The aftermath of the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2025 qualifier win against France was a sensory overload, the players submerging themselves in the chaos of a raucous Páírc Uí Chaoimh.

After six defeats on the bounce, Ireland savoured a victory that sends them into the play-offs as one of the seeded countries. They will hope there’s bigger days to come as they chase qualification for the tournament in Switzerland next year.

But for the moment they’re entitled to bask in the glow of a deserved victory.

"What an atmosphere, what a game and what a result," said centre-half Anna Patten, who headed home the third goal of a 3-1 success.

"We’re all so happy. We’ve got to take those sorts of performances into the play-offs now, big games we want to win and obviously get ourselves to the Euros in Switzerland."

Patten declared for Ireland in April having represented England underage level. The 24-year-old’s eligibility comes through her Galway grandmother and Donegal grandfather, who passed away last year. Her goal, she said, was dedicated to his memory.

"It’s for my grandad. Scoring that goal means so much for me, for him and for my family.

"My mum was here. I’m so glad she made the trip. She just caught me there and was like, 'I don’t know whether to laugh, cry, I don’t know what emotions to feel’. That was amazing having her in the crowd.

"You could feel it, if there was a break going you just felt the stadium starting to build up and really get behind us. When those goals went in, for everyone it was amazing, the atmosphere.

"We’ve all really loved our trip here. We’ve been in a hotel in the city and been able to walk in and take it all in. It’s been a really relaxing time and I think it set us up really well for this game."

Patten has been an ever-present in the team since declaring for Ireland and she was excellent again on Tuesday, subduing France alongside Louise Quinn and Caitlin Hayes.

While they held things together at the back, the likes of Julie-Ann Russell, Leanne Kiernan, Jess Ziu and Denise O’Sullivan asked questions at the other end of the field in what was Ireland’s most complete display of the qualifiers.

"I think the willing runners up top really helped us," Patten said, when reflecting on the improvement.

"Leanne and Julie ran pretty much non-stop and I think that really helped us. Those final passes and finishes, taking our chances, I think we missed that a little bit in the group games. That was huge for us.

"Julie scoring for us right at the death against England was huge I think. It’s something that we really took, knowing we can score against these big opponents. The second half (against England) and how we were front-footed and can give it to these top teams, it showed in our performance against France."

Reflecting further on her goal, scored in stoppage time, the Aston Villa player added: "I think there was a bit of deliberation on the side-line if us defenders should go up or not, ‘are we going to keep it in the corner?’ I’m really glad they were like, ‘go on, get us a goal!’.

"It just helped relieve the pressure on us as well, getting that goal, which is what you want in those final few minutes when it can be tough. When the crowd erupted it was a great feeling. I’m just glad it went in the back of the net."