All roads lead to Cork as the Republic of Ireland wrap up their Euro 2025 qualification campaign against France at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh this evening.
It's five defeats out of five for the Girls in Green so far, and yet spirits are relatively high thanks to one late consolation goal and a couple of novelty factors.
Julie-Ann Russell's hooked stoppage-time volley against England at Carrow Road last Friday didn't prevent Ireland from slipping to a 2-1 loss, but there was an intense relief about finding the net for the first time in eight games. More importantly, it enhanced their overall European Qualifiers ranking, which directly impacts seeding status for the play-offs.
Ireland are ahead of Poland on goal difference (they have a four-goal buffer), and must keep it that way to ensure they'll be seeded for the play-offs.
Russell is also responsible for one the novelties that's lifted morale in the camp. Baby Rosie has been the star of the show behind the scenes, keeping her mam company at the squad's Castleknock Hotel base last week and reuniting with her in Cork on Sunday.
"She's the most welcome member, new addition to squad," said Gleeson of the one-year-old. "It creates a lovely environment and helps Julie-Ann stay in the game."
The other unusual aspect to the build-up is the venue: around 14,500 tickets have been shifted for the landmark international at the home of Cork GAA. The pitch dimensions have been shrunk at the Páirc, much to Katie McCabe's relief. "I was apprehensive about how wide the pitch was going to be but they've taken it in!" she laughed, waving her arms at the ground's wide open field.
McCabe returns for this one after serving a one-game suspension. Gleeson is still without Kyra Carusa (hamstring) and
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