The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper’s union is a delicate blend of camaraderie and competition.
Courtney Brosnan is the undisputed number one, but close comrades Grace Moloney and Sophie Whitehouse are crucial to maintaining high standards.
Brosnan has developed into a supreme stopper for the Girls in Green. A brilliant World Cup qualification campaign was followed by three strong performances at the tournament itself; indeed Brosnan’s magnificent save to deny Nigeria’s Uchenna Kanu in the final group game was one of Ireland's best moments in Australia.
Life as the last line of defence is notoriously fickle, a high-wire act where a single mistake can cost your team the game and stain a hard-earned reputation.
It is, therefore, very healthy for Ireland to have a trio of keepers who keep each other honest on and off the training pitch.
"It's a great group of goalkeepers here," said Brosnan ahead of Friday night's huge Euro 2025 qualifier against France in Metz.
"Grace and Sophie have been in for a long time now and I think we have such a good relationship. Grace is one of my really close friends so it's nice to have someone in your corner that knows what it's like to be a goalkeeper and can kind of give you feedback and you have honest conversations with.
"We're all talking to each other about where we can be better, what can we do, where people see different things. I think that's great competition that we have and obviously there's a lot of jokes flying around too which is always fun.
"We're all each other's number one fans but at the end of the day we all want to be the one that steps on the pitch to play. It’s that balance of that healthy competition where we're there for each other, we're backing each other up but we're also pushing each other.
"I want Grace to be the best goalkeeper she can be and Sophie as well. I like to think they would say the same thing about me. I think that's how we all progress forward as a group and get results as a team."
If Ireland are to get anything on the road against a brilliant French team tomorrow night, they will need Brosnan to be at the peak of her powers.
The 28-year-old was magnificent when the Girls in Green snatched a point away to Sweden during the World Cup qualifier, and has generally excelled whenever her side have been under the cosh.
After France, Ireland welcome England to the Aviva Stadium. Huge challenges; huge occasions; huge opportunities. She's ready to embrace every bit of it.
"When you are playing these big teams, these are the games that you need to get results in - try and win or get a draw," Brosnan reflected.
"We want to keep progressing forwards. We have been here before facing Sweden in the World Cup qualifiers so it is similar but adding France and England into the mix. It will be a tough challenge I'm sure.
"We're really focused on putting our best foot forward and putting in the best performances we can but we know that, from the World Cup I think, people know how difficult it is to play us, with our structure defensively and that passion and tenacity we have.
"I think especially playing games in Ireland with the fans backing us. It's difficult for teams to come here and get results against us. We're going to focus on ourselves but look to do everything we can this week."
Brosnan's contract at Everton expires this summer. She's living in the shadow of the Toffees' new ground on Bramley Moore Dock, and is hoping to remain on Merseyside to potentially line out at the impressive arena, which is due to be completed by the end of the year.
"For now, I'm just trying to focus on the football here with the national team, do the best I can, and finish out the season strong with Everton," she said.
"I’ve absolutely loved my time there and loved everything that Everton has given to me. Obviously, I could definitely see myself staying there. I’ll see where things take me."
Watch France v Republic of Ireland in Euro 2025 qualifying on Friday from 7.35pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to commentary on 2fm's Game On
Watch Republic of Ireland v England in Euro 2025 qualifying on Tuesday 9 April from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to commentary on 2fm's Game On
