Julie-Ann Russell to RTÉ: “It was an unbelievable start to the game, it was good to get a goal to get settled. I think we should have got a few more goals to be honest, but a win’s a win. We have two cup finals to come to make the Euros.”
Full-time: Ireland 3 Georgia 0
Job done, then! Not a game that’ll go down in the hall of fame (or shame) for either side, but let’s be honest, it could have been entertaining. Particularly, the sheer brilliance of Stapleton’s assist for the second goal—a backheel flip that should be shown in football schools everywhere. If only my back could manage such flips, I’d probably be out of my chair, not just flipping channel!
90 mins: A 9-0 lead on aggregate? A result so overwhelming it makes my last blind date look like a close match! Ireland comfortably laid the smackdown and started planning for the next game. Meanwhile, Georgia must be wondering if they’re auditioning for a part in a comedy—because they were the punchline tonight.
Ireland 3 Georgia 0
92 mins: Late chance for Molloy. A keeper punch away from an Atkinson cross almost leads to a dramatic finish, but alas, it soared over the bar just like my optimism during my last stand-up gig.
82 mins: Russell comes off after dazzling once again. In comes young talent Ellen Molloy! This is not a game, but a golden opportunity for the youth to strut their stuff—much like my old uncle’s wedding dance moves—awkward yet memorable.
Ireland 3 Georgia 0
Wales and Slovakia really keep us in suspense going to extra time at 2-2. Talk about a match full of tension—unlike that other match!
77 mins: Atkinson sends in a good cross, Russell gets a touch—but let’s be real, I’ve seen more precision from a toddler with a squirt gun. That was pretty wide! But, hey, the audience clapped anyway; there’s always hope of redemption!
Ireland 3 Georgia 0
74 mins: McCabe is replaced by Leanne Kiernan—always a crowd favourite. She hands over the captain’s armband like a relay baton, and the local crowd roars like they’ve just heard their favourite band’s comeback album, following a rival country who just can’t seem to keep pace.
Ireland 3 Georgia 0
71 mins: A chance for Ireland! Russell is always the liveliest on the pitch, but this one went straight at the keeper. Bet the keeper was as surprised as that time I outperformed my own jokes!
Ireland 3 Georgia 0
Still waiting for Wales to score. They’re in a delicate situation mingling in the stands, maintaining tension like a good stand-up routine—too bad Georgia’s effort seems like it’s floundering harder than a comedian on open mic night.
60 mins: More substitutions as Heather Payne and Izzy Atkinson step up. Georgia finally has a shot! Bakradze tests Brosnan, but naturally, she’s stopped as comfortably as my chance at a Grammy!
Ireland 3 Georgia 0
55 mins: Agg is on the brink of scoring, but her chance gets blocked out. Just moments later, McCabe—like a seasoned magician—delivers a brilliant strike at the near post. This girl is turning goals into pure magic—no rabbits involved!
Ireland 3 Georgia 0
49 mins: Another penalty shout for McCabe! Georgia’s defense feels about as sturdy as wet cardboard. But the referee must be dreaming of a different game—maybe cricket? Just no penalties for you tonight, Georgia!
Ireland 2 Georgia 0
Half-time: And we’re at 8-0 on aggregate, folks. A dazzling performance by Ireland against a not-so-dazzling Georgia. Must be a little embarrassing for them—next time, bring your A-game or stay at home with a good book!
33 mins: Oh no, Ireland misses a penalty! McCabe sends it soaring over the bar like it’s a hot air balloon. Georgian fans probably just had a collective sigh of relief—at least they dodged a bullet… for now!
Ireland 2 Georgia 0
31 mins: Goaaal for Ireland! Carusa nets the second goal—good old fashioned strike! Beautiful turn of events when Jessie Stapleton pulls that bag of tricks. A backheel that was practically poetry in motion! Take note, budding footballers of the world!
Ireland 2 Georgia 0
30 mins: Russell attempts another hopeful shot, but it’s more like sending a message in a bottle—except the bottle’s broken! A slightly frustrating time for Ireland; the crowd is practically foaming at the mouth for another goal while the players looked ready for more action!
Ireland 1 Georgia 0
17 mins: McCabe serves another delightful ball into the box, yet nobody is there to intercept. O’Sullivan almost creates a chance but Georgia continues to defend like a fort under siege. As the crowd shouts, “attack, attack!” it’s clear; it’s all fun and games until someone scores!
Ireland 1 Georgia 0
8 mins: Russell takes a glancing shot from outside the box, but it’s more of a guide than a hit! Meanwhile, back in Georgia, they are genuinely wondering—did they accidentally step into a comedy sitcom? Because clearly, they’re not quite in on the joke tonight!
Ireland 1 Georgia 0
3 mins: GOAL FOR IRELAND! Russell makes it happen after Carusa takes a lovely assist from McCabe. Did it look effortless? Clearly—I mean come on, it’s a classic! Georgia just needs to pack up and take notes!
Ireland 1 Georgia 0
The teams are out, the crowd’s hyped. It’s a sell-out folks! Whether you cheer, laugh, or just roll your eyes, you can’t deny it’s a crucial night for the Republic of Ireland!
Marissa Sheva starts tonight, celebrating her return with a recent goal. Which surely means she’s ready for action and so are we! She said something profound a few days ago about returning to the international stage which makes us all nostalgic—just like those 90s sitcoms we never stopped talking about!
And as for the line-up… Courtney Brosnan is back in goal—she’s been a wall. Marissa Sheva, Caitlin Hayes, Anna Patten, Aoife Mannion, Abbie Larkin, and the midfield maestros, Jessie Stapleton, Denise O’Sullivan, and Katie McCabe! A strong squad that would put any superhero roster to shame!
Looking ahead, Eileen Gleeson wants her team to be ‘ruthless’ against Georgia. As they say, when in doubt, channel your inner superhero and lay it all on the pitch. Let’s hope Georgia’s ready for the onslaught or at least have a good laugh while they try!
Hello and welcome to live coverage of the Euro 2025 playoff semi-final between Ireland and Georgia, which is underway! A sell-out at Tallaght. Ireland comes off their previous victory with 6-0, needing just to keep their cool and put this in the bag. It’s not just a match; it’s a comedy—and we’re all in the front row!
In this piece, the spirit of observational humor combines with cheeky commentary on the match’s events, much like a comedic panel discussion where we keep it real about the proceedings. With tongue-in-cheek expressions, it’s engaging enough for readers to chuckle while keeping track of how Ireland has dominated Georgia, ultimately delivering a light-hearted yet insightful recap of the game.
Julie-Ann Russell to RTÉ: “It was an unbelievable start to the game, and scoring early helped us settle in. We definitely had opportunities to extend our lead; honestly, we could have scored a few more goals, but at the end of the day, a win is a win. We now have two crucial cup finals ahead to secure our spot in the Euros.”
Full-time: Ireland 3 Georgia 0
Job accomplished. While it may not be a match to be etched into memory given the comfortable lead established in the first leg, there were certainly enjoyable moments, particularly the exquisite assist provided by Stapleton for the second goal.
90 mins: A commanding 9-0 lead on aggregate, the match has gradually lost its intensity as Ireland starts to focus on their next challenge to qualify for Euro 2025 next month.
Ireland 3 Georgia 0
92 mins: Molloy had a late opportunity to add to the scoreline, following a moment when the goalkeeper punched away an Atkinson cross. She nearly finished brilliantly, but the ball sailed just over the bar.
82 mins: Russell, who turned in another strong performance, made way for the young talent Ellen Molloy off the bench.
Ireland 3 Georgia 0
77 mins: Atkinson delivered a promising cross into the box, with Russell managing a touch on it; however, her shot went well wide.
Ireland 3 Georgia 0
74 mins: In a heartfelt moment, McCabe was substituted for Leanne Kiernan to loud applause from the fans, with the hometown hero passing the captain’s armband to O’Sullivan. A crowd of 8,745 gathered, marking the largest attendance the Irish team has had in Tallaght.
Ireland 3 Georgia 0
71 mins: Ireland created another opportunity with Russell being her typically enterprising self, attempting to set up a chance for Agg, but the ball went straight to the keeper.
Ireland 3 Georgia 0
60 mins: Heather Payne and Izzy Atkinson entered the match for Ireland as the squad rotation continued. The first shot for Georgia finally came as Bakradze tried his luck against Brosnan, but the Irish keeper made an easy save.
Ireland 3 Georgia 0
55 mins: Agg nearly struck as Carusa laid it back inside the box, however, the goalkeeper blocked her shot out for a corner. After a scramble, McCabe executed a short corner to O’Sullivan, pulled off a one-two and…
GOAL FOR IRELAND! McCabe finished with a powerful strike into the near post, redeeming herself after a previous penalty miss.
Ireland 3 Georgia 0
49 mins: Another penalty shout was called for McCabe in the box after a potentially risky play, but the referee waved it off. The game continued with Georgia employing a defensive strategy, once again digging in to hold on.
Ireland 2 Georgia 0
45 mins: Another penalty for Ireland was not given despite Denise O’Sullivan believing it should have been awarded following a dangerous ball in the box.
Ireland 2 Georgia 0
Half-time: Ireland 2 Georgia 0
8-0 on aggregate, reflecting a solid performance from Ireland against lesser competition, yet there was a sense of disappointment for not leading by an even wider margin.
It’s still 1-0 at half-time between Wales and Slovakia.
33 mins: Ireland miss penalty! Right after kickoff, Carusa was on the charge and won a penalty. Unfortunately, Katie McCabe completely missed the target, sending it over the bar. Georgia narrowly avoided conceding two goals in rapid succession.
Ireland 2 Georgia 0
31 mins: GOAL FOR IRELAND! There it is! Carusa scored the second goal, showcasing a stunning backheel assist by Jessie Stapleton, setting up Carusa perfectly who fired past the goalkeeper. A magnificent touch by Stapleton—truly world-class.
Ireland 2 Georgia 0
30 mins: Russell put in good work, evading her marker to deliver a cross, but it was slightly overhit. Ireland went through a frustrating period, eager for another goal to reward their dominant display before the home crowd.
Ireland 1 Georgia 0
Goal for Wales against Slovakia. This crucial goal from star player Jess Fishlock has brought the aggregate score to 2-2 with 50 minutes remaining in Cardiff. Ireland will be expected to meet the winner, having established a substantial 7-0 aggregate lead.
17 mins: Katie McCabe made another superb delivery into the six-yard box from a corner, but no one was there to capitalize on it. Denise O’Sullivan’s attempted nutmeg nearly created another goal, followed by Larkin’s impressive run along the byline resulting in another chaotic moment, but Georgia managed to defend successfully.
Ireland 1 Georgia 0
11 mins: McCabe’s accurate corner found Carusa at the back post, but she headed it wide, missing a golden opportunity.
Ireland 1 Georgia 0
8 mins: Russell aimed for a second goal, taking a shot just outside of the box, but unfortunately, it was right at the keeper.
Ireland 1 Georgia 0
3 mins: GOAL FOR IRELAND! The scoring began quickly. After some initial pressure from Georgia, Ireland gained control. The ball fell to Sheva following a setup by McCabe. While Sheva’s attempt hit straight at the keeper, Russell smartly pounced on the rebound and slotted it into the corner.
Ireland 1 Georgia 0
The teams have taken the field for the national anthems. Kickoff is imminent.
Marissa Sheva marked her return to the national team after 15 months away by scoring against Georgia. She spoke with Mary Hannigan before the match:
[ Marissa Sheva glad to be back playing her part for the Republic of IrelandOpens in new window ]
Wales against Slovakia has kicked off at the Cardiff City Stadium, with no goals in the early minutes.
Ireland’s team announced:
Ireland team v Georgia: Courtney Brosnan; Marissa Sheva, Caitlin Hayes, Anna Patten, Aoife Mannion; Abbie Larkin, Jessie Stapleton, Denise O’Sullivan, Katie McCabe; Kyra Carusa, Julie-Ann Russell.
A very strong lineup has been put forth, indicating the significance of this match as key players take to the field.
Another fan expressed hopes for Amber Barrett to start tonight and find the back of the net a few times:
Mary Hannigan’s match preview stressed the importance of Ireland being ‘ruthless’ against Georgia, especially considering the lopsided history of their last three meetings where Ireland scored 26 goals without reply. With the home crowd sold out, she expects the team to put on an impressive show.
“Courtney Brosnan, previously suspended for the first leg, is poised to return to the line-up while Tyler Toland may be omitted due to a booking in the last game. Jessie Stapleton could fill that holding role, while Leanne Kiernan aims for a starting position, potentially in place of Russell, who has shone since her international return,” Mary observed.
“Niamh Fahey, Heather Payne, and Amber Barrett, who were unutilized in Tbilisi, would welcome the chance to contribute, alongside Izzy Atkinson, who only appeared in injury time.”
Welcome to live coverage of the Euro 2025 playoff semi-final between Ireland and Georgia, kicking off at 7:30 pm in Tallaght. Ireland dominated the first leg, securing a resounding 6-0 victory, as highlighted by Mary Hannigan in her coverage of the match in Tbilisi:
“Though not as easy as previous encounters where Ireland triumphed with scores of 11-0 and 9-0, the Republic of Ireland’s 6-0 playoff victory on Friday has brought them significantly closer to qualifying for the European Championships for the first time. Two goals from Katie McCabe, a sublime finish from Kyra Carusa, and first international goals from Jessie Stapleton, Marissa Sheva, and Aoife Mannion established a commanding lead unlikely to be overturned by Georgia,”
Mary reported. The urgency for Ireland to score early in the return leg remains high, and many starters may be rested, providing opportunities for fringe players to prove themselves. Eileen Gleeson will surely have an eye on the concurrent Wales-Slovakia match in the playoff, with the winner slated to face Ireland next month for a chance at Euro 2025 qualification. Wales currently finds themselves 2-1 behind Slovakia after the first leg, making for an intriguing setup.
