Ciara Grant and Amber Barrett remember where they came from before World Cup

The Republic of Ireland WNT have the biggest match in their history this week but it doesn’t mean they’ve forgotten where they came from.

Grassroots is where it all started for the Republic of Ireland WNT players. The connection with their first clubs has never been lost on the WNT players as they continue preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 – their first-ever major tournament.

Some 15 of the 26 players in Australia pulled on jerseys from their former clubs ahead of their training session at Meakin Park in Brisbane, Australia, this week. Letterkenny native Ciara Grant lined out for Ballyraine FC and Amber Barrett played for her local club too, Milford United.

Ireland take on co-hosts Australia at Stadium Australia in Sydney in their opening fixture in front of a sell-out 82,500 crowd with an 11am Irish time kick-off on Thursday.

Ciara’s parents Sean and Teresa will be watching the World Cup from their home in Orchard Grove in Letterkenny with a breakfast/brunch in front of the big screen and some friends over. Their son Garbhan will be in Sydney to support his sister.

Meanwhile, Amber's dad Shaun Paul is in Australia, as is her brother Kane, ahead of the big kick-off and have already met Amber and Ciara. Amber's mother Jacqui and elder brother Luke will be watching from home.

Gleneely native Denise McElhinney is the equipment officer with the Irish squad and the StatSports analyst is Niamh McDaid from Carndonagh.