Irish girls get winning start in Barcelona

Ireland’s women won the battle of the Celts with a tight 1-0 victory over Wales in their opening game at the European Nations Cup in Barcelona.

The Irish, who are also in a group with England, Germany, Ukraine and Italy, did not have it all their own way and were reduced to 10 players when UCD’s Ciara O’Brien was yellow-carded in the 20th minute.

This did not seem to affect them as just four minutes later vice-captain Lynsey McVicker, of Ballymoney, netted the only goal of the game.

In the second half Ireland were forced to play short-handed again when captain Rachael Kohler was sin-binned for her second green card but Wales could not take advantage and the Irish held on.