Anna Patten scores to copper-fasten famous win as Ireland defeat France

Anna Patten scored her first goal for the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday night.

Eileen Gleeson’s side took a famous scalp when beating France 3-1 in front of 18,399 fans at Pairc Uí Chaoímh in Cork – a result that means Ireland will be in Friday’s Euro 2024 play-off draw.

The third goal by Patten, who qualifies to wear the green thanks to her Falcarragh roots, sealed a result that could be regarded as among the finest results ever by the Ireland women – albeit with the French vastly understrength.

Cork native Denise O’Sullivan opened the scoring in the Euro 2025 qualifier in the 66^th minute later.

Ireland were in dreamland on 75 minutes when Julie-Ann Russell fired in a second.

Eleven minutes from the end, Vicki Becho halved the arrears for the French, who brought a second-string side with the Olympic Games in mind.

Ireland shook their heads clear and Aston Villa defender Patten headed home powerfully, aided by a deflection off Grace Geyoro, from a Megan Connolly corner.

Milford woman Amber Barrett came on as a late substitute while St Johnston native Tyler Toland was an unused replacement.

Patten qualifies for the Republic of Ireland through both her maternal grandparents: Donald Coyle, a native of Falcarragh and Bridie Coyle, nee Conroy, who hailed from Lettermore in Galway, who are the parents of Anna’s mother, Paula Coyle.

The former Coyle’s Cafe in Falcarragh was owned by Donald’s brother Seamus Coyle and his wife Margaret, whose nine children – Martin, Hugo, Kevin, Paul, Stephen, Denise, Caroline, Joanne and Roisin – are cousins of Paula Coyle.