The one that got away - Aussie star Mary Fowler relishing Irish clash at World Cup

IRISH ROOTS: Mary Fowler of Australia during the women's international friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Australia at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Australian sensation Mary Fowler admits she was tempted to declare for Ireland, whom she’ll be facing in their Women’s World Cup opener in Sydney on July 20.

Fowler’s Dad Kevin was born in Ballymun and while her two siblings were part of Irish underage camps, Mary opted to stick with the Matildas when the offer to defect was tabled.