'Denise did us proud': Mother says watching her play is better than any champagne

Denise O'Sullivan only had to barely touch the ball and an excited ripple of cheers and roars would erupt from those gathered at the Knocknaheeny/Hollyhill Youth Project

Nuala O'Sullivan (right), mother of Irish international Denise with Linda O'Rourke, watching the final World cup group stage game against Nigeria at the Knocknaheeny/Hollyhill youth centre. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Denise O'Sullivan’s hopes of Ireland securing a World Cup win over Nigeria may have been dashed by the end of Ireland's last of three games in Australia, but back home, the fact the celebrated midfielder played such a central role in her team’s world cup bid was enough.

Picture: Eddie O'Hare