John Fallon: Average age of women’s team is 29 — but is there any appetite for change?

It’s not CarlaWard's job to prioritise youth, but the clock is ticking.

Ireland’s Denise O'Sullivan dejected after conceding against France. Pic: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

SEEING as the FAI are heralding a better future, you’d wonder if the fact that there are just three Irish-born players in the women’s national team is pause for thought. Ditto with the average age.

By the time the association’s latest strategy document matures in 2029, it will be the European Championships again, and likely a swansong for most of Carla Ward’s current team.