga, Barrett brings an endless supply of positivity and a proven ability to deliver when it matters most.
Kyra Carusa
A bright, bubbly, and vocal leader on the pitch, US-born Kyra Carusa brings a impressive footballing CV. She was the MVP in Denmark’s top flight and has valuable Champions League experience from her time as captain of HB Koge. Now with London City Lionesses, her physical presence and goal-scoring record make her a formidable option in attack.
Abbie Larkin
The youngest member of the squad at just 18, Abbie Larkin is a sensational talent tipped for a huge future. She made her international debut at 16 and is already a regular starter, holding her own among experienced veterans. Her vision, positioning, and intelligent hold-up play belie her years. Remarkably, she has already started her coaching badges, demonstrating a deep understanding of the game.
Marissa Sheva
A new and exciting addition to the squad, Marissa Sheva is a rocket on the wing. The US-born Washington Spirit forward was initially a track and field star, excelling in the 3,000m steeplechase. She impressed immensely in the friendlies against her nation of birth, completing 100% of her dribbles and showing a fierce competitive edge in duels and recoveries.
Ireland’s History Makers Are Ready for the World
This is more than a squad; it’s a collection of stories—of resilience, comebacks, historic goals, and lifelong dreams realized. From the experience of O’Gorman and Caldwell to the youthful exuberance of Larkin, and the inspirational journeys of Farrelly and Barrett, Vera Pauw has selected a group that embodies the fighting spirit of Irish football.
They face a daunting task in a group with hosts Australia, Olympic champions Canada, and the powerful Nigeria, but this team has already proven they thrive under pressure. Their journey begins on July 20th in Sydney, and a nation will be watching, dreaming of more history to be made.
Who are you most excited to see play for Ireland at the World Cup? What are your predictions for the group stage? Share your thoughts and support for the Girls in Green in the comments below and don’t forget to share this Mcw Casino guide with fellow fans!
