New Republic of Ireland head coach Carla Ward named her first squad on Tuesday morning, bringing in one new face and three familiar ones who are currently searching for a club.
Here are five takeaways from her selection for the upcoming UEFA Nations League games against Turkey and Slovenia.
1. She's spoken to Denise O'Sullivan about Colin Healy
Colin Healy, Eileen Gleeson's No 2, has been very critical of the process in which he was removed from his role before Christmas, claiming he'd been led to believe his contract would be extended. Last week O'Sullivan doubled down on her support for Healy, saying, "it was the manner it was done in, I think it was disrespectful, I think it lacked class, I think it lacked compassion".
Ward revealed she has spoken to the Cork midfielder and Caitlin Hayes - who also posted her support for Healy on X - about the situation. "Look, I’m somebody that likes to face things head on," said Ward. "I don’t shy away from things. For those that know me, know my background, I’m very OK with difficult conversations, I’m very OK with addressing the elephant in the room. Yeah, we had conversations. They understand I’ll support them. My job is to get them focused now on moving forward, and that’s exactly what they’re gonna do."
2. Mel Filis offers 'something a little bit different'
On Sunday night the FAI's social team flagged there would be a newbie included and that transpired to be Charlton Athletic's Mel Filis. The 22-year-old Luton-born midfielder is eligible through her mother, born in Knock, Co Mayo.
"I think it’s something that she probably would have hoped to have had some involvement with before," said Ward. "But obviously she’s gone through the England age groups, I think until 23s just recently. (She offers) something a little bit different. She’s hard working, she’s aggressive, she’s front footed. Something a little bit different to maybe what we have."
3. Julie-Ann Russell retirement left Ward 'gutted'
Diane Caldwell and Niamh Fahey's January decisions to retire were somewhat expected, but Russell's retirement announcement was a surprise. The Galway forward injected Ireland with energy and verve when she returned to the fold last July, and Ward admits she'd been expecting her to be a big part of the Nations League.
"I'll be honest, I was gutted," said the head coach. "I actually spoke to Julie-Ann, my daughter couldn’t wait to meet Rosie, wanted to hand the baton over! I spoke to Julie-Ann, was talking about her being involved and she said I’ve actually got something to tell you, there’s something I’ve decided. I was a little bit gutted, I think she’s still got a lot to offer but I respect her decision. She’s been sensational for Ireland, as have Niamh and Diane. A huge loss, not just for the team but on and off the pitch as well."
4. Unattached trio all training with new clubs
Ruesha Littlejohn and Grace Moloney were released from the London City Lionesses last month, while Marissa Sheva has been a free agent since her contract at Portland Thorns expired. All three are in this Ireland squad with Ward confirming they are currently training with new clubs, though she would not name them.
"I'd like to think that within the next few weeks, definitely two of them will be signed at a club. I don't think I’d be at liberty to say (what clubs they're at). Two Championship clubs and a club abroad. I better not drop the breaking news for them."
5. Noonan overlooked but she's on the radar
Saoirse Noonan has been on fire at Celtic this season, with 21 goals to her name. Her omission from the squad was probably the biggest surprise, but Ward indicated the striker is close to getting her opportunity.
"Even up to the last couple of days, she’s somebody that’s massively on the radar," said Ward. "She’s doing tremendously well and someone we’ve looked at. She will think she could have been in this squad and we feel she probably could have, but we’ve gone with a squad that we believe covers all bases. She’s not too far away at all."
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