It's heart-breaking to be going home but I'm proud

O'SULLIVAN DETERMINED TO FINISH WITH WIN

- MARK McCADDEN

DENISE O'SULLIVAN'S heart feels empty as Ireland prepare for one last match at the World Cup.

They face Nigeria on Monday knowing they cannot progress to the last 16 after single-goal defeats to co-hosts Australia and Olympic champs Canada.

So it will be a sad farewell to their base in Brisbane and a long couple of flights home for O'Sullivan and her team-mates early next week.

"It feels empty right now because we're going out of the tournament," said the Cork midfielder.

"Yet I still feel hugely proud at being here representing our country. That feeling of putting on a green shirt is one I can't describe.