Denise O'Sullivan: Wales loss still hurts but it will stand to us with World Cup push

A 2-1 loss to Wales at the Aviva Stadium last December dashed Ireland's dreams of reaching this summer's Euros and they are destined for playoffs again following Tuesday's UEFA Nations League clash with Slovenia.

HOMETOWN HERO: Denise O'Sullivan with supporters after the UEFA Women's Nations League, League B match between Republic of Ireland and Slovenia at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile.

Initially Denise O’Sullivan admitted the pain from the Republic of Ireland’s failure to qualify for this summer's Women’s European Championship means she will be doing everything she can to avoid watching it.

But quickly, upon a brief reflection, the Cork native would backtrack on that statement to insist she will tune in but only to support her North Carolina Courage teammates that will be involved in the tournament in Switzerland when it kicks off on July 2.