Breaking News: Ireland's Female Footballers Unveil Powerhouse World Cup Squad: Introducing the Fierce Girls in Green!

Vera Pauw has revealed the definitive 23-player squad for the Women's World Cup representing the Republic of Ireland. Initially, the manager had chosen 31 players for a training camp preceding Ireland's inaugural major tournament, and she disclosed her conclusive picks on Thursday.

Below, we provide details and background information on all 23 players who have made history by representing Ireland.

Courtney Brosnan

Courtney Brosnan, the preferred goalkeeper for Pauw's team, has played a crucial role in the Girls in Green's impressive recent performance. In a crucial World Cup qualifier against Scotland, Brosnan saved a penalty from Caroline Weir in the 13th minute, ultimately leading to Amber Barrett securing the victory.

Prior to their match against the reigning World Cup champions, the USA, in April, Brosnan had not allowed a single international goal since April 2022. This remarkable achievement, spanning over 650 minutes of play, came to an end against the Americans. However, it served as a reminder of the significant progress that Ireland has made.

Grace Moloney

As Reading's first-choice keeper - having been at the club since she was nine-years-old - Grace Moloney is one of the 'keepers fighting for the No 1 jersey.

For a composed goalkeeper during a penalty shootout, look no further than Moloney. Her exceptional performances this season paved the way for Reading's triumph in the Women's FA Cup, where they prevailed over Leicester in a thrilling penalty shootout.

Hailing from Slough, a town near Reading, Moloney's childhood aspirations revolved around donning the Irish national team's jersey. Her father, constantly equipped her with the latest kits from her beloved country.

Megan Walsh

Megan Walsh exudes a wealth of experience. She has achieved the noteworthy distinction of recording the highest number of saves in the WSL. Being the most active goalkeeper in WSL history, she serves as a reliable backup choice for Pauw.

In 2021, Brighton not only caused an upset by defeating reigning champions Chelsea (ending their two-year unbeaten streak), but Walsh also made history by achieving 500 saves in the WSL. Although the 28-year-old has had limited experience on Ireland's senior national team, her potential on the international stage is believed to be enormous.

This summer, Walsh is transitioning to a new club after departing from Brighton and Hove Albion, where she served as their primary goalkeeper throughout her contract.

Diane Caldwell

Calm and collected, Diane Caldwell has worldwide football experience, with periods in the United States, Iceland, Germany, Ireland and England.

She also became the first Irishwoman to play for Manchester United and is a lifelong fan of the club.

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Now at Reading, Caldwell brings a commanding presence in both defence and midfield and could earn her 100th cap at this World Cup.

Louise Quinn

Once described as a "tiger" by her Ireland manager, Louise Quinn brings experience and reliability, having started each and every one of Birmingham's 29 fixtures this season.

Keep an eye on Quinn's aerial performance in the box this summer, as set-pieces play a crucial role in Ireland's attack. Quinn's strong leadership qualities make them an integral part of Pauw's team dynamic and cohesion.

Heather Payne

Florida State University star Heather Payne has led the line for Ireland, but often plays in her more natural position of right wing-back.

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With her attacking style, she displays impressive speed and boundless energy, while also possessing the valuable ability to offer crucial insights from the inside. Within her club, she shares the camaraderie of players hailing from various countries such as Australia, China, and Nigeria.

Although Payne has only scored one goal for Ireland, she is greatly admired for her relentless work ethic and unwavering dedication to tirelessly exploit the playing channels.

Aine O'Gorman

Aine O'Gorman is one of Ireland's most celebrated footballers, having earned over 100 caps.

She was only 16 years old when she broke into the senior team in 2006 and she maintained a place all the way through to her international retirement in 2018.

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In 2020, O'Gorman overturned the decision, enabling Ireland to qualify for their inaugural major tournament. As a result, she will be representing her country in the upcoming Women's World Cup. O'Gorman, who has predominantly played as a striker throughout her career, holds the distinction of being the sole player from Ireland to have started in the team's triumphant 1-0 victory against Scotland, securing their place in the finals held in Australia and New Zealand.

Claire O'Riordan

Claire O'Riordan has represented Ireland internationally since 2016. However, she recently made her first competitive start in three years when she played a crucial role in the team's win against Slovakia last September. This marked her return to the field after recovering from a severe ankle break that had kept her sidelined for a year. Notably, O'Riordan also contributed a goal for Celtic's Women's team during their victory over Rangers in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park last season. With her achievements, she now looks forward to sustaining her success in the upcoming summer.

Niamh Fahey

Niamh Fahey, the stalwart of Pauw's defense, has made a comeback after overcoming a lingering injury that sidelined her for four months last season. As the captain of Liverpool, she showcases her versatility by excelling in various positions, both at the back four and in midfield.

Izzy Atkinson

Fahey's experience on the big stage is evident with her spells at Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool. Having won three WSL titles and played a key role in Liverpool's promotion, she has already accumulated an impressive total of 16 winners' medals.

21-year-old Izzy Atkinson made her debut for Ireland at just 16 years old and has since gained more experience on the field. Recently, she has secured a spot in her first major tournament. Notably, Atkinson, who joined West Ham in July 2022, is not only a winger but also proficient at playing left-back. Furthermore, she has even participated in the prestigious Champions League during her time with Celtic.

Katie McCabe

Leading the Girls in Green in their first World Cup this summer is Katie McCabe, the captain of Ireland and the tournament's poster girl. She is not only the team's glue, but also an influential figure both on and off the pitch. With a reputation for her fiery temperament, McCabe took on the role of captain for Arsenal this season due to the numerous injuries of Kim Little and vice-captain Leah Williamson.

She is a member of Ireland's 'coffee club', where players gather at a local coffee shop to start their day at camp. McCabe's preferred order is a flat white.

She received the WSL Goal of the Season award for her powerful strike against Manchester City, which occurred shortly after she suffered a bruised bone in the Champions League match against Bayern Munich. This incident caused concern among Ireland fans in April.

As the only WSL player to make the Champions League team of the season, McCabe will be pivotal in keeping the squad focused on their first foray into a major tournament.

Denise O'Sullivan

Naturally gifted and an incredible playmaker, midfield maestro Denise O'Sullivan represents one of Ireland's biggest threats on the opposition goal.

The coach labels the American box-to-box star as a 'junkyard' player because of her aggressiveness. In terms of securing Ireland's spot in the World Cup, McCabe and O'Sullivan played a pivotal role. They were the most influential players for the team during the qualifying campaign, contributing a combined total of 13 out of the team's 26 goals.

Recently appointed as captain of the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL, she plays a crucial role in Ireland's starting lineup, effectively controlling the speed and rhythm of the game.

Pauw has previously hailed O'Sullivan as one of the world's top midfielders, highlighting her exceptional technical skills and relentless work ethic as she covers the entirety of the field.

Megan Connolly

An attacking midfielder known for her exceptional technique, Megan Connolly has made a significant impact in her international career with her influential free-kicks. Following a successful stint of five years, the Brighton captain was among the five players who departed the club at the conclusion of the season.

Ruesha Littlejohn

Connolly played a crucial role in Ireland's qualification campaign, contributing a goal in a remarkable 2-1 triumph over Finland. Additionally, she showcased her exceptional skills by setting up a goal in the following match with her iconic free-kick, all while bravely battling on the field with broken ribs.

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A key contributor to Ireland's success this summer, Ruesha Littlejohn shines as the team's standout personality, both in and out of the game. With her presence on the pitch and within the squad, she plays a crucial role in the team's overall dynamics.

Littlejohn, who was sidelined for Ireland's historic qualification match against Scotland due to a broken foot, is eagerly looking forward to wearing the green jersey this summer as a fast and lethal goal scorer. In addition to her football pursuits, she has also found herself occupied with a blossoming vlogging career, which has seen her YouTube channel acquire 13,000 subscribers since its launch.

Lucy Quinn

With the opening game of the World Cup campaign against Australia, who better to know what it is like scoring against them than Lucy Quinn?

In her debut in 2021, she scored the opening goal in a memorable victory against the Matildas with a deflected free-kick.

She is versatile enough to play in midfield or as part of the forward line and consistently displays her eagerness to shoot, which has led to her scoring crucial goals.

Lily Agg

Quinn was once again honored with Birmingham's goal of the season award for her remarkable goal that secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Chelsea in 2019, mirroring her previous achievement when she clinched the same accolade with a sensational strike against Sheffield United last season.

Lily Agg will forever be remembered as the athlete who ensured Ireland's place in the history books by scoring the sole goal in their triumphant 1-0 victory against Finland, ultimately leading to their first-ever World Cup play-off. Agg exhibited her skill and agility as she came off the bench and expertly directed Connolly's free-kick into the net with a powerful header.

Agg played a crucial role in London City Lionesses' bid for promotion last season. Although they narrowly missed out, the midfielder has been a part of the club since its inception as a separate entity from Millwall Lionesses in 2019.

While there were initial worries about her fitness following an ankle ligament tear in late March, Agg not only brings valuable experience, but also a history of performing exceptionally in important situations.

Ciara Grant

Ciara Grant has made the leap from doctor to footballer. She fell out of the game in 2015 to focus on her medical studies, but is back and one of the key members of the squad.

Sinead Farrelly

Grant demonstrates exceptional leadership both on and off the field as she embarks on yet another season with Hearts in the Scottish Women's Premier League. Throughout the season, she showcased her remarkable skills, contributing four goals to propel Hearts to a commendable fourth-place finish. Additionally, Grant's invaluable presence led to three assists for the Tynecastle outfit.

American native Sinead Farrelly had abstained from participating in football for nearly eight years, following her courageous exposure of the US abuse scandal. Nonetheless, she marked her debut for Ireland in April, leaving Pauw in awe of her impact on the team. The coach praised Farrelly as the missing piece of the squad, solely responsible for revolutionizing their strategic approach.

Sharp and skilled, Farrelly brings a refreshing energy to Ireland's midfield unit. With previous experience playing for the USA up to U23 level before changing allegiances, she holds valuable knowledge that could prove crucial if Ireland were to face them this summer.

Amber Barrett

The Hero of Hampden and a buzzing personality in the squad, Barrett brings an endless supply of positivity to the Ireland squad.

Her name has been immortalized in the history books following her goal, which confirmed Ireland's spot in the 2023 World Cup and marked their inaugural participation in a major tournament. Rather than basking in her own glory, Barrett seized the life-changing moment as an opportunity to commemorate Creeslough and the tragic deaths of the 10 victims who lost their lives in the horrific explosion that occurred just days before the match in October.

Despite encountering challenges during the season at the club level, Barrett, being the sole Irish representative in the Women's Bundesliga, has been selected for the national team. Her club, Turbine Potsdam, faced relegation and was one of only two teams in the German top tier that are not affiliated with a men's club.

Nevertheless, she has an impressive record of successfully achieving significant goals. Barrett will bring an abundance of optimism, along with anticipated moments of brilliance that will undoubtedly etch their mark in Ireland's history books. Follow her on Twitter.

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Kyra Carusa

Kyra Carusa: A Smiling and Energetic Player Making Her Mark on the Pitch

A natural leader, Carusa brings her experience as captain of HB Koge, two-time Danish champions and regular participants in the Champions League. Throughout her time at HB Koge, she made 57 top-flight appearances and recorded an impressive total of 43 goal contributions, consisting of 30 goals and 13 assists. Additionally, she was honored as the Most-Valuable Player of the 2022 Elitedivisionen. Currently, Carusa is a member of the London City Lionesses, having joined the Championship team in February.

Abbie Larkin

Teenager sensation Abbie Larkin, the youngest member of the squad, made her international debut at the age of 16. However, prior to the game, she sought her parents' permission to skip school.

Larkin stands out as a playmaker for Shamrock Rovers, boasting considerable experience alongside talented players such as O'Gorman and Savannah McCarthy.

With her exceptional vision and strategic positioning, Larkin consistently makes impactful runs on the wing. Despite being a teenager, she is already recognized as a future star and holds her own in a team filled with seasoned players.

A wise head on young shoulders, Larkin has also started her coaching badges resulting in incredible football intelligence and hold-up play.

Marissa Sheva

Marissa Sheva, a rocket on the wing, is a recent addition to Pauw's squad and has made a strong impact. Originally from the US, she was a standout in track and field, particularly in the 3,000m steeplechase.

During the double header against the USA, the forward, who graduated from Penn State, made a lasting impression by playing a total of 160 minutes. She displayed exceptional skill by successfully completing all of her dribbles, winning nine duels, making six interceptions, and achieving 11 recoveries. These remarkable statistics highlight her exceptional performance.

What is the World Cup schedule?

The group stage is set to commence on July 20 and span a duration of two weeks, culminating on August 3. During this period, the top-performing teams from each group will advance to the round of 16, which is slated to occur from August 5 to August 8.

Scheduled for August 11 and 12, the quarter-finals will be held in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane, and Sydney.

The first semi-final will be held on August 15th in Auckland, while the other semi-final will be taking place at the Accor Stadium in Sydney on August 16th. The final will then be hosted by the Accor Stadium on August 20th. Prior to the final, a third-place play-off will be played in Brisbane on August 19th.