ROSSITER A CONVERT TO THE TALLAGHT VIBE

WEXFORD YOUTHS ace Ciara Rossiter admits she is a convert to the idea of playing FAI Cup finals at Tallaght Stadium.

The defender played in the Aviva Stadium on the same day as the men’s showdown before and wasn’t happy when last year’s decider was moved.

Tune

But after playing in the win over Shelbourne, the 26-yearold changed her tune.

“Everyone was buzzing to play in the Aviva, but it’s actually really good, because the atmosphere it creates is deadly,” said Rossiter (right).

“Obviously, the crowd is closer to the pitch and it’s a smaller venue, so it feels like there are more people there.

“The Aviva is so open, you couldn’t really hear the fans. I think it creates so much more of an atmosphere.

“And it’s good to play in the same ground as the senior women’s team. It’s better.”

Rossiter is a Garda by day — and often by night — making it tricky sometimes to combine career and football.

“I have to use my annual leave a lot of the time for matches, so it’s a bit annoying because I don’t have much left for holidays,” she said.

Tough

“It’s tough with night shifts and all. Sometimes if I’m working the night before a match I wouldn’t get it off, so I’d be in and then sleep for three hours and then go to a match.

“At the start of the season I struggled a bit. But I’ve been working with a nutritionist and getting more used to it, I suppose.

“I’m able to handle it better.” Wexford are favourites against Athlone Town today but the hosts’ goalkeeper Niamh Coombes insists there is no fear.

“We know Wexford have lots of experience and have been in these positions before.

“But we don’t fear them, whatsoever.

“It’s a challenge we’re really looking forward to.

“We respect them but we are really looking forward to it.”