Ronan: Fanatical fans key to beating France

WITH Cork City chasing promotion and an EA Sports Cup final taking place at the venue on Saturday, the big games just keep on coming at Turner’s Cross.

Tonight, it’s the turn of the Republic of Ireland women’s senior side who continue their UEFA Euro 2013 drive with their first home game of the campaign against World Cup semi-finalists France (kick-off 7.45pm).

And head coach Sue Ronan is expecting Leeside passion to give her players a real chance of pulling off a shock against one of the powerhouse teams in world football.

“The France game is going to be such a memorable occasion for all of the players and everybody involved in football in Cork,” she said. “The whole county is steeped in a rich tradition of women’s football and knowing that we go into this game with a fanatical crowd behind us can only help the team.”

Buoyed from their 2-0 victory in the opening game against Wales in Newport last weekend, Ireland have no major injury concerns ahead of what is bound to be a very tough test.

“It was a major relief to get off to a good start in the campaign with a win in Wales even though we didn’t play particularly well,” said Ronan.

“But this evening’s game is going to be another matter entirely.

“For us to get anything out of this game, we are going to have to play better than ever before and ensure that France do not play to their capability.”

Tickets for the Group 4 qualifier are priced at €5 for adults and €2 for children and are available at the turnstiles before the game.