By Gerard Mulreaney (@gerardmulreaney)
Republic of Ireland International forward Áine O’Gorman left UCD Waves in the off-season, to link up with what looks like a really exciting Peamount United side under James O’Callaghan for the 2018 season.
The experienced 28 year-old had a disappointing end to her Waves career when an unfortunate injury picked up on International duty meant that she missed out on the FAI Cup Final against Cork City. However, O’Gorman was quite philosophical about it when I spoke to her ahead of the Continental Tyres Women’s National League kick-off on March 11th.
O’Gorman said, “It was very disappointing to miss out on playing in the Aviva Stadium last year due to a medial knee ligament injury I picked up during our first World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland last September. However, these things happen and I’ve been very lucky with injury in my career to date so it was important I remained positive. I focused on doing everything I could to get back on the pitch.”
That final ended in disappointment for UCD Waves, as a brilliant Clare Shine goal gave Cork their first ever cup win.
The forward has now moved on and wants to put that injury behind her, “Thankfully I’m fully recovered now so time to move onwards on upwards.”
O’Gorman has played in numerous positions, defence, midfield and up front, so where does she feel is her best position? “My favourite position is up front, I enjoy playing in the 10 or on the wing. I like to be in the thick of the action, sort of a Jack of all trades and a master of none,” she laughs. “Once I’m on the pitch and in a position the manager thinks I can do a job to help the team I’m happy enough.”
Ireland are heading into two big FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Slovakia and the Netherlands in April and O’Gorman can’t wait to get back involved with the squad. She told me, “ Yeah massive games coming up for us in our World Cup qualifying campaign . The team have been doing really well and getting great results since I’ve been out injured. I’ve been back in for a training camp in Cork, which has been great for me to work hard in training and I’m ready to grab the opportunity to get back in the team when the chance arises. It’s a huge honour to represent your country and an unbelievable feeling of pride putting on the green jersey.”
What would it mean to her to qualify for a World Cup Finals? She said, “It would be a dream come through to play in a World Cup, it’s the pinnacle of any footballers career to represent their country at a major tournament. Qualifying for the World Cup would be a major boost for women’s football in Ireland. I’m sure it would inspire so many young girls, and also increase participation.”
After missing out on the title on the last day, following a 2-0 defeat to Wexford Youths, Peamount United manager James O’Callaghan made some very astute signings, bringing in Niamh Reid Burke, Karen Duggan and Claire Walsh along with yourself, why did you decide to leave UCD Waves? “I just felt it was time to move on and I decided to move back to Peamount for a fresh start and new challenge.”
On pre-season and the season ahead O’Gorman said, “It’s being going really well, everyone has been working hard and getting sharper week on week. Myself and the rest of the team are buzzing for the season to start. I think James has made some great signings this season bringing in a mix of experienced players with a very talented and hard working young team. I think Peamount have something special and the aim for the season is to go one step further than last season and bring home all the silverware up for grabs.”
There’s no doubt but Peamount will be a major player in the hunt for silverware come the end of the season.
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