Lucy Quinn determined to bring Ireland to next level after historic year

From a first major tournament, to making their debut at the Aviva Stadium, it has been a historic 2023 for the Ireland women's football team, and Lucy Quinn has played a big part in it.

The Birmingham City striker was part of the Ireland squad who played in their first World Cup this summer. Despite encouraging performances, it ended in the group stage with one point.

While Quinn described playing at a World Cup as a dream, she admits the Republic of Ireland could have achieved more down under.

Speaking to Breakingnews, the 31-year-old is hopeful the tournament can be used as motivation for the team to push on and reach more major tournaments.

"It was once in a lifetime, something I have dreamed about since I was really, really small. To be able to say I have done it, it just made me really proud to be Irish", said Quinn.

"It was a tough one to take as obviously it was our first major tournament experience and we want to grow from that, but I think we could have achieved a little bit more.

"I think we were really lucky to not get an equaliser in that first game against Australia, and what a result that would have been. I think the Canada game and Nigeria were both really competitive, and could have gone either way.

"It was an unbelievable experience, you reflect on it and learn a lot, but I'm hungry for more now, and I am eager to reach another major tournament.

It was fine margins that cost Ireland at the World Cup. A penalty was the difference between them and Australia, who were hosts and finished in fourth place, while Olympic gold medallists had to dig deep from a goal down to win 2-1.

The World Cup showed what the standard is required for Ireland at future tournaments, and while Quinn admitted she wishes some parts