Ireland will channel past pain for mission in Ukraine

The Republic of Ireland women’s side has never qualified for a major tournament - this group of players can change that

Denise O'Sullivan, left, and Katie McCabe during a Republic of Ireland Women training session at Obolon Arena in Kiev, Ukraine. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Opportunities like this don’t come around often.

The Republic of Ireland women’s side has never qualified for a major tournament and it’s almost 30 months since their hopes of making the last World Cup were ended with two defeats to Norway over four cruel days.