On a historic night in the ‘Park’, the finest result in the annals of international women’s football, their first win against France. Local hero Denise O’Sullivan provided the spark with a stunning 66th-minute goal to stun France in their Euro 2025 qualifier at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Nine minutes later, Julie-Ann Russell, who provided the finish in Norwich the previous Friday, scripted a dream sequence here, notching the Republic's second in a scarcely credible return to the international sphere 13 months after welcoming her first child.
France responded, but the Republic – and Cork – would create the final, definitive word; Megan Connolly’s corner headed home with authority by defender Anna Patten to score her first international goal with just minutes remaining. Player of the Match Russell dedicated her achievements to 13-month-old daughter Rosie as she accepted her award on live TV. “I can’t believe it really, what a game, incredible,” she told RTE.
“The fans were fantastic. I’m just so happy. “I can’t believe it.
It’s so surreal. The goals are all for Rosie. The celebration is iconic, it’s lovely, and she can look at it when she’s older, and hopefully, it can inspire other mothers.
“We’d a few chances in the first half, I was guilty myself. We went on with the mentality. “I’m delighted Denise scored, she is a legend in Irish football.
“The ball came over the top and I just went for it with my left foot. My dad is in Cork, I’ve .
