“They are in the big time now”: Ronnie Whelan reflects on Ireland’s historic qualification for the Women’s World Cup

As we know The Republic of Ireland women’s team has qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time in their history.

They beat Scotland 1-0in their playoff, Donegal native Amber Barrett scoring the winning goal, 18 minutes from time. This was after goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan saved a first-half penalty from Caroline Weir.

The finals will be staged in Australia and New Zealand next summer, with the draw to take place on Saturday week.

Speaking to Scoreline Irish Soccer legend Ronnie Whelan expects big things to happen in Irish women’s soccer after the result.

“They are in the big time now, they will have inspired so many young people.”

“That was a big thing for us when we qualified for the Euros 88, we wanted to go back to the big time again and again.”

“So there is so many big big things ahead for the Irish ladies’ team.”

You can hear the full interview with Ronnie this Saturday on Scoreline where he also discusses the upcoming Liverpool legends tour that is coming to Kilkenny next.