The All-Island Cup and the Ireland squad are the main talking points this week.

At Home

It was final weekend of the All-Island group stage. Thinking back to last year there was a bit of confusion going into this stage with the ranking criteria being unclear. It had been indicated that Goal Difference would separate sides level on points when in reality it came down to head to head. This year it was all made a bit clearer, although whatever way the FAI Connect app was programmed it had Wexford ranked in 3rd in their group rather than 2nd (although I will say the FAI Connect app has been largely helpful and good).

The All-Island Cup has been a great introduction to Irish football for a couple of reasons:

• Each LOI team gets to play at least one different opponent from their usual array of League fixtures, something that only occurs if side draws a non-league team in the LOI.
• The competition gives a chance for teams to rotate a bit throughout the season. If it were just down to the league and cup then some players would see minimal minutes.
• There’s an extra trophy on offer, which keeps things interesting for longer for a lot of teams.

I was on commentary for DLR Waves vs Treaty United and it was clear both sides were very up for the game, with the Waves much improved despite having no path through to the knockouts. It’s a testament to the fact that these games haven’t been a waste of time and have meant something to every team.

The quarter-final draw is below. The introduction of an extra round helps balance things out for teams that found themselves in a particularly difficult group.

Overseas

Something that is a concern for Ireland is that Katie McCabe is going all the way to Australia to play a friendly with Arsenal before returning to Europe for a double header against Sweden. We could have done with having one of our key players being rested and travelling with the rest of the squad. It could well be a case of only seeing McCabe in the second game, then again how often has Katie not started if she is available.

I think we’ve praised Courtney Brosnan in every issue so far so why stop now? Congratulations to Brosnan on being awarded player of the year for Everton. It’s a big deal for an Irish player to win that award at a WSL club.

Kyra Carusa was on the scoresheet for San Diego Waves in their 2-1 defeat over the weekend. There’s also speculation in the NWSL that Denise O’Sullivan could be making a move to Europe.

Back in the WSL Leanne Kiernan scored a hattrick. Really good to see her back among the goals after such a difficult run with injuries.

Finally Caitlin Hayes got to lift the Scottish League with Celtic over the weekend. We mentioned last week she’ll be playing UWCL football next year. I’s the first time Celtic have won the league.

This Weekend

Two big things to keep an eye on. First of all Amber Barrett and Claire O’Riordan are in a title race in Belgium. Standard Liege find themselves 2 points behind Club Brugge going into the final game of the season.

We also want to wish good luck to a Post to Post Sport favourite Kate Mooney who will b involved in the Scottish Cup Final, with Hearts being involved for the first time.

International

Here’s the squad for Ireland’s two games against Sweden.

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (London City Lionesses), Sophie Whitehouse (Lewes)

Defenders: Jessie Stapleton (West Ham United), Diane Caldwell (FC Zurich), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Caitlin Hayes (Celtic), Anna Patten (Aston Villa), Aoife Mannion (Manchester United), Megan Campbell (London City Lionesses)

Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Bristol City), Ruesha Littlejohn (London City Lionesses), Tyler Toland (Blackburn Rovers), Lily Agg (Birmingham City), Jess Ziu (West Ham United), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Erin McLaughlin (Peamount United), Eva Mangan (Cork City), Izzy Atkinson (Crystal Palace)

Forwards: Kyra Carusa (San Diego Wave), Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool), Emily Murphy (Wake Forest University), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace), Amber Barrett (Standard Liege)

It’s great to see two LOI players involved, both rewarded for good form. Regardless of whether Eva Mangan makes her debut or Erin McLaughlin gets another cap it’s still great to see them involved.
5 significant absentees through injury are Niamh Fahey, Heather Payne, Chloe Mustaki, Tara O’Hanlon, and Jamie Finn. Finn is a particularly big loss, here presence in a holding midfield role would allow O’Sullivan and McCabe to push further up. As for Tara O’Hanlon it’s probably a frustrating time for her dealing with injury after a big move to Man City. But the aim should be to be back for the next WSL season and Ireland’s play-off. There;s no need to rush a young player back.