Fearless Abbie Larkin can carry the fight to Canada

The opening game for Ireland was one of so much emotion. A day not to ever be forgotten for the team, the thousands of Irish fans present and the whole of a country back home watching on.

The 'ole ole' chant heard ringing out through the stadium as the team was walking out passed shivers through the RTÉ studio. A lot of emotions were present but primarily it was pride for the team walking out.

For the players, that day will live on forever in their memories and can never be taken away.

The result unfortunately didn't go Ireland's way. That second-half Steph Catley penalty was enough for the Aussies to take the three points. It could have been a much different ending though had one of Ireland's chances in the last 20 minutes been converted.

Australia had the majority of possession in the first half but clear chances were not on offer with Ireland at times frustrating the hosts and limiting them to long-range shots.

Half-time brought 0-0 and a breather to take in the history that had just been made. So much to build on for the second half. The penalty inside the first 10 minutes of the second half changed things. Although a goal down, we looked as though a weight had been lifted and the confidence began to show in Ireland's play.

The battles were evident throughout the whole game with the physical side once questioned, now never in doubt and there for all to see. With hard tackles coming in from Katie, Denise, Ruesha and more; the girls were very much up for the game.

The substitutions of Abbie Larkin and Lucy Quinn just after the hour mark saw a big shift in Ireland's forward play. With seven corners and seven attempts at goal coming in the last 25 minutes of the game, momentum was behind the girls.

Australia still a threat on