The Republic of Ireland women’s team kicked off their Istria Cup campaign in Croatia today with a 1-all draw against Hungary. It was Hungary who took the lead thanks to Fanni Vago who slotted home from a spot kick after her side was awarded a penalty for what the referee deemed to be a handball by Louise Quinn. Ireland was quick to recover and Ruesha Littlejohn equalized from the edge of the box in style thanks to a fantastic header on from debutant Sarah Rowe shortly after her arrival on the pitch. Raheny United star Katie McCabe also made her senior debut and was unlucky not to strike the net when her shot was deflected. Although Ireland came away from the game with a point, in reality, they deserved to take all the points from this decider having dominated the game throughout. “It’s disappointing not to have won after such a great performance,” acknowledged manager Sue Ronan. “We showed great character in how we responded to their goal and there are plenty of positives for us to build on,” she added. Ireland will take on Slovakia this Friday. Republic of Ireland: Emma Byrne, Aine O’Gorman, Louise Quinn, Diane Caldwell, Sophie Perry, Niamh Fahey, Meabh De Burca, Denise O’Sullivan, Julie Ann Russell, Ruesha Littlejohn, Katie McCabe. Subs used: Fiona O’Sullivan, Sarah Rowe. Hungary: Biro, Csiszar, Gal, Hummel-Smuczer, Toth, Szeiti, Vago, J Zsanett, Mosdoczi, Zeller, Sipos. Subs used: Bernadett, K. Zsanett and Szuh.