O'Sullivan agony as dark cloud descends over Ireland's World Cup prep

A sombre note descended on Ireland’s final training match against Colombia

DARK CLOUD: Sinead Farrelly of Republic of Ireland in action against Daniela Arias of Columbia during the women's friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Colombia at Meakin Park in Brisbane, Australia, ahead of the start of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Soon to share the world stage, Ireland and Australia seemed worlds apart on Friday as contrasting moods arose from their final preparatory assignments.

Whereas the Matildas basked in conquering another top-10 seeded team France before a record crowd in Melbourne of 50,629, a darker, more sombre note descended on Ireland’s final training match against Colombia, all of 1775 kilometres north to Brisbane.