The Republic of Ireland women’s U17 side were defeated 2-1 by a strong Japanese side in the FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup quarter-final in Trinidad on Friday night. Ireland’s World Cup hopes were dented in the 34th minute when the referee gifted a penalty to Japan as Maomoto duly converted but Ireland hit back in the 53rd minute through Denise O’Sullivan who was in sensational form for the Irish throughout. However, Japan’s top goal scorer, Yokohama was on-hand in the 67th minute to score a marvelous goal to send Japan through to the World Cup semi-final. Kilmacrennan Celtics Ciara Grant started each of the four games in the competition while Finn Valley’s Tanya Kennedy came on late in the Japan game replacing Stacie Donnelly. As Ireland faced the long journey home they came be incredibly proud of their tremendous performance at the World Cup.
Ciara Grant spoke with Myles Gallagher on Sunday Sport.
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