“Straight away, people are probably going to doubt us but we’re gonna be up for it”

"She lets us play with freedom, and we weren't really used to that in the past."

Izzy Atkinson and Abbie Larkin, two of Ireland and Crystal Palace's brightest prospects, are in flying club form, writes Aoife White. Intent on helping Palace to the Women's Super League, the Irish duo are also looking forward to some big international challenges ahead. 

Larkin and Atkinson signed with Crystal Palace back in January, during the winter transfer window. Atkinson has made four appearances for the Eagles, scoring two goals, including one on her debut. Larkin made her debut for Palace, off the bench, against Chelsea in the Women's FA Cup. Palace currently second in The Championship, one point behind Sunderland.

We caught up with the internationals not long after the Euro 2025 draw announced that Ireland would be facing Sweden, France and England in the qualifiers. “Straight away,” said Atkinson, “people are probably going to doubt us, but we are going to be up for it."

With France, England and Sweden respectively sitting fourth, fifth and sixth in the Fifa Women's World Rankings it will be tough going but, as Larkin stated, it is a challenge that Ireland need.

Following on from the 2023 World Cup experience, this draw tosses Ireland in with some sharks. “We're up for it no matter who we play,” declared Atkinson.

Izzy Atkinson and Abbie Larkin on playing at Aviva Stadium

Shortly before it was confirmed Ireland would be playing their home Euro matches at Aviva Stadium, the pair teed up that exciting prospect.

"Tallaght, where we play that holds 10,000 now and when we played in the Aviva for our first ever time there and we got around 37,000." noted Izzy Atkinson. "I think it's clear that we can definitely get a lot of people, more than 10,000, so hopefully we can play in the Aviva."

On that last time out, when a record crowd of 35.944 filed into the Lansdowne Road stadium to see Ireland beat Northern Ireland 3-0, Larkin commented:

"It was such a great atmosphere - so many people there compared to what we normally have. They are extending Tallaght, so there are obviously more people that are able to join us there now, which is amazing for the women’s game."

Former boss Vera Pauw moved on after the Women's World Cup. Eileen Gleeson was first brought in as interim manager and, after six consecutive wins, made permanent manager. “She's great,” Atkinson said. “She's positive with us…She lets us play with freedom, and we weren't really used to that in the past”. 

Ireland will face England on April 9 and Sweden on May 31, in the Euro Qualifiers, at Aviva Stadium. A venue is still to be confirmed for the France match on July 16, with an away date on April 5.

Up next for Larkin and Atkinson is Sheffield United away, St Patrick’s Day (March 17). They will be hoping to get top spot in the Women's Championship for Crystal Palace with another victory. 

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