Bohs Teenager Aoibhe Brennan Earns First Ireland Call-Up

Bohemians teenager Aoibhe Brennan has received her first senior call-up to the Republic of Ireland women’s squad for next month’s crucial World Cup 2027 qualifying double-header against Poland. The 18-year-old midfielder, who has impressed in the Premier Division this season, is among the standout new names in Carla Ward’s 24-player selection announced on Monday.

Brennan’s rise has been swift. Previously capped at under-19 level for Ireland, she now prepares to join the senior team for matches that could define the campaign. According to multiple reports, Ward was present at Dalymount Park to witness Brennan’s standout performance in Bohemians’ 3-0 win over Cork City on March 21. The manager took note, rewarding the Bohs youngster with a place among established internationals.

Ireland will face Poland twice in quick succession as they look to earn their first points after narrow defeats to France and the Netherlands in their opening Group A2 qualifiers. The first match is set for Gdansk Stadium on Tuesday, April 14, with the return fixture at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Saturday, April 18.

These matches are pivotal. A third-place group finish would keep hopes alive for a more favorable play-off route toward qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027, a topic already drawing comparisons with England’s own world cup selection dilemmas.

Ward’s squad announcement also sees the return of two key players from long-term injuries. Lily Agg is back in contention for the first time since 2024 after recovering from a serious knee injury. West Ham United’s Jess Ziu also returns, having been absent since October 2025 and the previous play-offs against Georgia. Both Agg and Ziu add experience and depth to a midfield group that now features Brennan for the first time.

The rest of the squad remains largely unchanged from recent outings. Defenders Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Anna Patten (Aston Villa), Caitlin Hayes (Brighton & Hove Albion), Aoife Mannion (Newcastle United), Jessie Stapleton (Nottingham Forest, loan), and Chloe Mustaki (Nottingham Forest) all retain their places. In midfield, alongside O’Sullivan, Toland, Connolly, Sheva, Quinn, Littlejohn, Ziu, Agg, and Brennan complete a strong lineup.

Up front, Carla Ward continues with Saoirse Noonan (Celtic), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace), Leanne Kiernan (Nottingham Forest, loan), Emily Murphy (Newcastle United), Kyra Carusa (Kansas City Current, loan), and Amber Barrett (Strasbourg). Supporters can expect a familiar core group, now bolstered by fresh talent and returning experience.

For those following every twist of this qualification campaign, and for anyone considering bet365 betting sites for added excitement, the inclusion of a young local star like Brennan brings extra intrigue.

Brennan’s selection follows her strong form early in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division campaign. Her performances with Bohs have reportedly impressed not only fans but also national team scouts, making her senior call-up less of a surprise to those closely following Irish women’s football.

Notably, Hayley Nolan and Jamie Finn are absent from this international window. Tickets are available for supporters wishing to cheer on Ireland at home when they take on Poland at Aviva Stadium.

The full squad includes three goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic), and Grace Moloney (Sunderland). With Ward keeping faith in most of her roster from last month’s narrow defeats to top opposition, attention now turns to how this blend of youth and experience will fare against Poland, a direct rival for third place in Group A2.

Ireland sit bottom of their group heading into these fixtures after losses to France and the Netherlands. The double-header against Poland offers a chance to climb off that spot, and with teenagers like Aoibhe Brennan breaking through onto the senior stage, there will be plenty of extra focus on how Ward’s side responds under pressure next month.