Aoibheann nominated for Young Player of the Year
Kilbehenny’s own soccer star Aoibheann Clancy proves herself a force to be reckoned with, as she is proudly nominated for the SSE Airtricity Women's National Awards.
The Wexford Youths’ player has been nominated alongside clubmate and Kilkenny native Ellen Molloy for the Young Player of the Year award.
As well as securing a nomination from her peers, Aoibheann featured last Sunday with her club, Wexford Youths, who were crowned FAI Women’s Cup champions, beating Shelbourne 3-1 at Tallaght Stadium.
The Irish senior women’s squad midfielder was announced as one of three nominees for the annual award last Friday. Both Aoibheann and Ellen will compete against Shelbourne FC’s Jessie Stapleton, who hails from Dublin, for the accolade.
Voting for the awards took in the views of players, managers, scouts, members of the media and league administrators.
A ‘NICE SURPRISE’
Aoibheann spoke to The Avondhu from her hotel room in Dublin earlier this week, where she is in training camp for the national side’s upcoming World Cup qualifier against Slovakia, due to take place this evening.
“The nomination was a complete surprise. We were sent out a survey to vote, and a few days after that, the nominees were announced over social media. It was a nice surprise, to get the nomination like that, from your peers.”
“Me and Ellen (Molloy) have played together for years, so this nomination means a bit of friendly competition between us!”
Ms Clancy was called up to the senior women’s international squad in September, and has previously represented Ireland at U16 and U17 levels. She credits her nomination to her consistent performances throughout the year.
“I’d like to think I’ve had a good season. My nomination is probably coming through consistent performance through the league, and the cup competition too.
“We have the game against Slovakia this week, and against Georgia next Tuesday. It’s a great experience just to be called up, and just to be around the training sessions is a good experience, learning from the more senior players. It would be great if I get a few minutes on the pitch too, it would be really nice to get my first cap for Ireland.”
Vera Pauw’s side will face Slovakia in their third World Cup qualifying match this Thursday evening at 7pm. Previously they had suffered defeat to Sweden, but attained a victory against Finland in October, beating the hosts 2-1 to bolster their bid for qualification.
DISCIPLINE IMPORTANT
The Galtee Gaels alumna is busy, juggling a successful sporting career with her Leaving Cert schedule. Having a childhood interest in sport, she knew she aspired to a professional sports career.
“I would originally have played GAA with Galtee Gales, and camogie with St Fanahan’s in Mitchelstown, and a bit of soccer out in the school yard too! Any sport at all I loved. From just growing up and watching the women’s national team, I knew it was something I aspired to do!”
“I’m trying to juggle the Leaving Cert at the moment too. Of course I’ve been out of school for a week three times this year, it takes up a chunk of your time. A lot of my work gets done in the car! But once you have the discipline that sport brings, that helps you with your study and your schoolwork too.”
The 2021 SSE Airtricity Women’s National League Awards will take place next Wednesday, in a digital format. The main award categories, to be revealed at the ceremony, include Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, and Manager of the Year.
There will also be awards for Team of the Year (made up of the best 11 players), Golden Boot, Golden Gloves, as well as EA SPORTS Women’s Under-19 and Under-17 Player of the Year. We wish her well.