Experienced Carla Ward must lead urgent upturn for Ireland WNT

Ireland are aware from their feat of reaching Australia in 2023 how difficult the World Cup route is. A mere 11 places from Europe is guaranteed for the Brazil showpiece in 2027

Carla Ward at the Aviva Stadium where she has been announced as the new Republic of Ireland women's head coach. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Six hours after FAI staff were informed budgetary cuts would slow recruitment, a newcomer was enlisted whom they hope can ease their debt pile.

Women’s football isn’t a cash-cow — the €1.8m lost by failing to reach Euro 2025 is 90% less than the men’s equivalent — but a year without major tournament exposure is costly to the association in other ways.