Ladies International this weekend!

from www.rte.ie

The Republic of Ireland's game against Romania in the European Women's Championship qualifier on Saturday, June 28 will now be played at Tolka Park with a 7pm kick-off.

The original venue was Richmond Park. But with Shamrock Rovers playing their Intertoto Cup second leg game against Polish club Odra Wodzislaw there on Sunday and St. Patricks Athletic playing their eircom League game against Waterford United at the Inchicore venue on Monday night, it was decided to move the Women's Euro game to Tolka Park.

from www.fai.ie

Republic of Ireland women’s International Manager Noel King has called for support for this weekend’s Senior International team who play Romania in their European Championship Qualifier.

Manager King stated that everyone was welcome to support the Irish and many of the visiting Romanians to the country were also attending to urge their team on. The FAI are encouraging team groups and individuals to come along and lend their support to the girls in green. Entrance into the game for all children under 18 is free.

The squad has been hit by the absence of all time leading goalscorer Olivia O’Toole through suspension. The Shamrock Rovers star hit four goals in Ireland’s 6-0 victory over Bosnia in the opening qualifying game last month and is undoubtedly a major loss.

Another casualty for Ireland is dynamic right-winger Michele O’Brien of Arsenal, who is out for 2 months with ligament damage.

King acknowledges that O’Toole and O’Brien will be a great loss to the squad but believes that the remaining players have a desire, determination and the ability that can overcome whatever obstacles are thrown in their way as the group progresses. “This Irish team is making huge strides forward and this game offers us an opportunity to maintain that momentum”, he said.

One of the brightest hopes for the future, 19 year old Stephanie Curtis from Bristol Rovers is likely to be handed the starting role of striker. Curtis is a former youth international and Rovers’ leading goal scorer last season.

Two additions to the squad are Leeds United’s Michele Walsh and UCD’s right-winger Rachel Jenkins.

In the absence of Olivia O’Toole the captaincy will be handed to Waterford born Ciara Grant. Ciara is a key figure in Arsenal’s midfield over the last number of years and has won many top honours cross channel.

This vital game will take place on Saturday 28th June in Tolka Park, Drumcondra, kick-off time 7.00pm. The game has been moved from Richmond Park to accommodate Shamrock Rovers Inter Toto Cup First Round Second Leg match against Odra Wodzislaw.

“We are happy to facilitate Shamrock Rovers in their Inter Toto Cup campaign and we wish them the best of luck over the weekend. We have fantastic facilities available to us in Tolka Park and we hope that we get the right result there on Saturday”, King added.