28 June 2023; Primary Partners of the Republic of Ireland Womens National Team, Sky Ireland, celebrated the WNT ahead of the World Cup with an unforgettable night in The Round Room at the Mansion House in Dublin. Pictured are Republic of Ireland players, from left, Claire O’Riordan, Amber Barrett, Diane Caldwell and Lucy Quinn. The event, hosted with Off the Ball, brought players and fans together to celebrate the team before they travel to Australia to take part in the biggest tournament in the teams history. Special guest performances on the night came from impressionist Conor Moore and singer-songwriter Gavin James. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile *** NO REPRODUCTION FEE ***
Newcastle West’s Claire O’Riordan has been named in Republic of Ireland’s World Cup squad that is heading out to Australia later this week for what will be the country’s first ever major Tournament.
A 31 strong squad was originally named for pre World Cup training and that has now been whittled down to 23 including the west Limerick woman.
Claire O’Riordan played football locally in Newcastle West before pursuing third level education in Carlow which allowed an opportunity to link up with Wexford Youths and to feature in the Women’s League of Ireland.
Her displays with the Wexford club were quickly noticed and earned her a move to German side MSV Duisburg. Last summer Claire transferred to Celtic.
An eventful first year in Scotland culminated in her helping the club retain the Scottish Cup with a 2-0 victory over Rangers in which she scored her side’s second goal.
Her growing reputation in the squad was further enhanced in the Republic of Ireland’s recent 3-2 friendly win over Zambia when again she featured among the goals.
Claire and her teammates will fly out this week for a sporting opportunity of a life time.
The Republic of Ireland are in Group B with the host country Australia, Nigeria and Canada. Vera Pauw’s side will feature in the World Cup opener on Thursday July 20th at 11am (Irish time) against the hosts at Stadium Australia, Sydney when Claire and her team mates will be appearing in front of an 81,000 sell-out crowd.
Seven days later the Republic will face Canada at the Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth before completing the Group when taking on Nigeria in the Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane on Monday July 31st.