NI qualifying for World Cup 'surreal' - O'Hanlon
Northern Ireland's netball team has qualified for the 2027 World Cup in Sydney after a successful qualifying campaign. Vice-captain Caroline O'Hanlon expressed pride in the team's achievement, noting that they aim to compete for results rather than just experience.
Why it matters
This represents a major milestone for Northern Irish netball, marking their return to the global stage after missing the 2023 tournament.
Northern Ireland netball vice-captain Caroline O'Hanlon said "not many outside of our camp expected us to qualify" after the side booked their spot for the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
Sheonah Forbes' side secured their place in Sydney after beating Wales and the Republic of Ireland during their impressive qualifying campaign in East Kilbride.
It will be the first World Cup for Northern Ireland since 2019, after they missed out on the 2023 edition in Cape Town.
"There wouldn't have been many outside of our camp who expected us to qualify," O'Hanlon told BBC Sport NI.
"It's so exciting, even since Friday, we've been inundated with well wishes and messages from home and people watching the games on BBC. It's been brilliant to have that exposure.
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