Republic of Ireland women’s captain Katie McCabe was named Sportswoman of the Year for 2023 at the annual awards hosted by The Irish Times and Sports Ireland last week. Former Ireland rugby player Fiona Coghlan was recognised with the Outstanding Contribution award. McCabe led the Irish women’s team to their first ever major tournament in Australia earlier this year. She also became the first Irish player to score at a World Cup, with her stunning goal from a corner kick against Canada being nominated for the goal of the tournament.
FRIENDLIES
IN MARCH
The next Republic of Ireland men’s manager will have two home friendlies at the end of in March to get to know his players. Last week the FAI confirmed that the Republic will play Belgium on Saturday March 23 and Switzerland three days later at the Aviva. Belgium last visited Dublin in March 2022 to celebrate the FAI Centenary, albeit a year late due to Covid and the result was a 2-2 draw. Our last meeting with Switzerland was in October 2019 when we lost a European Championship qualifier 2-0. Seamus Coleman was sent off in that game after receiving a second yellow card. The FAI has not given a date as to when we can expect to hear the name of the new manager, but it’s expected to be in January.
CITY TAKE FIFA
CLUB WORD CUP
Julian Alvarez scored twice as Manchester City won the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time by beating Brazilian club Fluminense 4-0 in Saudi Arabia on Friday last. The win meant City emulated Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea in lifting the Club World Cup, but became the first English club to win five trophies in a calendar year. The treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League last season was followed by the UEFA Super Cup in August.
