Emma Duffy

ATHLONE TOWN STRIKER Kelly Brady has made no secret of her Republic of Ireland senior ambitions.

The New Yorker previously represented the Ireland U19s, and has been lighting up the Women’s Premier Division this season, scoring 10 goals.

Her debut campaign on these shores now hits new heights in the Uefa Women’s Champions League, as Athlone host Cardiff City in the first qualifying round tonight.

While detailing what drew her to the Midlanders on a Zoom call this week, one sentence stood out: “I knew it would bring me closer to hopefully being in the draw for the Irish team.”

Brady also spoke about being close to her Irish roots, and hearing about the league from Shelbourne duo Roma McLaughlin and Amanda McQuillan while playing together at Central Connecticut State University, but her international aspirations are clear.

“No word directly from Carla Ward yet, hopefully soon,” she tells The 42, but reveals words of encouragement from the Irish camp as she was named Women’s Premier Division Player of the Month for April.

Hopeful she’s on the radar for the Girls In Green, tonight’s European tie is a perfect chance to impress.

Brady emerged as a doubt after picking up a knock last week, but assures she’s “150%” ready. And won’t be too hard on herself ahead of this shop window opportunity.

“I try not to put too much pressure on myself, especially as a forward, you just want to go out there and play well and hope the goals will come then. But added pressure, not really.

“I’ll give my 100% and hopefully the results will come.”

Playing in the Champions League is a dream come true.

“I mean, of course, just the name itself . . . the names like Chelsea and Arsenal, all those big teams that are playing in this league. It’s a dream. As a little kid, those are the teams that you want to one day go and play for.

“I’ve gotten a few funny questions like, ‘Oh are you guys going to be playing Chelsea or Arsenal?’ No, obviously not. Hopefully one day we work our way up, but it’s great to be on a similar stage to those teams and those great, talented players.”

She tells tales of watching women’s knockout games on Saturdays, Arsenal’s recent final win over Barcelona watched with team-mates at home and Katie McCabe cheered every step of the way.

Brady lives with another of Athlone’s American stars, Madie Gibson, and the Stateside presence has helped her smooth transition.

She has gotten a job as a barista in a local café, and is fully immersing herself in Irish society having grown up surrounded by the heritage: her father is from Castleblaney, Co Monaghan, and her maternal grandfather hailed from Kinvara, Co Galway.

“I thought I’d be playing more Gaelic football! But it’s full-time soccer now. I played a little bit of Gaelic football at home and I hoped to come here and play but I can’t be risking injury.”

Brady doesn’t hesitate when asked about the differences between playing in the States and in Ireland.

“It’s very technical here. At home, people would play multiple sports and it’s a lot of athleticism there. I’m not saying the girls aren’t athletic here, they’re very athletic as well because of Gaelic football and hurling and stuff.

“The major difference I’d say was the technicality. I think the different systems and teams play in and they want to put the ball down and play soccer, most of these teams here. That was the main difference I’d say, instead of just the physicality as well. Big strong girls. I think I’m a pretty adaptable player so I think I’ve adjusted well.”

Onwards to the European stage, with plenty of support expected at Athlone Town Stadium — and more watching on LOI TV from the States.

“My dad and my family has sponsored a bus to send down some girls from Blayney Rovers, a small club in Castleblayney, for the girls or whoever wants to come down and watch the game.

“I think there’s a group of 60 of them going. And then family from Galway and stuff are making their own way down — not taking up spots on the bus though!

“Oh God, it’s an unreal feeling. I think we’ve sold up to 1,100 tickets now. The excitement, the buzz has really gone around the team. It’s exciting and we hope to get a good result.”