LAST UPDATE | 22 May 2024
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U19 midfielder Eva Mangan has received a first call-up to the women’s senior squad ahead of their Euro 2025 qualifier double-header against Sweden.
Ireland will return to the Aviva Stadium on Friday, 31 May to host the Olympic runners-up before travelling to Stockholm for the second game on Tuesday, 4 June.
Mangan has been included in Eileen Gleeson’s selection after impressing for Cork City in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division this season. The 19-year-old captains the Leesiders, and represented Ireland at underage level.
“I’ve watched Eva throughout the years, we had her in some previous home-based sessions in a former role,” Gleeson told a press conference this morning.
“Eva is a very competent player. For us, and as a developmental pathway going forward, it’s important for me that we develop the LOI and that we take care of players there and provide pathways as well.
“Eva’s been doing really well with Cork City and I would like to see her in our environment and see how she copes with the step up in intensity with the environment.
“We’re delighted to bring Eva in, she’s super happy to get the call, of course. I’m proud for her, I’m sure her family and everyone in Cork is proud. I’m looking forward to having her in.”
Elsewhere, Niamh Fahey and Heather Payne are unavailable for this squad due to Achilles injuries, while Chloe Mustaki, Tara O’Hanlon and Jamie Finn are continuing their recovery from long-term injuries.
Manchester City youngster O’Hanlon is out for “16 to 18 weeks” with a fresh hamstring tear, Gleeson confirmed.
“Tara is in a good environment and when it’s done, she’ll have a good return to play protocol and we’ll manage her introduction.
“Heather hasn’t played for seven weeks and is only back training a week. We knew Niamh was off feet for the same duration. We knew it was going to be very tight on any hope.
“We were still in conversation with Niamh in the last days but we’ve to take care of the player and their injury. There’s no point on us rushing. If the player is not ready, they’re not ready. We have to sustain that absence and look to the longer-term view for the next camps.”
Denise O’Sullivan had emerged as an injury concern ahead of the double-header after picking up a knee injury with her club North Carolina Courage recently.
As reported by The42 yesterday, O’Sullivan was named among the midfielders.
“I’m feeling very positive now,” Gleeson added on the Cork centurion’s status. “Obviously when these things happen it’s very concerning.
“The injury is a lot more minor than initially thought — at the most a Grade 1 MCL knee injury. Denise is in good form, she’s looking forward to coming in, we’re feeling very positive that she will be available for us.”
As expected, Katie McCabe is also included amidst a hectic schedule for club and country. The Irish captain is currently in Melbourne for a post-season friendly with Arsenal.
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Sweden named their squad yesterday. McCabe’s clubmate Stina Blackstenius is out with a hip injury.
Ireland WNT Squad
Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (London City Lionesses), Sophie Whitehouse (Lewes)
Defenders: Jessie Stapleton (West Ham United), Diane Caldwell (FC Zurich), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Caitlin Hayes (Celtic), Anna Patten (Aston Villa), Aoife Mannion (Manchester United), Megan Campbell (London City Lionesses)
Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Bristol City), Ruesha Littlejohn (London City Lionesses), Tyler Toland (Blackburn Rovers), Lily Agg (Birmingham City), Jess Ziu (West Ham United), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Erin McLaughlin (Peamount United), Eva Mangan (Cork City), Izzy Atkinson (Crystal Palace)
Forwards: Kyra Carusa (San Diego Wave), Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool), Emily Murphy (Wake Forest University), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace), Amber Barrett (Standard Liege).
- Additional reporting from Emma Duffy
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Aldo’s loves talkin nonsense. Im 100% the next fight will be vs Halloway. Aldo prob holds the record in most pull outs and is p4p the biggest moaner in the UFC
Ariel Helwani tweeted that he fact checked everything Aldo said about UFC208 and the LW title shot in March after the interview and its 100% accurate.
At this stage the way everything is going in the UFC, why not. Probably Ferguson (if Khabib ducked Jose) and then McGregor II. Aldo to be the only man to get knocked out by the same man in 2 different weight class title fights? The interim title, if used properly, could be even better than the unfortunate “Number 1 contender” spot for the fighters, at least you have some guarantee you’ll get a title shot if you’re parading around with a belt.
What is it Conor says? “Losers focus on winners”
I’m fairly sure hundreds of people said that before Conor.
Yes. People have said words before.
Yea Brian, and people said “I’ll be back” before The Terminator did. Just because others have said a term doesn’t mean someone else can’t utter the phrase.
@Brian: Unfortunately Brian, Conor just tells it better. Because everyone can see it happening.
Well David the point wasn’t that nobody else can utter the phrase, the point was it wasn’t Conor who coined it. It was also recently made famous by LeBron James so if anything it’s his before Conors. I know the first comment went over your heard do I expect this one too.
*head
Aldo is now chasing Conor to save face. I never respected him when he was champ as he backed out of too many fights when the opponent was willing & ready. Many got beaten by a replacement never to be heard of again it’s how Pettis got to where is now… http://m.fightland.vice.com/blog/jose-aldo-a-history-of-pulling-out-of-title-fights. Conor should let him waste away after how he has gone on. Spoilt little runt
Think Holloway beat Aldo, and McGregor for that matter. Most improved fighter in the UFC, savage he is.
@Colin Foley: I disagree, I reckon Aldo would have his number. Holloway has looked great against the lower tier but Edgar, Mendes, Aldo and McGregor are at a different level to the fellas he’s beaten. Pettis is a decent enough win but the tough weight cut could’ve had a big impact on Pettis’ performance.
@DL: The lower tier??? Delusional!!! Holloway has basically cleared out that division bar Conor. Holloway would light Aldo up. His striking is on another level to Aldo
Mendes still the best on the ground for me and a match for anyone, would love to see a rematch between a properly prepped Mendes and McGregor
@Breandán Ó hEidhin: Yes, the lower tier. Edgar, Mendes, McGregor and Aldo are the elite of the division and he hasn’t beaten any of them. You’re the delusional one if you think Holloway’s striking is on another level to Aldo’s. Aldo has brilliant jiu jitsu and yet we never see it because of how good his striking is.
Simon basically they’re gunning for a huge Aldo v McGregor fight next year for both belts. Simples.
Such a farcical organisation. How did it make sense to give Also the belt without him having to fight somebody for it? Making it up as they go along