Ireland women park their disappointment to win friends and fans

To Tallaght Stadium last Tuesday for the women’s international between Ireland and Portugal, with a lot riding on the night. On and off the pitch.

Not so much for the home side, unfortunately, since qualification for the 2017 Euro finals was already beyond their reach. For the Portuguese, by contrast, victory in this last game of the campaign would still give them a chance of a shot at the play-offs and a place in the finals in the Netherlands next year.

Not that the match was without meaning for the hosts, of course. No opportunity to don the green shirt ever is or ever can be and, on Tuesday, there were the additional incentives for Ireland of seeking a victory which would not only enhance their seeding for the 2019 World Cup but would also represent a notable double over Portugal, Sue Ronan’s team having already beaten them 2-1 away.