Republic of Ireland boosted their qualification hopes for next year’s Fifa Women’s World Cup as they held on for a 3-2 win over Poland in Gdansk.
The victory moves Carla Ward’s side up to third place, three points behind the Netherlands, who travel to Dublin in June.
Republic of Ireland started brightly and were rewarded for their early pressure as Emily Murphy cut onto her right and beat Kinga Szemik at the near post.
The visitors found themselves two goals ahead just eight minutes later. Megan Connolly’s corner eventually landed to Katie McCabe at the edge of the box, who volleyed home for her third goal in as many games.
IRELAND GOAL – KATIE McCABE
20 mins: 🇵🇱 0-2 🇮🇪
Superb left-footed volley from McCabe doubles Ireland’s lead
📺Live on @RTE2 and @RTEplayer
📱Updates – https://t.co/8Et05wxhSD pic.twitter.com/UVk8ds8x50— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) April 14, 2026
Poland responded positively and almost pulled a goal back minutes later, as a brave Anna Patten block denied Ewa Pajor.
The home side got their breakthrough just before half time. Tanja Pawollek nodded home from a Paulina Tomasiak cross, which gave the hosts a boost going into the break.
Republic of Ireland regained their two-goal lead early in the second half when Marissa Sheva struck an excellent effort into the top corner.
Just as it seemed the away side was going to cruise to victory, Ewa Pajor gave Poland a lifeline. The Barcelona forward latched onto a through ball before sending a looping effort over the head of Courtney Brosnan goal.
Katie McCabe blazed a late penalty over the bar, but Ireland held on for three crucial points.
Following the match, captain Katie McCabe highlightedthe importance of the win. “It was all about the three points for us. Obviously the first two games were really tough against France and the Netherlands, and we were close and we didn’t quite get over the line.”
Looking forward to Saturday’s return fixture, McCabe called on the Irish supporters. “We just need to build off this performance again and work towards Saturday, and we hope the fans can come out in numbers to support us in the Aviva.”
Limerick midfielder Aoibheann Clancy, from Kilbehenny, remained an unused substitute.
Poland (4-3-3): K Szemik; O Wos, A Zaremba, P Dudek, M Wiankowska, A Achcinska, T Pawollek, E Kamczyk, E Pajor©, P Tomasiak, N Padilla-Bidas
Subs: G Grzybowska for Pawollek (66), W Zieniewicz for Wiankowska (69), K Jedlinska for Tomasiak (86), M Kokosz for Achcinska (86)
Goals: T Pawollek (43), E Pajor (78)
Yellow cards: T Pawollek (45+1)
Ireland (5-3-2): C Brosnan; A Mannion, A Patten, C Hayes, C Mustaki, K McCabe©, D O’Sullivan, M Connolly, M Sheva, A Larkin, E Murphy
Subs: A Barrett for Larkin (69), J Ziu for Sheva (87)
Goals: E Murphy (12), K McCabe (20), M Sheva (59)
Yellow cards: D O’Sullivan (45+1)
Referee: Hristiyana Guteva