Young talent time begins
Ailish, 15, steps up to senior ranks
AILISH Mahony is only 15 years old but is already making waves in Gold Coast hockey circles.
After playing junior hockey for most of her formative years, the youngster’s talent was quickly realised and this year she has made the leap to the senior league and is playing for Labrador in division one.
Mahony was part of the Labrador side who were defeated 2-8 by the Roosters last weekend but the loss didn’t dampen her spirits.
“Just the feeling of knowing I’m playing in the highest league I can at my age is pretty awesome and it was the most fun I’ve had in a game,” she said.
Mahony, who first picked up a hockey stick at age two, believes her jump to division one will only fast-track her already blossoming career.
“It was definitely a step up in intensity and the game was a lot faster,” she said. “It was more difficult than juniors but there’s always room for improvement at my age and it’s a good step towards my future and developing my skills.
“Some of the senior girls who’ve been around the club for a long time were helping me out and telling me where I needed to go so it was a really enjoyable and fun experience.”
The aspiring Hockeyroo, who counts Gold Coast star Ambrosia Malone as one of her idols, said that a Commonwealth Games experience only increased her desire to pull on the green and gold.
“I was actually a ball girl at the Commonwealth Games and got to watch their games from the sidelines,” she said.
“I just love watching the game and I want it to be a part of my life and I want to join those girls.”
Mahony has already represented her state at junior level, the first time at 13.
“I remember seeing my name on the list and going to Mum and Dad and telling them I made it,” she said.
“It was probably my favourite moment of my hockey career so far.”
The forward is optimistic her side has the firepower to challenge for the premiership this year.
“I think we have a good shot,” she said. “You never really know fully but we’ll give it our all in every game and see where we end up”
Labrador play Capri at home tomorrow at 4pm.