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Brosnan, Connolly and Kiernan missed the Nations League play-off against Belgium Courtney Brosnan, Megan Connolly and Leanne Kiernan have returned to the Republic of Ireland squad for next month's 2027 Women's World Cup qualifiers against France and the Netherlands. Everton goalkeeper Brosnan, Lazio midfielder Connolly and forward Kiernan - on loan at Nottingham Forest from Liverpool - all missed the dramatic Nations League play-off win over Belgium in October because of injury. The 23-player squad is again captained by Arsenal's Katie Mc Cabe, who won her 100th cap in the play-off against Belgium. The Republic of Ireland face France at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin on 3 March before travelling to Utrecht to play the Netherlands four days later. Ward is hoping to emulate her predecessor Vera Pauw by leading the Republic of Ireland to next year's finals in Brazil. Under Pauw, the Irish qualified for the tournament for the first time, but they exited after finishing bottom of their group. After beating Belgium 5-4 on aggregate to gain promotion to the top tier of the Nations League, the Republic of Ireland beat Hungary 3-2 in a behind-closed-doors friendly in Marbella. West Ham's Jess Ziu and Leicester City's Heather Payne are among the players not included. Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic), Grace Moloney (Sunderland) Defenders: Katie Mc Cabe (Arsenal), Anna Patten (Aston Villa), Caitlin Hayes (Brighton & Hove Albion), Hayley Nolan (Crystal Palace), Aoife Mannion (Newcastle United), Jessie Stapleton (Nottingham Forest - loan), Chloe Mustaki (Nottingham Forest) Midfielders: Denise O'Sullivan (Liverpool), Tyler Toland (Durham), Megan Connolly (Lazio), Marissa Sheva (Sunderland), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Ruesha Littlejohn (Crystal Palace), Jamie Finn (Sunderland) Attackers: Saoirse Noonan (Celtic), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace), Leanne Kiernan (Nottingham Forest - loan), Emily Murphy (Newcastle United), Kyra Carusa (Kansas City Current - loan), Amber Barrett (Strasbourg) Arsenal make Saka best-paid player with new deal Pollock, Curry and Lawrence to start for England v Ireland - reaction Rain ends Ireland & Australia's T20 World Cup hopes How a sound effect became the ultimate movie in-joke The story of one of Scotland's most mysterious disappearances The hunt for the next superstar chef is on Valtteri Bottas prepares for his fresh start at Cadillac Is Donley ready to fill NI's 'problem position'? What is Northern Ireland's record against Italy? 'Now feels like the right time to start family' 'We're not Johnny' - Prendergast forging own path FA Cup heroes Macclesfield make memories to last a lifetime What has gone wrong for British short track speed skating? Nissanka ton sends Sri Lanka through & leaves Australia on brink. Video Nissanka ton sends Sri Lanka through & leaves Australia on brink 'We really messed up' - does European football need more balance? 'People shouldn't be dying just for existing' - Gauff on US issues Five talking points from round two of Six Nations Swearing, illicit filming & rule changes - what next in curling cheating row? Why first gold on snow has been just a matter of time 'India v Pakistan becoming a political rivalry rather than sporting one' Bankes and Nightingale win snowboard cross gold for Team GB. Video Bankes and Nightingale win snowboard cross gold for Team GB Eight-try France hammer Wales in Cardiff. Video Eight-try France hammer Wales in Cardiff 'Murrayfield pain will make England a better team' A big day for GB's men's curling team - Tuesday's guide A 'very special' FA Cup win and why managing Ronaldo is 'easy' Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.