President Higgins wishes Girls in Green luck at World Cup

President Michael D. Higgins has officially wished Ireland's Girls in Green good luck in their bid to win the 2023 FIFA world cup.

This year is the first time the Irish Women’s team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup, and fans have rallied around the squad with excitement.

"Your journey to the World Cup, which included emerging from a challenging group and of course that memorable play off victory over Scotland, has been an outstanding achievement, demonstrating a remarkable talent and is an inspiration to Irish women's football.," he wrote.

"Your dedication to the sport, and the skill displayed by all of the players has elevated the women's game and inspired more young girls and women to play the 'beautiful game'. For all those who love football this is warmly welcomed. As you represent your country at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, may I, on behalf of all the citizens of Ireland, send you my heartfelt best wishes and good luck. Guím gach rath oraibh sa chomórtas agus gach dea-ghui."

Welcome to Sydney @FAIWomen!!! #COYGIG #fifa #fifawwc ☘️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/19Wc3I0cG0

— Consulate General of Ireland, Sydney (@IrelandSydney) July 19, 2023

Kilnamanagh native Katie McCabe will act as team captain, and play alongside defenders Diane Caldwell and Jamie Finn, Midfielder Izzy Atkinson, and Forward Abby Larken, all of whom hail from Dublin.

The team is led by manager Vera Pauw and will be based out of Brisbane for the duration of the tournament.

They will play their first match against Australia today at 11am Irish time, going on to play Canada on the 26th and Nigeria on the 31st.

President Higgins also features in Zrazy's recently released track, "Come on Ireland (Giving us the Right to Dream)," made in support of women's sports across Ireland.