Leanne Kiernan: 'I really do look back now and I think everything was meant to happen like this, so it was good'

Between her serious ankle injury and Vera Pauw’s snub last summer, Kiernan went back to basics, effectively mucking in with her parents and siblings in Cavan.

BACK TO HER BEST: Having undergone a rebirth of sorts last summer, Leanne Kiernan has a birth to fill the gap between football this time. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Having undergone a rebirth of sorts last summer, Leanne Kiernan has a birth to fill the gap between football this time.

Vera Pauw’s doubts over the striker’s durability cost Kiernan a ticket to the World Cup, her role in Ireland’s tournament a fan at home in Bailieborough rather than a player in Brisbane.