Katie leads Ireland to first World Cup

KILNAMANAGH’S Katie McCabe is leading the Republic of Ireland Women’s team into battle at the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which kicks-off this week.

McCabe will become the first woman in history to captain Ireland into a major tournament when they play co-costs of the FIFA World Cup, Australia, in Sydney on Thursday, July 20.

Vera Pauw’s side will vie for a spot in the last-16 when they then meet Canada in Perth on July 26 before playing their last group game five days later in Brisbane against Nigeria.

27-year-old McCabe declared herself fit as the team jetted off to the tournament last Friday, the day after limping off in their final official World Cup warm-up match against France.

McCabe allayed any fears, saying “the ankle is good” after getting a scan, saying “hopefully I’ll be back on the pitch next week”.

It remains to be seen how well the skipper has recovered from the knock, but she will be available for selection ahead of Ireland’s last workout behind-closed-doors against Colombia this Friday.

The Ireland team in Tallaght Stadium before they headed to Australia

Recently, McCabe was named Arsenal Women Player of the Season for last season, and drew interest from Chelsea in January, with the gunners rejecting a “substantial” bid from their Women’s Super League rivals.

Playing schoolgirl football with Kilnamanagh AFC and Crumlin United, McCabe later played with Templeogue United and St Francis before making her senior debut for Raheny United in 2011.

A versatile player who can be deployed as a winger, forward and full-back, McCabe signed for Arsenal from Shelbourne in December 2015.

But her time in North London did not start too well, with McCabe going out on loan to Glasgow City after struggling with some injuries in her first year.

Around the same time as her loan move to Glasgow, then-Republic of Ireland Colin Bell named McCabe as captain, becoming the youngest to wear the armband at 21-years-old.

The talented player helped Glasgow City to the Scottish Premier League title, and on her return to Arsenal, became a staple at wing-back in a team that stormed to the Women’s Super League in 2019.

Growing into a big-game player, McCabe also has two League Cup medals, putting in a stellar performance at Selhurst Park last February to help Arsenal to the silverware.

For Ireland, McCabe has made 73 appearances and netted 18-times from a more advanced position than what she typically plays at club level.

During the 2023 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, McCabe scored seven goals to help Ireland in their pursuit of qualification before Amber Barrett sealed their seats on the plane against Scotland.

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