Things might not have turned out the way the Rebel Ladies would have wished in 2021, but it was a year that a new star began to shine brightly. Picking up an All-Star after a memorable year, Erika O’Shea has well and truly announced herself to the biggest stage. It’s a massive turn of events for O’Shea, after being dropped from U14 and U16 panels on her way to the top. Others would have given up, but it only fueled the Macroom teenager’s drive even further. This week we went ClubSpotting with Erika O’Shea, now living over in sunny Melbourne and playing AFL with North Melbourne Ladies.
1. What are your first memories of your club Macroom?
My first memories with my club Macroom would definitely be with our first trainer Paudie Kingston. He was the reason I first fell in love with the sport. At training, we used to have the ice-cream van coming down to us often and half the time we’d be playing soccer, all seeing who could hit Paudie with the football first! He made it very enjoyable and was definitely the reason most girls came back to our club training including me, for the few years that followed.
2. Who were your sporting idols growing up?
My sporting idols growing up would definitely have been Breege Corkery, Orla Finn and Ciara O’ Sullivan. I went from supporting these girls with my family from the stands. To playing alongside them in the All-Ireland Final in 2020 whilst I was still playing my minor season. It really was a dream come true for me to be able to say I met my idols growing up and now they’re teaching me to follow in their footsteps.
3. What has been the proudest moment of your playing career?
The proudest moment of my playing career was without a doubt coming to the senior panel whilst I was still a minor last year starting for Cork in the All-Ireland final in December 2020. I also kept nominee for player of the year Carla Rowe scoreless from play, This was an unforgettable moment for me, She is such a talented footballer and it was a great experience for me to be able to defend someone so skilful.
4. Toughest opponent you have faced?
The toughest opponent I have faced to date would be Vikki Wall. She is a player not only with extreme speed and strength. But one who is exceptionally skilful. She is without doubt the toughest player I will ever have to mark.
5. Best player you have played with?
The best player I have played with is Ciara O’Sullivan . She is a player who definitely deserves more recognition. She is one I have idolised for years and she is a player that could play with the Dublin senior lads today and still be the top scorer for them without a doubt in my mind.
6. Any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
My pre-game day would definitely consist of a visit to a church before a big match. I am grateful for everything I have and will always be thankful for it.
7. What are your hopes and ambitions for 2022?
With Cork this year, our new manager Shane Ronayne has just been selected. He is a man who is very experienced, after winning numerous All-Ireland’s, with the well-known senior ladies club Mourneabbey in Cork. He will be bringing a fresh beginning to our team and he will build on everything our previous manager left us with. I’m really looking forward to working with him. There will be plenty of success to come with Cork with such a talented manager in years to come. After our loss against Meath in the All-Ireland semi-final. I feel the wound they left us with, made us stronger and left us ready for our next championship match to begin. We learnt from last year and are out for blood this coming season. I hope this year an All-Ireland medal will be on the table for Cork and an O’Connor Cup trophy to come back to my university in Limerick too.
What is ClubSpot?
ClubSpot is a customer driven platform, consisting of a Club Administration backend system and an individual member facing app for each club. Our unique method of product delivery is designed to maximise member engagement which can lead to increased member acquisition, retention and ultimately an increase in a clubs recurring revenues.
ClubSpot can help your club reduce administration and increase your recurring revenues with your very own Customised Club App with the following features:
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