Athlone Town attacker Kelly Brady celebrates after scoring a goal during Athlone's successful league campaign this season. Photo: Paul Molloy.

Athlone Town star called up to train with Ireland squad

Kieran Galvin

Published: Wed 15 Oct 2025, 4:58 PM

Athlone Town striker Kelly Brady has been rewarded for her superb performances this season with a call-up to train with the Ireland senior women's squad.

Brady finished the season as the top scorer in the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division with 20 goals, playing a key role as Athlone retained their league crown.

The American scored a hat-trick on the night Athlone clinched the league title with a 4-0 win over Cork City at Turner's Cross earlier this month. The goal poacher supreme added another in last Saturday's victory over Sligo on the same scoreline.

In addition to Brady, Shamrock Rovers defender Maria Reynolds will link up with the Ireland squad for training sessions at the FAI National Training Centre.

At present, Brady is focused on preparing for the Sports Direct Women's FAI Cup final this Sunday, when Athlone will face Bohemians aiming to complete the double.

The Ireland squad for the UEFA Nations League promotion/relegation play-off with Belgium was named today (Wednesday).

Carla Ward's squad includes Creagh native Heather Payne and her Leicester City colleague Katie Keane, who is a former Athlone Town goalkeeper.

Ireland will meet Belgium in the first leg on Friday, October 24 at the Aviva Stadium (7pm), with the second leg in Leuven on Tuesday, October 28 (7.30 Irish time).

Ireland women's squad

Goalkeepers: Grace Moloney (Sunderland), Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic), Katie Keane (Leicester City. Defenders: Heather Payne (Leicester City), Aoife Mannion (Newcastle United), Jessie Stapleton (Nottingham Forest – on loan), Anna Patten (Aston Villa), Caitlin Hayes (Brighton & Hove Albion), Hayley Nolan (Crystal Palace), Chloe Mustaki (Nottingham Forest), Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Izzy Atkinson (Sunderland). Midfielders: Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Ruesha Littlejohn (Crystal Palace), Jamie Finn (Sunderland), Tyler Toland (Durham), Marissa Sheva (Sunderland), Jess Ziu (Bristol City – on loan), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City). Forwards: Kyra Carusa (San Diego Wave), Amber Barrett (Standard Liege), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace), Emily Murphy (Newcastle United), Saoirse Noonan (Celtic).