Former Ireland player Áine O’Gorman believes that Ireland's experience in their tough Nations League group will stand them in good stead for the qualification process for Euro 2025 in Switzerland.
Thanks to Ireland's excellent performances in Nations League B, they were promoted to Nations League A. Eileen Gleeson’s side faced the likes of Sweden, France, and England but were unable to progress from the group after securing just one win and suffering five losses.
The Irish team will now play a two-round playoff, starting with Georgia in Tbilisi on October 25th, followed by a return leg in Dublin on October 29th, just four days later.
A win for Ireland after will see them face either Wales or Slovakia for a spot in the tournament, with those games set to take place in late November/early December.
O’Gorman, who earned over 119 caps for her country, believes that Ireland will benefit from the experience of playing in such a tough group.
“Ireland have come through a really tough group, and I think it will stand to them in the qualification,” said O’Gorman to the Irish Times
“We’ve got a good history against Georgia, but the girls will be taking it one game at a time.”
Áine O’Gorman retires from International Football 🇮🇪
119 caps for her country and joint sixth top goalscorer - a true Irish legend ☘️
Thanks for everything, AOG 💚 pic.twitter.com/VGoqZgRJr9
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) August 24, 2023
O’Gorman, now retired from the game, will be watching eagerly. She admits she is happy with her decision to hang up her boots and is looking forward to cheering the Girls in Green, starting with the Georgia games later this month.
“I’m really happy with my decision. Retiring after the World Cup, I went out on a high. It was perfect for me to bow out the way I did.”
“I still get those pre-match nerves.”
“Sometimes it’s harder to watch, I think, than it is to play. You’re just out of control. But it’s great to see the team develop and do so well, and hopefully that will continue.”
O'Gorman was speaking at a new FAI programme called In Her Boots. A scheme aimed at empowering football volunteers who train girls aged 9-16. It also aims to inspire and support girls in football by educating parents, coaches, and clubs on topics like injury prevention and nutrition.
Workshops, led by FAI Development Officers and experts, will help coaches understand growth changes, create inclusive environments, and encourage long-term participation. This initiative builds on Aviva and the FAI’s commitment to fostering girls’ football in Ireland.
