Ireland's Sinead Farrelly has admitted that there is a "change in energy" in the current Ireland training camps.
During Ireland's women's team's debut World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, several issues occurred repeatedly. Issues around rough friendlies, allegations aimed at former Ireland coaches, and disputes over substitutions soured Ireland's tournament.
Some people even believe that former Ireland coach Vera Pauw was to blame for the lack of spirit and positivity in earlier Ireland camps and training squads. However, the Dutchwoman was sacked by the FAI (Football Association of Ireland) (Football Association of Ireland) and replaced by interim coach Eileen Gleeson. Ireland is now unbeaten under Gleeson and will play Albania on Tuesday.
According to Gleeson, the spirit in the Ireland camp is at an extremely high level.
U.S. born Farrelly was also asked about how things were nowadays post-Pauw and claimed that the harmony and energy in the Ireland squad have changed in a positive way.
"I think things get blown out of proportion from the outside, but I think that chapter, it was time for that to close," she said to RTÉ.
Sinead Farrelly reflected on the vibe in the Ireland camp under Eileen Gleeson since Vera Pauw's departure when talking to @DAVEKELLY4 ahead of tomorrow's clash with Albania #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/n6poM4NInw
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 30, 2023
"We're in a new chapter, and I think there are positives and negatives from the past. We're trying to be better and move forward, and I think we're all really excited about the new chapters coming up for the team.
"I think there's a change in energy [in the camp] for sure. I think the environment is maybe more positive among the girls, and there's more confidence and desire to be more aggressive and really have more confidence on the field. I think that just helps us. It's been great."
Farrelly, for people who don't know, was indirectly involved in a small rift between Pauw and Ireland captain Vera Pauw. McCabe during Ireland's final group game against Nigeria beckoned to the Ireland bench and Pauw to make a sub. McCabe asked Pauw to bring Farrelly off and inject more energy into the game. Pauw declined, and the saga became another talking point of the World Cup.
The 33-year-old was asked if there was any bad blood between her and McCabe. She refuted the claims and claimed that she and McCabe were fine with each other.
"No, we're cool," she added.
"It wasn't a thing. It became a thing from people who didn't know what they were talking about. We're fine.
"She's amazing. You love to have her on your team; she's going to fight for you, and she's obviously an incredible player. I love playing with her and getting to combine because I feel we see the game similarly."
Ireland's game against Albania will kick off at 5:45pm on Tuesday. It will also be live on RTÉ2.
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