Ireland’s women’s rugby team has pulled the country into a shared celebration, reaching the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in over a decade. Their 43–27 victory over Spain at Franklin’s Gardens was more than a win on the scoreboard. It was a signal that this squad, which missed out on the 2022 tournament, has re-established itself on the biggest stage. With tries from Anna McGann and Grace Moore helping to secure a bonus point by half-time, the result gave fans reason to believe that something special may be building.
For many, the success is being felt not just in the stands or across television screens, but through the wider culture. Pubs across Dublin buzzed with cheers, social feeds filled with messages of pride, and conversations turned to what the team might achieve next. That sense of excitement has also reached betting markets, where supporters and bookmakers are tracking every step of Ireland’s run.
The odds reflect the challenge ahead, yet they are adding to the sense of anticipation as the quarter-finals loom. Some of the top European sports betting sites have placed Ireland at long-shot odds of around 51.00 to win the tournament, which translates to only about a two per cent chance of lifting the trophy. In contrast, favourites like England sit at around 1.22 and New Zealand at 4.50. While that positions Ireland as outsiders, their progress has stirred interest, with fans backing them regardless of the numbers. For punters, these figures illustrate just how tough the road is, but also why the story of Ireland’s campaign has captured attention beyond die-hard rugby circles.
The game against Spain was the kind that stirs the heart of supporters. Ireland were sharp from the start, with quick handling and confident finishing that left their opponents struggling to keep pace. Grace Moore and Anna McGann both crossed twice, setting the tone for a match where Ireland were always in control. By the time the final whistle blew, the team had delivered the kind of performance that reminded older fans of the highs of 2014, while showing new followers what this group can achieve.
Yet, amid the celebrations, there was concern. Co-captain Sam Monaghan limped off with a hip injury, raising doubts about her availability for the crucial Pool C decider against New Zealand. Head coach Scott Bemand spoke cautiously afterwards, noting that a clearer update would come within a day. Losing Monaghan for such a high-stakes fixture would be a significant blow, but the medical staff are working to have her fit. The uncertainty has added a nervous edge to what is already shaping up to be one of the defining contests of the tournament.
Looking ahead, the task could hardly be tougher. The Black Ferns are tournament favourites for a reason, combining physical strength with pace and precision. Ireland’s chances, according to most experts, remain slim. Yet sport often thrives on stories of the unexpected, and the manner in which this side has fought its way into the knockouts suggests they won’t be intimidated. The bookmakers may see the contest as one-sided, but the players and their supporters are treating it as an opportunity to prove themselves on the grandest stage.
What stands out most, though, is the reaction at home. The team’s progress has been met with real warmth across the country. Players like Linda Djougang have spoken openly about what it means to carry the green jersey and how the support from Ireland has lifted them. Commercial partners have highlighted the growing visibility of the squad, and media coverage has broadened far beyond rugby pages. The sense is that this campaign is helping women’s sport secure its rightful place in the national conversation.
For Dublin in particular, the effect is clear. The city’s pubs, clubs and sports clubs are alive to the story, with fans gathering for watch parties and sharing the drama in real time. Ireland’s victory over Spain was celebrated not just as a sporting result, but as a shared moment of pride. The narrative is one of resurgence, of a team rewriting its own story, and of a country rediscovering its passion for women’s rugby.
The quarter-final stage now beckons, with Brighton set to host Ireland’s showdown against New Zealand. Whatever the outcome, the team has already delivered something meaningful. They have brought fans together, reignited belief in the women’s game, and shown that even in the face of daunting odds, Ireland will not shy away. For supporters across Dublin and beyond, that is a reason to keep singing, keep cheering, and keep believing that this journey is not finished yet.
