Limerick's O'Riordan included in Irish women's World Cup squad

Limerick's own Claire O'Riordan has been named in Ireland's squad for the Women's World Cup. PICTURE: Sportsfile

placeholder image — Limerick's own Claire O'Riordan has been named in Ireland's squad for the Women's World Cup. PICTURE: Sportsfile

LIMERICK'S Claire O'Riordan is heading to the World Cup after being named in Vera Pauw's 23-strong squad for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

The Newcastle West native has a superb season with Glasgow Celtic and has been rewarded for her form by being included in the travelling party that included a goal in the Scottish Cup Final.

O'Riordan scored her first international goal against Zambia in a friendly last week and her performance has been enough to see her make the squad. The game against Zambia was O'Riordan's 19th international senior cap since her debut against Hungary in March 2016.

Multi-talented O'Riordan has played camogie and Ladies Gaelic football for Limerick - she played camogie with Newcastle West and Ladies Football with Monagea.

After impressing in the colours of Newcastle West AFC, O'Riordan then made her name in the Women's National League with Wexford as a striker. There, the highly rated O'Riordan won league titles and the FAI Cup.

She converted to centre back following her move to Germany with Duisburg in 2018 and has since been a regular in Republic of Ireland women's senior squads. The game against Zambia was her 19th international senior cap since her debut against Hungary in March 2016. O'Riordan joined Scottish giants Celtic FC Women from German side Duisburg last Summer.

Republic of Ireland World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Reading), Megan Walsh (Unattached).

Defenders: Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Claire O’Riordan (Celtic), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City), Diane Caldwell (Reading), Aine O’Gorman (Shamrock Rovers), Izzy Atkinson (West Ham), Heather Payne (Florida State University).

Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Unattached), Sinead Farrelly (NY/NJ Gotham), Lily Agg (London City Lionesses), Ciara Grant (Hearts), Ruesha Littlejohn (Unattached), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City).

Forwards: Kyra Carusa (London City Lionesses), Amber Barrett (Standard Liege), Marissa Sheva (Washington Spirit), Abbie Larkin (Shamrock Rovers).