Denise O Sullivan rejects RTE criticism over Ireland matches

Denise O'Sullivan has responded to criticism from former teammates on an RTÉ panel regarding the Republic of Ireland women's football team's fixtures, the Irish Examiner reported. Members of the broadcast panel had questioned whether past dominant performances adequately prepared the team for major tournament playoffs. [1]

The RTÉ panel pointed to a 9-0 aggregate victory over Georgia in 2024, arguing it failed to equip Ireland for their European Championship playoff against Wales, according to the Irish Examiner. Ireland subsequently failed to reach the European Championship after losing 3-2 on aggregate across two legs, including a final defeat at Lansdowne Road. [1]

O'Sullivan noted that playing against teams using a low defensive block remains difficult, adding that the squad previously struggled in similar situations, the Irish Examiner reported. Meanwhile, the BBC and RTE.ie reported that O'Sullivan and team captain Katie McCabe are set to feature for Ireland in their upcoming fixture against Kazakhstan in Cork. [1][2][3]

O'Sullivan plays as a midfielder internationally for the Republic of Ireland and professionally for Gotham FC on loan from Liverpool, as well as previously playing for North Carolina Courage, Houston Dash, Glasgow City, Peamount United, and Cork City. [6][7]