Páirc Uí Chaoimh in frame to host women's Euro qualifier against France

Thomond Park was also in the mix.

SuperValu Páirc Ui Chaoimh could host Ireland vs France on July 16. Picture: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Tue, 14 May, 2024 - 22:26

John Fallon

Cork’s SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh is now favourite to stage Ireland’s final women’s Euro qualifier against France on Tuesday, July 16.

Lansdowne Road is unavailable due to pitch renovations while their back-up venue of Tallaght Stadium must be reserved for Shamrock Rovers pending the draw for their Champions League first round tie.

Turner’s Cross, with a capacity of around 7,000, was considered but it’s believed the FAI favour the larger capacity at the home of Cork GAA. The two seated stands cater for a 21,000 capacity.

Ireland last played a women’s international in Cork 12 years ago and the fixture would represent a homecoming for Denise O’Sullivan, Megan Connolly, Saoirse Noonan, as well as Eileen Gleeson’s assistant coach Colin Healy.

Thomond Park was also in the mix but it’s believed talks are progressing on securing the GAA venue after Central Council in March granted permission for “rugby and soccer events” to take place in Croke Park and Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Ireland’s reward for topping their Nations League B group last December was promotion to the top tier for the 2025 qualifiers.

The March draw in Nyon pitted Ireland into the group of death against the sides ranked third (France), fourth (England) and fifth (Sweden) in the FIFA standings - only bettered by World champions Spain and their predecessors USA.

Such high-level calibre opposition, coupled with the team’s rising profile from their World Cup appearance last summer, influenced the FAI’s switch to the national stadium.

After losing their opener in Metz 1-0 to France, Ireland welcomed England to Dublin 4, a 2-0 loss which attracted a turnout of 32,742.

They are back at Lansdowne soon on Friday, May 31 for the visit of Sweden, the first of a double-header in the window that concludes in Gothenburg on June 4.

July’s final pair of matches are against Euro champions England at Norwich City’s Carrow Road on Friday, July 12 before the last assignment against the French.

Even if, as seems almost certain, Ireland don’t secure a top-two finish to qualify for a first-ever Euros in Switzerland next year, they have the fallback route of playoffs in October and November to navigate their path.