Áine O’Gorman: 'Ireland's women are on the cusp of something special'

Aine O'Gorman in action against Marina Hegering of Germany during the UEFA Women's 2021 European Championships Qualifier Group I match. Picture: Marcel Kusch/Sportsfile

Just over a year ago Áine O’Gorman was in Tallaght Stadium to take in the first game of the Vera Pauw era, the feeling of an RTÉ microphone in her hand not quite living up to the buzz of having boots on her feet.

Twelve months later, she’s part of an Ireland squad which find themselves on the cusp of history. The decision to end her international retirement ended up being an easy one. Since coming on board Pauw has encouraged her team to play open, attacking football, and the attractive style on the pitch has been matched with a renewed sense of enthusiasm off it. The 5,000 strong crowd who turned up to watch that 3-2 win over Ukraine last October represented a record home attendance for the women's team.