A new record attendance was set at Tallaght Stadium as 8,218 spectators turned out as the Ireland Women's National Team lost 2-0 to Cymru in an International Friendly.

Early goals from Jess Fishlock and Lily Woodham decided this contest on a night when the visiting team deserved their victory and left Ireland frustrated with their own performance.

Not much went to plan for Eileen Gleeson's side with defender Niamh Fahey dropping out of the starting line-up just before kick-off due to feeling a quad strain in the warm-up. That gave Diane Caldwell the opportunity to come into a team set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

The formation was always intended to be changeable, similar to the previous draw away to Italy, to allow for fluidity in play and defensive cover when required. Except little clicked into place as Cymru started with speed and aggression before Fishlock opened the scoring after just seven minutes.

Woodham added to that and Ireland were left with a lot of work to do. The pressing from Ruesha Littlejohn, the clever movement of Jess Ziu and the battling of Jessie Stapleton gave them a chance but they could never find their flow.

Even the half-time introduction of three substitutes could not swing the game back in their favour even though the second half was a much better display. Debutant Emily Murphy impressed with her hard running and attempts to link play.

Cymru goalkeeper Olivia Clark did save well on her goal line but there were few clear-cut chances created by Ireland. They will take a lot from this going into their EURO 2025 qualifiers.

Ireland: Courtney Brosnan; Heather Payne, Caitlin Hayes, Diane Caldwell (Louise Quinn 46), Katie McCabe (Izzy Atkinson 73); Jess Ziu, Jessie Stapleton (Lily Agg 88), Megan Connolly, Leanne Kiernan (Emily Murphy 46); Ruesha Littlejohn; Amber Barrett (Kyra Carusa 46).

Cymru: Olivia Clark; Rhiannon Roberts (Charlotte Estcourt 63), Hayley Ladd, Gemma Evans; Josephine Green, Angharad James (Ceri Holland 63), Sophie Ingle, Lily Woodham (Ella Powell 63); Jess Fishlock (Lois Joel 81), Rachel Rowe (Carrie Jones 72), Elise Hughes (Kayleigh Barton 82).

Referee: Frida Mia Klarlund (Denmark).