Ellen Molloy Returns to Ireland Team, With First Call-Up for Athlone’s Katie Keane
Ellen Molloy is back in the Republic of Ireland squad for the first time in two years after a lengthy awaited recovery. It is a huge moment for Ireland and their team as Molloy has been through her fair share of ups and downs, having to overcome a serious ACL injury in 2022.
There’s also exciting news at the back though, with Athlone Town goalkeeper Katie Keane getting her first senior call up after a slew of impressive performances at club and with the Ireland under 19s. The mix of experienced and emerging talent on offer after this latest squad announcement creates an air of optimism for the Ireland team’s future.
Long-Awaited Comeback Of Ellen Molloy
Republic of Ireland have recalled Ellen Molloy, one of their most talented midfielders, after a two year exile. Molloy has not played for the Ireland team since the World Cup qualifier against Slovakia in September 2022.
Unfortunately for Ellen Molloy, after the match she suffered a devastating ACL injury that put her on the side-line for an extended amount of time. Ellen Molloy’s injury has been a massive loss to the Ireland team as she had been a vital person in their success.
Following her full recovery, Molloy is also back stronger than ever. She moved from Wexford FC to Sheffield United, an English Championship side, in September and hit the ground running.
She did not start playing until last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Birmingham City for Sheffield United, for whom she scored ‘a brilliant solo goal’, demonstrating the sort of talent she has been showing before she was hit by the injury strain. That gives Ireland a huge lift as they move toward crucial upcoming fixtures.
Ellen Molloy’s addition to the squad brings fresh optimism to the team, who hope she will provide creativity, energy and attacking threat in their midfield. The Republic of Ireland will be keen to further their fledgling progress on the international stage and will need her presence in the squad to help iron out any teething problems as they do so.
Katie Keane: A Rising Star Gets a First Call up
Ellen Molloy’s return has made headlines but the other defining development of the Ireland camp is the first senior call up of Athlone Town goalkeeper Katie Keane. Not surprising, either, given that Keane has been making waves as yet another of the best young keepers in Ireland and her performances with Athlone Town have been nothing if not excellent. She was instrumental in getting her team to the Sports Direct FAI Cup final, and they will meet Shelburne on Sunday.
Contact Sport understands that boss Martin O’Neill spotted something in Keane when he went away with the Ireland Under-19 side over the summer and she was exceptional at the European Championships. Keane put on a heroic display in a 0-0 draw against Spain as she proved herself to be a shot-stopper and calmed nerves under pressure.
However, Katie Keane has earned her fully deserved place and now she has the opportunity, with the other senior keepers there, to learn from them and develop her game.
There could now be a chance for Keane to prove his worth to manager Vera Pauw by starting in a crucial fixture for the Ireland team, with first choice goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan suspended for the first leg of next week’s play-off semi final. Whether she starts or not, her inclusion in the squad shows Ireland’s strength in depth for goalkeeping.
Irish Road to Rugby World Cup: Injury Woes and Key Returns
Heather Payne and Kyra Carusa, who were out injured for the previous camp, will also return to the Republic of Ireland squad, while Ellen Molloy is back.
The team have also welcomed back the duo, who will give another boost as the team prepare for a two-legged play off semi final against Georgia. The experience and versatility of Payne and Carusa will be a vital asset for the Irish team on the pursuit to a place in the next round.
But several important players will miss out thanks to injury. Ireland are without Megan Campbell, Jess Ziu, Ruesha Littlejohn and Jamie Finn and that will make it difficult for them from a depth point of view. These absences aside, the squad is packed with class, with Katie McCabe, Denise O’Sullivan and Louise Quinn all primed to rise to the challenge.
The Road Ahead: Ireland’s Play-off Semi Final Clash With Georgia
The Republic of Ireland are preparing for a massive two-legged play off semi final against Georgia. Next Friday’s first leg will be in Tbilisi before next Tuesday’s return leg in Tallaght. The Ireland team face their must-win encounter as they push for international success.
Georgia are 118th in the world, 94 places below Ireland and thus will enter the tie as firm favourites. Ireland has met Croatia before in the qualifying process for the 2023 World Cup and although the two sides have never played a competitive game, the Irish team has always won in their two meetings.
Georgia was trounced by the Girls in Green who racked up 11-0 wins in Tallaght and 9-0 in Gori. But football is unpredictable, and they’ll have to keep their foot on the pedal to stop slipping up. Ellen Molloy’s return to the squad will be important to keeping Ireland’s attacking threat, while Katie Keane and company will add fresh blood and competition in key positions.
Overview Of The Republic of Ireland Squad
A mix of experience and youth completes the full Irish squad for the play-off semi final.
Goalkeepers:
- Courtney Brosnan (Everton)
- Grace Moloney (London City Lionesses)
- Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic)
- Katie Keane (Athlone Town)
Defenders:
- Jessie Stapleton (Sunderland, on loan from West Ham United)
- Diane Caldwell (FC Zurich)
- Louise Quinn (Birmingham City)
- Niamh Fahey (Liverpool)
- Aoife Mannion (Manchester United)
- Caitlin Hayes (Celtic)
- Anna Patten (Aston Villa)
Midfielders:
- Katie McCabe (Arsenal)
- Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage)
- Megan Connolly (Lazio)
- Tyler Toland (Blackburn Rovers)
- Lily Agg (Birmingham City)
- Ellen Molloy (Sheffield United)
- Heather Payne (Everton)
- Izzy Atkinson (Crystal Palace)
- Eva Mangan (Cork City)
Forwards:
- Kyra Carusa (San Diego Wave)
- Amber Barrett (Standard Liege)
- Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool)
- Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace)
- Julie-Ann Russell (Galway United)
- Marissa Sheva (Portland Thorns)
Conclusion: Ireland’s Women’s Football Enters New Era
The return of Ellen Molloy to the Republic of Ireland squad is not just important for the player herself but for the whole Ireland team.
Following two years dicing with injury, Ellen Molloy is ready to bring fresh energy and creativity to the squad, while enhancing the already experienced pool of players. Katie Keane’s inclusion also acts as a glimpse into the exciting future of Irish womens’ football as they seek to bring together experienced stars with passing players.
Having already secured qualification for the 2018 World Cup playoffs by topping Group D, optimism is high that Ireland will enter this week’s dramatic play-offs as favourites. Ireland has improved over the last year or so and they are in very good shape, with key players coming back from injury and new faces added to the squad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ellen Molloy’s return important for the Ireland team?
Ellen Molloy’s return is significant because she has been out for two years due to a serious ACL injury. Her presence brings creativity and attacking energy to the Ireland team, which missed her contributions during her recovery.
What injury did Ellen Molloy recover from?
Ellen Molloy suffered a devastating ACL injury after playing in a World Cup qualifier against Slovakia in September 2022. This injury sidelined her for two years until her recent recovery and return.
Who is Katie Keane?
Katie Keane is a talented young goalkeeper from Athlone Town, and her inclusion is noteworthy as she has earned her first senior call-up after stellar performances for both Athlone and the Ireland Under-19s. She could play a key role in the team’s upcoming matches.
What are the key challenges for the Ireland squad?
The Ireland team faces injury challenges, with key players like Megan Campbell, Jess Ziu, and Jamie Finn ruled out. However, the return of Ellen Molloy, Heather Payne, and Kyra Carusa, along with the inclusion of new talents like Katie Keane, boosts their squad depth.
How has Ellen Molloy performed at Sheffield United?
Ellen Molloy moved to Sheffield United in September 2024 and made an immediate impact by scoring a brilliant solo goal in a 2-1 victory over Birmingham City. This performance shows her return to form after recovering from her ACL injury.