Lord Mayor Hosts ‘Girls in Green’ ahead of World Cup Qualifier in Cork on Friday
03/06/2026
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, hosted a reception for members of the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team (WNT) in City Hall on Tuesday night ahead of their highly anticipated FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier against the Netherlands at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Friday.
Players including Saoirse Noonan, from Cork, Hayley Nolan and Jamie Finn, coaching staff including head coach, Carla Ward, and representatives from the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), attended the event.
The Lord Mayor said he wanted to wish them well in their World Cup qualifier in Cork, recognise the team’s achievements on the international stage, and celebrate their continued contribution to the growth of women’s sport in Ireland.
“It is a tremendous honour for Cork to host the Ireland Women’s National Team as they prepare for such an important fixture in our city,” the Lord Mayor said.
“This team has inspired communities across the country and has played a vital role in advancing women’s sport – and that’s mainly down to the players and management.
“We are proud to welcome you to City Hall to wish you every success on Friday evening in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh – where this team has a proud record. And I would encourage everyone to come out and support the team on Friday night.”
The ‘Girls in Green’ conclude their home group campaign in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying series when they take on the Netherlands at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Friday, June 5 with kick-off at 7.30pm.
This will mark the third time the WNT will play at the home of Cork GAA, following a memorable 3–1 victory over then world number 2, France, in front of 18,399 spectators in 2024, and a 1–0 win against Slovenia last year.
The ‘Girls in Green’ recently recorded back-to-back wins over Poland that have boosted their chances of qualifying for a second World Cup tournament - albeit with two group games and potential play-offs still to play before they can secure a spot at the 2027 tournament in Brazil.
Ireland WNT Head Coach, Carla Ward, thanked the Lord Mayor for the reception and said: "We love coming to Cork and playing in Cork. The team has won both matches at Páirc Uí Chaoimh so far, and we will be aiming to continue that run against the Netherlands.
“I’ve no doubt that our supporters will come out in their numbers to back the team as we aim to move closer to securing a place at the World Cup.
“Friday is huge for us and hopefully we can do the country proud.”
Cork GAA CEO, Kevin O’Donovan, said it is a huge honour to have the WNT team back in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh for another major game.
“This is an international team performing in an international event and we are really looking forward to a win,” he said.
Tickets for Friday’s game are available at www.fai.ie.
The fixture comes just days after the Cork City Council-organised Analog Devices Cork City Marathon and will mark the start of another big weekend of sport in Cork, with SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh hosting the Munster senior hurling final clash between Cork and Limerick on Sunday.