Latest news with #DeniseO'Sullivan
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Letters to the Editor: An excellent match in a top-class stadium
For more than half a century, I have been fortunate to have enjoyed many thrilling hurling and football games at the old 'park' and latterly SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, but last Tuesday evening's Uefa Women's Nations League match between Ireland and Slovenia has to rank right up there in terms of skill and enjoyment. The demographic of the crowd, which seemed to consist for the most part of groups of teenage girls, and even younger, served to create a vibrantly refreshing atmosphere of pure unadulterated excitement and an almost innocently empathetic sense of support for the Irish team. This contrasted sharply with the usual matchday win-at-all-cost atmosphere generated by largely adult male supporters. This is surely a huge tribute to the connection which the Irish ladies' team has established with these young girls, a segment of our population which has up to now, for the most part, been devoid of any sporting heroines to whom they can relate and seek to emulate in the future. On the field, Ireland produced a heart-warming display full of skill, determination, and spirit which, with a little luck, could have delivered the four goals necessary to top the table. It was gratifying for the home crowd that central to this display was the contribution of the Cork girls — from the silky skills and ball control of Denise O'Sullivan, to the industry of Megan Connolly, and the splendid match-winning goal scored by Saoirse Noonan. One of the standout moments of the evening for me was the sight of Megan Campbell emerging from the tunnel and throwing the ball a prodigious distance into the Slovenian penalty area. Ireland's Denise O'Sullivan with supporters after the Uefa Women's Nations League B match between the Republic of Ireland and Slovenia at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile It evoked memories of another player from a different code and another era, an All-Ireland winning hurler with Cork in the 1940s, Billy 'Long Puck' Murphy, who was reputably capable of hitting the sliotar almost from one end of the park to the other. The performance by the team was testament to the work of coach Carla Ward and her backroom staff, and was also due in no small way to the outstanding display of skill, drive, and leadership of captain Katie McCabe — reminiscent in many respects of Cork's own Roy Keane. There was one other winner on the evening — namely the stadium itself, which looked resplendent in the evening sunshine, with the pitch in pristine condition and supporters afforded a superb view of the action on the field, regardless of where they were seated. Great credit is due to the Cork County Board and the GAA authorities for making Páirc Uí Chaoimh available for the staging of this and other similar matches. As always, we are all deeply indebted to the stewards, groundsmen, and the many volunteers without whose efforts it would not be possible to stage such matches. Long may SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh continue to offer us such thrilling sporting spectacles such as we all enjoyed on Tuesday evening. Tadhg Nash, Ovens, Co Cork We need a complete overhaul of animal rescue Regarding the article 'Ireland's animal welfare system is unfit for purpose and animals are suffering because of it' ( Irish Examiner, Tuesday, June 3): I have been involved with Animal welfare for many years, both here and in the UK. Smaller rescues are at breaking point. The abuse of animals is relentless. Pets are being surrendered as landlords will not allow them in their homes. This adds to the fact that the country went crazy during the pandemic. So many cross-breeds were bred for extortionate amounts of money, and a lot of these mixed breeds should never have been bred, causing unnecessary problems with eye problems, heart defects, biting issues — the list goes on. We need a complete overhaul of animal rescue. If an animal needs urgent care, we have no authority to go and seize the poor animal; we have to contact the ISPCA to see if they can send an inspector out. The gardaí are very reluctant to assist as they don't have the necessary training or facilities to deal with animal welfare. Puppy breeding needs to have far more legislation and big fines for those who don't comply. It takes far too long to get a cruelty case to court: An independent court system that deals with just these cases is needed, and imprisonment and a huge fine are needed. It is no good banning them from keeping animals; they just keep them somewhere else. The grants we apply for every year don't go far enough. Vet fees have increased dramatically, and rescues can only do so much. Thank you for your wonderful article thank you for highlighting this very important issue. Bridget Banham, Knockcroghery, Roscommon It's our duty to protect our oceans Ahead of World Oceans Day tomorrow, we urge all those who depend on our waters across industry, transport, tourism, and beyond to move past words and take real action to protect our most essential natural resource. At Brittany Ferries, we depend on the ocean and believe it's our duty to safeguard it. When everyone takes responsibility to reduce their environmental impact, the results can be significant. That's why we have introduced LNG-powered vessels, Salamanca and Santona, on our Rosslare to Spain routes. These ships are designed to cut sulphur and particulate matter to near zero while reducing emissions by up to 20%. The vessels are also equipped to run on transition fuels, such as biomethane and e-methane, which will play a key role in our energy security as Ireland works toward a net-zero society by 2050. While the arrival of these two new vessels will make a significant difference to our carbon footprint, the protection of our oceans relies on the co-operation of industry, society, and governments across the globe. Our waters are a natural resource under growing pressure from climate change, pollution, and loss of marine biodiversity. We must act urgently and together to combat this. Hugh Bruton, general manager, Ireland Brittany Ferries Limit on Defence Forces deployment abroad Watching the Oireachtas committee debate on the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2025 last week, one issue stood out to the casual observer. Leaving aside the larger and more emotive issue of the 'triple lock', the question was discussed about the benefits of raising the number of Defence Forces members allowed to serve abroad — in a lawful and recognised operation — from 12 to 50. The answer is relatively simple. A group of 50 can encompass the widely utilised and accepted military unit of a platoon of 33 persons, plus or minus, (+/-) who are operational and militarily ready for engagement, with the necessary support personnel — technical maintenance, signals (including drone operators), medical, and minimal admin element, to deploy an independent military unit — independent platoon, platoon plus, augmented platoon, the title is inconsequential — as part of a larger UN or EU mission. Any reader who has worked in the regular or reserve Defence Forces, Civil Defence, or Scouting Ireland will recognise the logical utility of this measure. This is not an esoteric question about how many angels will fit on the head of a pin, it is a meaningful military concern, for soldiers and their families. Tim O'Connell, Capt (retired), Ballinteer, Dublin 16 Dismal Hiqa response to nursing homes scandal Regarding the RTÉ Investigates special report on the nursing homes scandal, it took Hiqa 17 weeks before they carried out an inspection. Taking into account that many protective disclosures were made by concerned workers, Hiqa's response was dismal, damming, and immoral. I do not trust this agency or the Government that is pushing the private nursing home agenda to care for the wellbeing of a very vulnerable sector of our society. Citizens of Ireland, please let your public representatives know your feelings. It is in your own interest that you do. James Jackman, Castleknock, Dublin 15 We need to show compassion for the elderly I support fully the chairperson of Safeguarding Ireland in calling for an independent authority after Wednesday nights RTÉ Investigates documentary into alleged failings of care in two nursing homes. It was heartbreaking to hear two leading doctors in geriatric medicine describe the undercover footage they witnessed as shocking and disturbing. One doctor quite rightly posited the notion: 'What's the point of adding years to life if we cannot add life to years as well?' It's my contention that compassion, kindness, humanity, and empathy should be as much a recruitment standard for care workers, nurses, and doctors as their exam results. We hear a lot about compassion for the elderly. Isn't it time we showed some? John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Scandal caused by decades of government failure The RTÉ team who revealed the horrific happenings in two nursing homes are to be commended, but it made very disturbing viewing. However, equally disturbing was the fact that one of your editorial writers saw fit to highlight this latest national scandal with a heading 'State failing its citizens of all ages' ( Irish Examiner, June 5). And how right he or she was. Where will it all end? Practically every week another horrific national scandal emerges, and our do-nothing Government does not seem to care. In fact, I would go so far as to say that the people of Ireland have had to put up with more than one useless government over the past 20 years or so, and there is no indication whatsoever that governance in Ireland will improve in the immediate future. It is almost a certainty that it will become more difficult to get on the housing ladder, all areas of the health service will continue to disimprove, and nobody as usual will be held to account. Liam Burke, Dunmore, Co Kilkenny
Irish Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
‘I'll be switching the TV off' - Euro play-off pain still raw for Ireland star
Denise O'Sullivan says she will turn the TV off during Euro 2025 - because the pain of Ireland's play-off heartache is still too raw. The Girls in Green star may make an exception if there's a game featuring any of her North Carolina Courage teammates. Otherwise, she will steer clear of coverage of the tournament - one that Ireland were favourites to reach when they drew Wales in last year's decider. Having drawn 1-1 in Cardiff in Cardiff, they lost the return leg 2-1 at the Aviva Stadium. 'We've learnt a lot (from that defeat),' she said. 'It still hurts a lot because the pain hasn't gone from that game. 'I think I'll be switching the TV off, doing everything I can not to watch it but I have teammates from Courage playing in it. 'I know I'm saying I'll be switching the TV off but I'll watch to cheer them on. It's still devastating not to be there, for sure.' O'Sullivan hopes to channel that pain when it comes to Ireland's Nations League promotion/relegation play-off next October. Finishing second in League B to Slovenia, despite Tuesday's 1-0 win at Páirc Uí Chaoimh against the table-toppers, means it's a two-legged clash against one of Austria, Iceland, Belgium and Denmark for a spot in the top-tier next year. Winning that tie and qualifying for League A in time for the World Cup qualifiers would guarantee Ireland, at the very least, a play-off shot at making Brazil in 2027. The draw will be made on Friday and O'Sullivan said: 'It's another chance in October. We'll be ready for that. At least having another chance is a positive.' 'We have experience (from the Wales play-off) under our belt. I've heard the team names (of potential opponents), all high level so we'll have to be ready for that, but it's another chance for us. 'We want to be at the World Cup in Brazil. That defeat against Wales from last year can stand to us going into the play-off.' O'Sullivan, meanwhile, is ready to step up and take on even more leadership responsibilities in the absence of retired stars Louise Quinn, Niamh Fahey, Diane Caldwell and Julie-Ann Russell. 'Losing Louise, Fahey, Diane and Julie-Ann, so many at the same time, is really tough on the team,' she said. 'So I think Katie (McCabe), Courtney (Brosnan), myself and a few others must take the responsibility of driving the team on. 'As the games continue, we'll continue trying to do that and get better at it.' O'Sullivan will be available for Ireland's friendlies at the end of the month in the USA. 'It's my one week in the whole year I get off from Courage but that's okay. I'm happy to play because any chance I get playing for my country I want to be there. I'll be there,' she said. 'I'm excited. For once, I don't have to travel 20 hours. I won't have jet lag but the rest will. 'I'm looking forward to it. USA are a top, top team and we can go out to challenge ourselves. It will be a brilliant experience.'
Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Denise O'Sullivan: Wales loss still hurts but it will stand to us with World Cup push
Initially Denise O'Sullivan admitted the pain from the Republic of Ireland's failure to qualify for this summer's Women's European Championship means she will be doing everything she can to avoid watching it. But quickly, upon a brief reflection, the Cork native would backtrack on that statement to insist she will tune in but only to support her North Carolina Courage teammates that will be involved in the tournament in Switzerland when it kicks off on July 2. Ireland had the chance to be there themselves and make history by qualifying for back-to-back major tournaments in the process, but a 2-1 loss to Wales at the Aviva Stadium in their playoff second leg last December dashed those dreams. 'I think I'll be switching the TV off, doing everything I can not to watch it, but I have teammates from Courage playing in it. 'I know I'm saying I'll be switching the TV off, but I'll watch to cheer them on. It's still devastating not to be there, for sure,' said the Cork native, speaking after Ireland's 1-0 win over Slovenia at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Tuesday night. And while it was nice for O'Sullivan to again taste victory in front of her home crowd, and the 40 or so family members in attendance, it wasn't the 4-0 victory they needed to leapfrog their opponents and secure automatic promotion to League A in the UEFA Women's Nations League. The Girls in Green (who are 26th in the FIFA world rankings) are now destined for the playoffs yet again where they will meet either Austria (ranked 18th), Iceland (13th), Belgium (20th) or Denmark (12th) with the draw taking place on Friday. 'It's another chance in October and we'll find out on Friday. We'll be ready for that. At least having another chance is a positive,' continued O'Sullivan, who also discussed the impact made by Carla Ward since she took over for Eileen Gleeson before the start of this Nations League campaign. 'We have experience under our belt. I've heard the team names, all high level so we'll have to be ready for that but it's another chance for us. Denise O'Sullivan in action against Kaja Korošec of Slovenia. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 'We want to be at that World Cup in Brazil (in 2027). That defeat against Wales from last year can stand to us going into the playoff. 'We've learnt a lot, it still hurts a lot because the pain hasn't gone from that game. There's definitely been a lot of change (under Ward). It took a long time to find our feet and way. 'We didn't start well in any game but came out with wins which shows the team's character. I still think we're still trying to get used to the way Carla and the staff want us to play but five wins out of six is positive. 'It will definitely take time. The way Carla and staff are implementing her style of play, it doesn't happen overnight. You can see even in the first half how we created a number of chances. As a team we want to keep doing that and get better. "Losing Louise, Fahey, Diane and Julie-Ann, so many at the same time, is really tough on the team so I think Katie, Courtney, myself and a few others must take the responsibility of driving the team on.' Rather than competing at the Euros, next up for Ireland is a glamourous friendly double-header against an extremely talented USA side (ranked number one in the world) in Colorado and Cincinnati on June 27 (Irish time) and 29 respectively. And while Carla Ward has announced that captain Katie McCabe will not be making the trip for fear of 'burnout' following her Champions League winning excursions with Arsenal recently, O'Sullivan confirmed she will be involved. And for once, she won't face an arduous journey to represent her country. 'It's my one week in the whole year I get off from Courage but that's okay. I'm happy to play because any chance I get playing for my country I want to be there. I'll be there. 'I'm excited. For once, I don't have to travel 20 hours. I won't have jet lag, but the rest will. 'I'm looking forward to it. USA are a top, top team and we can go out to challenge ourselves. 'It will be a brilliant experience,' concluded O'Sullivan.
BBC News
07-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Players need to step up in McCabe's absence - O'Sullivan
Republic of Ireland midfield Denise O'Sullivan said that it is "important for other players to step up" in the absence of suspended captain Katie Arsenal midfielder picked up a yellow card after coming on at half-time in the 4-0 Nations League victory against Greece on Friday that rules her out of the home game at Tallaght against the Greeks.O'Sullivan, who is set to skipper the side in McCabe's absence, believes others coming in must try and fill the void left by the influential midfielder, who assisted two goals in Crete despite nursing a calf problem."Katie is a top, top player she is our captain, and you always want your captain around, but I think it is important for other players to step up now," O'Sullivan, who has won 122 caps for her country, told RTE Sport."It's an opportunity for players to step in and represent their country and do their job. "Of course, we'll miss Katie, but we have a lot of other leaders in the team that can come in and make a difference, so I see it as a positive as well and we look forward to it."Shelbourne midfielder Alex Kavanagh has been brought into the squad to replace won her single cap for her country nine years ago in a friendly against of Ireland boss Carla Ward will also be without striker Kyra Carusa for Tuesday night's who scored the Republic's second goal on Friday, had picked up a quad side are second in Group B2, three points behind leaders Slovenia after two wins and a loss in their first three games.
