Anthony Pyne

Head coach Carla Ward and Katie McCabe during a Republic of Ireland women's training session at Fota Island Resort in Cork.

No Fota negatives as Ward prepares for enormous week

The Republic of Ireland could book their ticket to next summer's World Cup in Brazil with two wins against the Netherlands and France in the next week, but boss Carla Ward is under no illusions about how difficult that task will be.

Soccer • 01 Jun

Megan Connolly poses for a portrait following a Republic of Ireland women's media conference at Fota Island Resort in Cork.

Connolly's Ireland ambitions burning eternally bright

Rome wasn't built in a day and World Cup qualification campaigns aren't nailed in one window, but Lazio midfielder Megan Connolly is confident the Republic of Ireland's wins against Poland in April have set them up for a serious crack at the group's two big guns this week.

Soccer • 02 Jun

The original trophy is seen at the FIFA World Cup 26 Trophy Tour on April 26, 2026 in Dallas, Texas.

World Cup looms through a fog of controversy and conflict

There will be quality goals and decent matches at this World Cup. Maybe even some feelgood stories. But the whole thing is wobbling under the weight of its own baggage, writes Anthony Pyne.

Soccer • 30 May

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 16: Katie McCabe of Arsenal acknowledges the fans following the Barclays Women's Super League match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on May 16, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

'If Katie was English she'd be in Ballon d'Or mix' - Ward

Republic of Ireland boss Carla Ward has shared her bewilderment at Arsenal's decision to let Katie McCabe go, and suggested if the Dubliner was English she would be in the conversation to win this year's Ballon d'Or Feminin.

Soccer • 23 May

Head coach Carla Ward with her daughter Hartley during a Republic of Ireland women squad announcement at FAI Headquarters in Abbotstown, Dublin.

Ward: 'We have to continue trying to reach new heights'

Carla Ward has urged the Republic of Ireland to keep believing as they target wins against the Netherlands and France to qualify directly for next summer's World Cup in Brazil.

Soccer • 22 May

NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA - MAY 14: during the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on Thursday, May 14, 2026 in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/PGA of America)

US PGA Championship Day 1 recap: Scheffler moves to top

It's the opening round of the second major of the season, with Rory McIlroy, Tom McKibbin, Padraig Harrington and Shane Lowry all in action. Follow the latest here.

Golf • 14 May

Brian Hayes of Cork in action against Aaron O’Neill of Waterford during the Munster GAA Senior Hurling Championship Round 3 match between Waterford and Cork at Azzurri Walsh Park in Waterford.

Saturday's hurling championship results and reports

It was a busy day of round-robin action with a pair of games in Leinster before the Munster clash between Waterford and Cork. Read back on how it unfolded.

Hurling • 10 May

Viktor Gyoekeres of Arsenal scores his team's first goal from the penalty spot past Jan Oblak of Atletico de Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final First Leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Arsenal FC at Metropolitano Stadium on A

Champions League: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Arsenal recap

Atletico Madrid and Arsenal played out a draw in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. Read back on how it happened.

Soccer • 29 Apr

Marissa Sheva of Republic of Ireland, centre, celebrates with team-mates after scoring their side's third goal during the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifier match between Poland and Republic of Ireland at Polsat Plus Arena in Gdansk, Poland.

Impressive Girls in Green outgun Poland in Gdansk

The Republic of Ireland outgunned Poland 3-2 in a topsy-turvy World Cup qualifier played on a pudding of a pitch at Polsat Plus Arena Gdansk.

Soccer • 14 Apr

Katie McCabe during a Republic of Ireland women's training session at Polsat Plus Arena in Gdansk, Poland.

Preview: Girls in Green set for Polish litmus test

The Republic of Ireland begin a crucial week with a tough World Cup qualifier against Poland in Gdansk, with Carla Ward keen to offer more evidence the Girls in Green are moving in the right direction on her watch.

Soccer • 14 Apr