Kilbehenny’s Aoibheann Clancy has eyes set on World Cup
Kilbehenny’s Aoibheann Clancy has her eyes set on being
on that plane to New Zealand next July, as the Irish Women’s soccer team qualified for the World Cup on Tuesday night following a 1-0 victory over Scotland.
The 18 year old Wexford Youths midfielder was awarded the 2021 Airtricity Women’s National League Young Player of the Award last December, and was called into the national squad last September.
Speaking with The Avondhu after her lectures in UCD on Wednesday, Ms Clancy told how the girls are prompted to think of the most historic moments in Irish football, like Italia 90. However, these ‘historic moments’ are all from the men. Now, it’s the ladies’ turn to start the party!
“I know the win last night was the most historic match in Irish women’s football. To qualify for the World Cup is huge; the momentum for the game right now is huge. The light that’s being shed on the game at the moment is brilliant, as is the impact that it’s having on young girls and boys, who come up to us after matches looking for autographs.”
“For some of those girls on the pitch last night, it wasn’t long ago that they were changing into tracksuits in the airport. Now there’s major broadcasters involved and sponsors. I know that’s all the commercial side of things, but it’s genuinely so hard to put into words to see the game you’ve played all your life now on the front page.”
“I REALLY WANT TO BE ON THAT PLANE”
Aoibheann is one to watch, as she says that she wants to be on that plane, with competition for places sure to be tough.
“I was there last night thinking, I really want to be on that plane. Such a small percentage get to say they played in a World Cup. At 18, I’m coming into the game at a really good point.”
Currently studying Biomedical Science in UCD on an Ad Astra scholarship, Aoibheann plays with the college as well as with Wexford Youths, who are currently top of the league with three games to go. They face Sligo Rovers this Saturday afternoon, with kick off at 4.30pm. The match will be televised live on TG4.
We wish her well on her journey, wherever it takes her.