PITCHSIDE with KAREN DONNELL

1. Profile (Name, Club, Position)

Karen Donnell (Hanbag), Mid-ulster Ladies, Centre Half.

2.

Definitely Mid-ulster Ladies – I have been involved since the Club was formed in 2000, so the club is part of my DNA.

3.

Simone Magill. l I had the pleasure to play in the same team as Simone when she was playing with Mid-ulster Ladies.

Simone (inset) is a great ambassador for Mid Ulster

Ladies and it’s fair to say the country girl has done well – 1st female player from NI to become a professional player with the English WSL

(Everton Ladies) and to be a World record holder for scoring the fastest ever women’s’ international goal.

4.

This is difficult to answer. I have made some good lifelong friends through Mid-ulster Ladies – both past and present members and there has undoubtedly been plenty of tears, laughs, challenges and outrageously good times both on and off the pitch over the years.

5.

Dirty Dancing – I simply love that movie, especially those Patrick Swayze swaying hips!

6. Favourite holiday destination?

Out of all the exotic places in the World and thinking of sunshine and

Team you support? Favourite player? Best friend in football? Favourite movie?

golden beaches most people would probably be thinking Bali, Australia, Mexico but … I love our wee country, so it genuinely has to be Portrush even though it is likely to be raining.

7.

I love the honey chilli chicken from Moe’s Grill Magherafelt but at home you can’t beat a big dirty cheeseburger.

Drinks – non-alcoholic drink has to be Fanta orange and my alcoholic drink would be Rekorderlig Swedish cider.

8.

Favourite food and drink? Which teammates make your 5-a-side team?

My team is made up with past and present players who showcase Mid Ulster Ladies at the highest level both on and off the pitch:

Simone Magill; Everton Women and Northern Ireland international.

Elaine Junk (Junkie): who picked up the IFA People’ Award as a volunteer for her outstanding contribution to grassroots football.

Rachael Rodgers who won the Electric Ireland NIWFA game changers award.

Clare Charles (Ma) who won the Mcdonald’s coach of the year award and has volunteered thousands of hours over the years coaching the younger girls.

Finally, I would have to be in the squad – how could we forget about the hanbag, the one player that has served Mid-ulster Ladies the longest – 20 years this year and have loved every minute of it.

9. Which actor would play you in a movie?

Has to be Rebel Wilson she’s so out-going, bubbly and makes you laugh, that’s what all my wee hanbags see in me at training and on the pitch.

10. Favourite song?

Oh, it has to has to be

Love Inc – Superstar – there are so many video’s floating about of me singing

(well trying to sing) this song.

11. Musical guilty pleasure?

Has to be Dirty

Dancing – The Time of my life.

12.

I have many great football memories with Mid-ulster Ladies but the one that meant the most to me was winning the Mid-ulster Cup (right) last year (2019).

The Cup had also arranged for my dad to be in attendance that night and as he is in failing health and now requires the use of a wheelchair, words can’t describe the way I felt that night being able to get a photo as Club captain with the Cup along with my parents and sons. A very special moment that still makes me emotional.

Favourite football memory? 13. Any other hobbies or sports you enjoy?

Well running after two kids you try to make a bit of time to do things for yourself.

During Lockdown I took up running, not that I’m pulling out a 10 mile run or anything, but I’m sticking at it and enjoying it

When you get to my age (not long past my teenage years obviously), you have to work extra hard to try and keep fit especially when you are on the pitch and trying to mark a girl half your age. I just think to myself “hanbag – keep going, remember age is only a number.”

If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?

An elephant- I have a calm and easy-going personality that people seem to love, and I try to be a strong leader on the pitch

15. Your message to any young girl thinking of taking up football?

Follow your dreams and believe in yourself, do not let anyone tell you that you can’t play football because you’re a girl!

Girls football is growing bigger and bigger and it is great to see so many talented young players coming through Clubs.

Take the next step and join a club near you. I was so nervous myself when I first went to join Mid-ulster Ladies – now look at me 20 years later.

I would be lost without this Club as it’s like a second family – the laughs, the joys and the people I have met past and present during my 20 years have helped mould me into the woman I am today. I am so grateful and will cherish these great memories forever.

14.