Episode 175: Denise O’Sullivan

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 175 features an exclusive interview with North Carolina Courage and Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team midfielder Denise O’Sullivan; plus soundbites from North Carolina defender Abby Erceg and head coach Paul Riley.

What happens when the king gets knocked off the throne? In the case of the NWSL champions North Carolina Courage, they get up, brush themselves off, and come back with a vengeance. Their unexpected departure from the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup in the quarterfinals could be a pivotal moment in the history of the game – we’ve seen it before!

Back in 2017, when the Portland Thorns defeated the Courage in the NWSL Championship Final, the Courage vowed to come back and they did – winning the championship in 2018 and 2019. In fact, they only lost 6 games over the course of two seasons. On this episode we take a look at this very special team with the motor of the squad and 2-time team MVP, Irish international Denise O’Sullivan. We also hear from North Carolina captain Abby Erceg and head coach Paul Riley.

Denise O’Sullivan

Republic of Ireland midfielder Denise O’Sullivan is praised by the top head coaches in the game today as one of the best players in women’s soccer. Denise stops by to chat about her thoughts on the NWSL Challenge Cup, playing during a pandemic, her growing up days in Cork, the mentality of the Courage, and more.

We also discuss the upcoming UEFA Women’s EURO qualifiers, the chances of Ireland in the tournament, their new head coach Vera Pauw and much more. It’s an amazing time to be an Ireland fan and Denise is a big part of their success. Do not miss hearing from this exciting young star! (17′)

Follow Denise:

Twitter: @OSullivanDenise

Instagram: @deniseosullivan100

 

Paul Riley

North Carolina head coach Paul Riley talks about his scrappy midfielder Denise O’Sullivan and in the next segment discusses the game that knocked his team out of the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup. Paul also shares his thoughts on the future of the team. (13′ and 46′)

Abby Erceg

The Kiwi defender and captain of the North Carolina Courage gives us her post-game thoughts on the team’s elimination in the tournament, the possible causes, a look toward the future of the team, and more. (45′)

 

Episode Links:

Read about the UEFA Women’s EUROS at https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/

Listen to our exclusive interview with Abby Erceg in 2018 – Episode 125.

 

More WWFShow Links:
Follow Women’s World Football Show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and our blog at wwfshowblog.com.

Listen to Women’s World Football Show on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Spreaker, TuneIn Radio, Google Play, Castbox, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and direct from our website at www.WWFShow.com.

Photo Courtesy of: North Carolina Courage

Original Broadcast Date: July 19, 2020

Women’s World Football Show is hosted, written, edited & produced by Patty La Bella.

Additional assistance for this episode by Denise O’Sullivan, Morgan Brown, Megan Rogers, Mark Jones, NWSL

Women’s World Football Show website design and theme music by Patricia La Bella

Women’s World Football Show® is a registered trademark and it’s audio and logo cannot be used without expressed written authorization.

Episode 155: Rianna Jarrett, Louise Quinn, Kieran Crowley

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 155 features exclusive interviews with Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team Players Wexford Youths Striker Rianna Jarrett and Arsenal WFC Defender Louise Quinn; plus Irish author Kieran Crowley.

Despite being established over 45 years ago, the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Football Team has yet to qualify for a major tournament. However, there is hope on the horizon for women’s football in Ireland as the national team prepares to qualify for the UEFA Women’s European Championships 2021.

With the hiring of new manager Vera Pauw and talented young stars, the future is as bright as ever in Ireland. Another positive sign that women’s football is taking off in Ireland is the growing popularity of the Women’s National League (WNL) and it’s bright young star, our featured guest, Rianna Jarrett.

Also, featured on this episode is a special appearance by Rep. of Ireland star defender Louise Quinn! Plus, Irish author and women’s football advocate Kieran Crowley. And, a bonus snippet from Alana “AJ” Johnson’s interview with Megan Campbell from 2014.

It’s a New Day for women’s football in Ireland and it starts Right Now!

Rianna Jarrett

The phenom from Wexford has suffered her share of disappointing injuries over the course of her short 25 years. But one thing is for sure, Rianna Jarrett never let those injuries define her or dictate her future.

In this exclusive interview, Rianna discusses her resilience to return to the game she’s loved since her youth. Also, the young star shares stories of her childhood, the exciting experience of playing against the USA in front of 37,000 people, the state of women’s football in Ireland, and so much more!

If you’re looking for a young Irish player to root for heading into the UEFA Women’s Euro qualifiers, Rianna Jarrett is that player. (16’)

Follow Rianna Jarrett on Twitter @RiannaJarrett and on Instagram @riannajarrett.

Louise Quinn

One of the biggest names on the Rep. of Ireland WNT, Arsenal WFC defender Louise Quinn talks with us about the upcoming UEFA Women’s Euro qualifiers, how women’s football is growing in Ireland, what we can do to help that growth, the upcoming FAWSL season, and more! (49′)

Follow Louise on Twitter @louise_quinn4 and on Instagram @louisequinn4.

Kieran Crowley

Irish author and women’s football advocate Kieran Crowley discusses his novel The Mighty Dynamo, youth football in Ireland, the influence of women’s football in his book, and more! (39’)

Follow Kieran on Twitter @KMarkCrowley

Learn more about The Mighty Dynamo at Facebook.com/MightyDynamo and order your copy on Amazon.

Read an excerpt from Chapter One of The Mighty Dynamo: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250079244

Links:
Listen to Alana “AJ” Johnson’s interview with Megan Campbell from Episode 31.

Listen to Patty’s interview with Steph Roche from Episode 43.

More WWFShow Links:
Follow Women’s World Football Show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and our blog at wwfshowblog.com.

Listen to Women’s World Football Show on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Spreaker, TuneIn Radio, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and direct from our website at www.WWFShow.com.

Photo Courtesy of: Wexford Youths Women

Original Broadcast Date: September 22, 2019

Women’s World Football Show is hosted, written, edited & produced by Patty La Bella.

Additional assistance for this episode by Chris Lopez, Ilyanna Guitierez of US Soccer, Kieran Crowley, and Alana “AJ” Johnson.

Women’s World Football Show website design and theme music by Patricia La Bella

Women’s World Football Show® is a registered trademark and it’s audio and logo cannot be used without expressed written authorization.