Carla Ward: ‘Katie McCabe is on the verge of burnout'
'The way I would put it,' said
Carla Ward
, the Ireland manager, after a
disappointing 1-0 defeat of Slovenia
at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 'it was a Carla Ward team on the ball and an Irish mentality off the ball.
'That's what we need to build on. If we want to play in an exciting way going forward, and that's the way I like my teams to play, we have to be better off the ball.
'And that was the start of it tonight. Now we go to the US and play the best in the world. There is still a lot of work to do but the future is bright.'
Maybe so, but Anna Patten is suspended for the Nations League promotion play-off against one from Denmark, Belgium, Iceland or Austria, over two legs in October.
READ MORE
The draw takes place on Friday. Patten was one of five Irish players trying to avoid a second yellow card during a contest where Ireland needed a 4-0 result to top the group. It could have been much worse as Denise O'Sullivan avoided a booking and one-game ban.
Referee Miriama Bočková shows a yellow card to Anna Patten of Ireland. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
'We have to be tighter,' Ward continued after a campaign that yielded five wins and a 4-0 loss in Slovenia. 'The Irish have always been very good defensively. So, let's go back to the Irish basics, is what I'd call it. And it's just tight, it's compact, it's together. And then add in how we want to play with the ball
'We are still building. Through this entire campaign we have had five training sessions with the entire squad so to finish the way we did, I could not ask for more.
'That was an Irish performance.'
Ward also confirmed that
Katie McCabe
and a number of senior players will not travel to the USA later this month for two friendlies against the Olympic champions in Colorado and Cincinnati.
'Katie has played an awful lot of minutes for club and country,' Ward explained. 'She's on the verge of burnout, as are some others.
'There's going to be conversations. It won't just be Katie that won't be travelling.
'You've seen with Millie Bright at England coming out, mental and physical fatigue is massive. I felt it as [manager of Aston] Villa. It's the reason I needed that break.
'It's a really tough place to be, and I think there's a lot of players close to that. They've played a lot of minutes, so we have to protect them. We have to protect them as people, and we'll support anybody that needs that break.'
Ward confirmed that Louise Quinn has retired after winning her 122nd cap off the bench.
'It's been a really good, but emotional few days for everybody. I think everybody knows, Quinnie's a national sweetheart. She's a legend. She's somebody that everyone admires.
'So, we just had a few words, and she basically just touched on to the next generation - what it'– meant to her to wear the shirt is the proudest thing that you can ever do as an Irish person and make sure that you do not take a single minute for granted because she never did.
'I thought it was an unbelievable message to leave: 'Over to you girls.''
The next generation of players definitely include Jessie Stapleton, Emily Murphy and Abbie Larkin, who all excelled against an aggressive Slovenian side.
Larkin, in particular, looks rejuvenated under Ward.
'Abbie probably doesn't realise how good she is, she is quite a quiet girl. She's got an abundance of quality, she's quick, she started the game electric. She's got a massive future ahead of her. I think her and Emily Murphy today, until they probably blew up because of the intensity they played at, were excellent.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sunday World
34 minutes ago
- Sunday World
Dessie Farrell quits as Dublin manager after quarter final defeat to Tyrone
All over for Dublin boss after they are well beaten by Tyrone Dessie Farrell announced his resignation as Dublin senior football manager is over, after his side's All-Ireland quarter final loss to Tyrone in Croke Park. Farrell broke the news in a post match interview on TV and then clarified his decision in a press conference. 'I've had a great innings," he said. "I think between being a player for Dublin underage and a senior player and then as an underage coach and a senior coach, manager, whatever you want to call it, I've the guts of 40 years, you know. "So it's a long time and it's been a privilege every year, every step of the journey. I've met some great people. I've had a ringside seat for some of the best players that ever performed in the arena out there. "Some of the new lads we brought in this year, I was still getting to know them, maybe but a great crop of fellas as well. It augurs very well for Dublin football and then there's an older gang that I would have taken from an under 13 development squad and seen them grow from young boys to young men and to older men if you like, and that's a privilege not many get to do and I'm very grateful for that. 'I'm very grateful for the dedication and commitment of all the players and all the coaches and all the backroom teams that I've worked with along the way. "It's a special sort of involvement being involved with Dublin football and we all know how dear and special the GAA is to all of us and I'm just so grateful that I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to do what I do and now is the time to move away.' Farrell took over from Jim Gavin after Dublin had completed a record five All-Ireland title wins in a row in 2019. In his first year in charge, during the year of the Covid pandemic which severely disrupted training and games, he led Dublin to another title when they defeated Mayo 2-14 to 0-15.
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Des Cahill reveals ‘what I respect most' about Dessie Farrell after ‘decades of service' following Dublin GAA exit
DES CAHILL has paid tribute to Dessie Farrell and his "decades of service" after stepping down as Dublin football manager. Advertisement 3 Dessie Farrell stepped down as Dublin senior football manager Credit: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile 3 Des Cahill revealed what he respects most about the departing Dublin boss Credit: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile 3 The RTE veteran shared a heartwarming throwback photo of the ex-Dublin gaffer It brought to an end a six-year stint at the helm which yielded two Sam Maguire titles. Reacting to his resignation, veteran He tweeted: " steps down after nearly four decades of service to #Dublin "Apart from winning senior All-Ireland's as a player AND manager, what I respect most is the years he put in with county development squads, and Minor and Under 21 teams. Advertisement Read More on Dublin GAA "Enjoy your Tues & Thurs nights!" Farrell's final year in charge of the Dubs will go down as a disappointing one. As well as exiting the All-Ireland at the quarter-final stage for the second year in a row, they also lost their stranglehold on the Leinster SFC. A stunning defeat to Meath in the semi-finals brought to an end the Dubs' run of 14 provincial titles in a row, with Louth eventually being crowned champions. Advertisement Most read in GAA Football However, in his parting message, Farrell insisted that the He said: 'I would have informed the County Board at the start of the season that regardless of what happened this would be the last hurrah. 'So much integrity' - RTE viewers hail Stephen Cluxton for 'principled stand' Dublin GAA icon took during Parnells saga 'I've informed the players in the dressing room there as well that I'd be stepping away. I've had a great innings. 'I think it's just come to a natural end. It's easier to say it today than I have to say it next week or in a couple of weeks' time. Advertisement 'While everyone's bitterly disappointed, sometimes failure is greatness waiting to happen. This could be a big platform for that group going forward. 'A lot of lessons in this season for players and for the group, and I think they'll be better for it and well set up to attack a new season in 2026. 'Some of the new lads we brought in this year, still getting to know them, but a great crop of fellas as well. It augurs very well for football .' Farrell says 2025 was always going to be a transition year for Dublin after the host of departures. Advertisement But the 1995 All-Ireland winning hitman loved every second of his time in charge as they won two All-Irelands and five Leinster SFC crowns under his watch. 'DIFFERENT SEASON' He said: 'I think everyone involved, management, coaches, backroom and players knew that this was going to be a different season. We just embraced that challenge and see where it took us. 'I definitely don't want to make it about me because it's always and always has been about the players. Ultimately, they're the men who step into the arena. 'They're the men in the formative years of their lives who dedicate so much to playing for their county. I have huge admiration and respect for them. Advertisement 'I think the overriding feeling for me now is that I will miss the people. It's not necessarily the position because some of the relationships are really important to me. 'Some of those lads have been like kids to me, watching them grow up. "They're a special group and I'm very, very grateful for them and for all they've given. They'll drive on and Dublin will be a good place next season and the season after. 'I think between being a player for Dublin underage and as a senior player and then as an underage coach and senior coach, manager, whatever you want to call it, I've got the guts of 40 years. Advertisement 'It's a long time and it's been a privilege every year, every step of the journey. I've met some great people. I've had a ringside seat for some of the best players that ever performed in the arena out there.'
The 42
an hour ago
- The 42
Holders England, favourites Spain and 5 key questions ahead of Euro 2025
UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2025 gets underway in Switzerland this coming Wednesday, 2 July. Here's five key questions ahead of kick-off. 1. How are England shaping up for title defence? The build-up has been far from ideal for the reigning champions. England won their first European Championships on home soil in 2022, and followed that up with a World Cup final appearance the next summer, but whether Sarina Wigeman's side can hit the same remarkable heights remains to be seen. How the Lionesses can cope with pre-tournament upheaval is one big question. Former number one Mary Earps announced her shock retirement last month, while star defender Millie Bright withdrew from selection. 'I'm not able to give 100% mentally or physically,' Bright wrote in a statement before undergoing knee surgery. Fran Kirby also called time on her international career after being informed she wouldn't be selected, putting the England camp firmly in the spotlight. Wiegman has named a strong 23-player squad: 13 were involved in 2022 when Leah Williamson lifted the silverware at Wembley. England's recent form has been mixed, but their major tournament experience is crucial. Arsenal youngster Michelle Agyemang and in-form Chelsea forward Aggie Beever-Jones are among seven players set for their first Euros, while Lauren James is on the plane despite recent injury concerns. They face France, Netherlands and Wales in a testing Group D. 2. Can Spain back up World Cup title with first Euros? Short answer, yes. Spain come in as favourites. World champions from Australia and New Zealand 2023 and inaugural Nations League champions, La Roja will be looking to win their first European Championships in Switzerland. Bonmati with the Golden Ball award at the 2023 World Cup. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Back-to-back Ballon d'Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas spearhead a star-studded squad — though Bonmati is currently in hospital with viral meningitis — with Mariona Caldentey, Salma Paralluelo and Claudia Pina among their other top talents. Backboned by a brilliant Barcelona contingent, their strength in depth underlined by the fact that top goalscorer Jenni Hermoso — of the World Cup kiss scandal — has been overlooked. Advertisement The ship appears to have steadied after a controversy-laden few years for Spanish women's football; their preparation for this tournament smoother than the last, as several players made themselves unavailable for selection under former manager Jorge Vilda. Montse Tomé has been leading the charge since his exit, and is now gearing up to face Portugal, Belgium and Italy in the group stages. England sent them home at the quarter-final stage last time, but the general expectation is they can go all the way. France, Netherlands, Sweden and Germany are among other big hitters. 3. What about Ireland's past and future rivals, Wales and Belgium? The sense of Ireland's missed opportunity will heighten as the tournament gets underway, Wales having prevailed from the two-legged playoff last December. Rhian Wilkinson's side are in a tough group with England, France and Netherlands as they make their major tournament debut, but they will be looking to make a splash as rank outsiders. England and France were of course in Ireland's qualifying Group of Death, along with Sweden. 'My first reaction (to the draw) was, well, 'Ah yikes,'' Sophie Ingle recently told ESPN. 'But we go there with zero pressure and have an incredible chance to enjoy ourselves.' The Chelsea midfielder has returned from an ACL injury in a major boost, while Jess Fishlock, Angharad James and Ceri Holland are other key players. Hannah Cain celebrates scoring against Ireland at Aviva Stadium last December. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Belgium, meanwhile, will be worth keeping an eye on as Ireland's future rivals in October's Nations League A/B promotion/relegation playoff. The Red Flames are pitted against Spain, Italy and Portugal in Group B. Ranked 20th in the world and 66/1 shots for the tournament outright, Belgium will be set on progression to the knockout stages. The October playoff, for which Aviva Stadium has been confirmed to host the first leg, won't be on their minds, but Ireland will be watching from afar with a view to that as they rue the Welsh defeat. 4. Which other storylines should I be keeping an eye on? As with any major tournament, the storylines are endless. There will be thrills and spills aplenty as 16 teams battle it out for the crown. Traditional heavyweights Germany will be looking to bounce back on the big stage after their shock group stage exit at the 2023 World Cup. The loss of talismanic striker Alexandra Popp through retirement last October was another blow, but the eight-time champions will be set on going deep like 2022, losing the final after extra-time. France are viewed as perennial underachievers: can they finally win a major tournament? Norway, winners in 1987 and 1993, have been reestablishing themselves with huge attacking threats like Caroline Graham Hansen, Ada Hegerberg, Guro Reiten and Frida Maanum. Italy and Iceland are among the rising outfits backed as dark horses. There is always huge interest in the hosts, and Switzerland will be looking to make history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time. Coaching rivalries will be seen throughout, with England boss Wiegman again facing her native Netherlands. Magdalena Eriksson (Sweden) and Pernille Harder (Denmark), and Beth Mead (England) and Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands), are among the romantic partners going head to head. England manager Sarina Wiegman at training last week. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo From a negative standpoint, the impact of injuries could be huge. Some top players are missing out, and others will inevitably spend time on the sidelines as the tournament progresses. The ACL crisis in women's football has been well documented, while the bloated calendar has been in focus of late. 5. What are the main things to note off the pitch? Stadium capacities and lower attendances have been among the talking points in recent months. The biggest venue across the eight is Basel's St Jakob-Park, which has a maximum capacity of 34,250. 87,192 fans watched the Euro 2022 final at Wembley. St Jakob-Park will stage the final on 27 July — and Switzerland's opener against Norway on Wednesday — but no other stadium holds over 30,000. Stadion Wankdorf, home of Young Boys, is just under at 29,800 and is one of three venues in the 20,000s, but the rest are below 16,300. Two are around 8,000 capacity. Yet, the overall attendance record looks set to be broken again: almost 575,000 at England 2022 was more than double that of Netherlands 2017. Over 550,000 of all available 677,000 tickets had been sold as of May. It was projected last year that 80% of fans attending the matches will be Swiss. As women's football booms worldwide, the pre-impact report makes for interesting reading. The overall prize money, meanwhile, has doubled to €41 million, an increase of 156% but still almost €300m less than the men's equivalent. RTÉ will show every game here. An interesting three and a half weeks lie in wait.
