Veteran O’Brien quits Irish international scene

IRISH senior women’s vice-captain Ciara O’Brien has announced her retirement from the international game, having amassed 156 caps over nine years.

The Chelmsford centre-back yesterday revealed she has been suffering a degenerative arthritic condition in both knees for the past year, and has based her decision on medical advice.

“This has been an extremely difficult decision to make, especially as I was determined to overcome my injuries and play a role with the squad at the upcoming Europeans in August,” she said.