Ward relieved to have 'world class' O'Sullivan for crunch double-header

All of Ireland’s World Cup ambitions rest on the shoulders of the women after the men bowed out in the playoff semi-final on Thursday in Czechia.

Ireland's Denise O'Sullivan. Pic: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Carla Ward can’t be certain if Denise O’Sullivan’s presence would have helped pinch a point in Netherlands but she’s relieved to have the Corkwoman for the upcoming Poland double-header.

Ireland are already guaranteed entry into the World Cup playoffs later this year by virtue of beating League A nation Belgium last October but the mission is to finish third in their top-tier group.