A good night for Ireland as the Women's Senior and U19 teams both scored marvellous wins in their UEFA Championship qualifying matches ...

The Republic of Ireland senior and Under-19 teams both recorded victories this evening (Saturday) in their opening matches of the UEFA qualifying campaign.

Sue Ronan's seniors emerged victorious from a tricky 2013 European Championship tie in Newport against Wales on a 2-0 scoreline thanks to Denise O'Sullivan's double. The goals marks a spendid full debut for the Wilton United striker. Next up for Ireland is the visit of Group 4 top seeds France to Turner's Cross on Thursday (7.45pm) for their second game of the pool.

Wales: Nokes, Dykes, Ingle, Kylie Davies, Ludlow, Daley, Bleazard, Green, Lander, Harries, Fishlock.
Substitutes: Nicola Davies, Wade, Lea, Manley, Nia Jones, Harding, Foster.

Republic of Ireland: Emma Byrne, Grace Murray, Diane Caldwell, Niamh Fahey, Yvonne Treacy, Louise Quinn, Ciara Grant, Denise O’Sullivan, Fiona O’Sullivan, Shannon Smyth, Stephenie Roche.
Substitutes: Megan Campbell (on for Grace Murray, 55 mins) , Julie-Ann Russell (on for Roche, 66 mins), Shannon McDonnell, Meabh De Burca, Eva Badana, Marie Curtin (on for Smyth, 78mins), Mary Waldron.

Meanwhile, the Irish Women's Under-19 team also won their opening UEFA first phase qualifier by overcoming mini-group hosts Portugal courtesy of Aileen Gilroy's 71st minute goal.

Another three points for Dave Connell's side in their next game against Israel on Monday will secure them progression into the next, elite phase with Thursday's concluding game against Hungary to spare.

DEBUTANT Denise O'Sullivan scored both goals for the Republic of Ireland Women's team last night in Newport as they opened their UEFA European Championship qualification campaign with victory over Wales.