Football’s in her DNA:
PORTSMOUTH midfielder Dion Donohue is not the only talented footballer in his family. The former Caernarfon Town and now Football League One player’s younger sister, Alishia Donohue, is a developing star in the Welsh Premier Women’s League.
Alishia, 17, is a member of the Caernarfon ladies squad. Here she takes time out to speak to the Herald about her football career.
● Which teams have you played for?
I started off playing in primary school matches where I took part in the boys’ and girls’ teams. I then went on to play for Cae Glyn for a couple of years but, due to not being allowed to play in a boys’ team, I moved to Caernarfon Town and have stayed with them ever since. I also was chosen to play for North Wales girls for two seasons. ● What is your favourite position? I like playing in every position but being a striker is my favourite. ● With you having a well-known professional footballer as a brother, has football always been a big thing in the family home? Yes, football has been a big thing in the family as my father has always been a massive football fan and has played for various teams, including Caernarfon Town.
My big brother Dion followed his footsteps, where I hopefully will too. ● How far do you think Dion can go in the game?
Dion is a good footballer and is doing very well playing as a midfielder and full-back for Portsmouth.
Hopefully, one day, he’ll get a chance to play for his own country. ● What are the strengths and weakness to your game?
At the moment, I think my weakness is that I need to get stronger as I’m 17, and still learning and developing in the sport.
I think that my strength is that I will try my best and will try to carry on throughout the game.
● Describe your best ever goal?
I don’t really have a best ever goal but am determined to change that this season. ● Best game ever played in? The best game that I’ve played would be one of my first games with Caernarfon Town Ladies, where I scored twice as we beat Pwllheli 5-1 in the 2017 Betty Pickering Cup Final.
● Biggest influence?
The person that has been the biggest influence on my football career is my mother, and still is to this day.
Since I started playing football at a young age, my mum has been so supportive and has encouraged me all the way. She has created so many opportunities for me and will always be my number one fan. ● What do you hope to achieve as a footballer?
As a footballer, I have already had many achievements and, hopefully, will have many more. I enjoy playing the sport and I think that’s what is most important. RANDOM QUESTIONS ● What is your favourite pastime away from football? Other than football, music is what I enjoy. ● Best country ever visited? I don’t have a best country that I have visited, but I have been to many different countries and love going abroad. ● Your best quality and worst fault?
My best quality is that I believe in myself and don’t let others’ opinion bother me and that should be the same for everyone. My worst fault is that I am always late and leave things until the last minute, so I’m never on time. ● By the seaside on a hot day, what is your favourite lolly or ice cream? My favourite is definitely Twister, can’t beat it. ● What do you do for a living? I am in my second year of sixth form studying Psychology and Health and social. I also have a part-time job and I play football for Caernarfon Town as a hobby. ● Favourite Item of clothing? I am a bit obsessed with clothing, especially shoes. ● Who is the most famous person you have ever met?
I have never met a big famous person/people, but I was a big fan of Glyn Wise while he was on Big Brother and did receive a personal letter from him.
The most famous people that I have seen will be the Queen, Prince William and Kate Middleton, when the Queen came to Caernarfon, and when the couple landed from a helicopter on a field at the school that I attend.
● Are you a big fan of jewellery? I am not a big fan of jewellery but I am of watches. ● Best film ever seen? Ghost will always be my favourite film. ● Favourite band/artist?
I have a couple of favourite artists which are Whitney Houston, Demi Lovato, Jessie J and Justin Bieber.