Northern Ireland to host Republic of Ireland at Windsor Park

ANOTHER BIG OCCASION: Katie McCabe of Republic of Ireland in action against Caragh Hamilton of Northern Ireland during the UEFA Women's Nations League B1 match between Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland at the Aviva Stadium. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Northern Ireland will host Eileen Gleeson's Republic of Ireland at their national stadium, Windsor Park. 

The Nations League fixture - which is of little significance to the Republic, having already secured top spot in their group - will take place at the Belfast venue on Tuesday, December 5th.

Northern Ireland’s women’s team last played at the venue in April 2022 when they took on England in a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier.

The meeting of the near neighbours, which brings a close to the campaign, is likely to draw a large crowd given the numbers that turned out to watch the pair do battle at the Aviva Stadium back in September. 

Gleeson's side came out on top on that historic occasion, in what was the Republic of Ireland women's national team's first outing at the venue. 

A Lucy Quinn goal put the Republic on their way back in September, while Kyra Carusa and Lily Agg wrapped up proceedings in a three-nil win for the hosts. 

On the upcoming Windsor Park affair, Angela Platt, director of women’s football at the Irish FA, said: “The National Football Stadium at Windsor Park is the home of football in Northern Ireland. It is a place we are proud of and one that is befitting of this fixture.

“We are looking forward to welcoming our neighbours from the Republic of Ireland for what we hope will be a fantastic contest.

“It will also be an opportunity to demonstrate to everyone how far the women's game has come here and how it continues to grow across the island of Ireland.” 

Northern Ireland boss Tanya Oxtoby added: "To be back at the National Stadium at Windsor Park for a major senior women's international is testament to the growth of the women's game in Northern Ireland.

"For me, it will be particularly special to manage the team there for the first time. Not only do I feel that the players will benefit from this but our brilliant fans will make it an atmosphere to help the team perform to its peak."