Brilliant Brady inspires Athlone to double glory
Athlone Town hat-trick hero Kelly Brady has been described by her teammate Kayleigh Shine as a “bit of a ditz off the pitch”- but Drum native Shine was quick to hail the USA native's massive contribution to Athlone double success this season.
Brady's treble helped Athlone to a 3-2 victory over Bohemians in the Women's FAI Cup final today after the Gypsies had taken a 1-0 lead early on.
“The only thing she sees is goals, she's like a golden retriever! Any ball coming to Kelly Brady's head, the big golden head on her, I just knew they were going in,” said Shine afterwards.
And nothing rang truer as the league's top scorer made it an incredible 26 for the goal laden season to once again guide her team to glory.
"It was like Christmas Eve, I could not go to sleep. I was so pumped up and excited for today,” reflected player of the match Brady afterwards.
“What a day. You know, I’m so proud of this team,” continued the talented 23-year-old.
“We wanted to make history and become the first Athlone team to win a double and we did that. I had so much belief in our team. Bohs are a great side. We did what we had to do.”
But Brady was keen to make it about the collective rather than just her own exploits.
“The first goal was a great cross from Shauna Brennan down the left, a beautiful cross, and I just needed to get my head on it. Then the second, this time Maddie (Madison Gibson) with the great cross from the left, and I get my head on that too. The third one - a deflection and it just fell for me at the right time and in the right place," she said.
“I didn’t do it by myself, they’re all top notch performers and we all bring out the best in each other. I’m super proud.”
The former Irish under-19 international’s focus will now switch to making the step up to train with the senior side and with Carla Ward and Alan Mahon keen spectators in Tallaght Stadium, it’s safe to say Brady passed her audition with flying colours despite not knowing who was in the crowd.
“Was Carla here? It’s awesome, I’m just happy to finally get the hat-trick. It’s a great feeling to get the Ireland recognition, I wanted to get on that radar by coming into the League of Ireland and I’m really humbled to be involved with a lot of great players and put my best foot forward. I just want to make a good impression. I’m always giving 100 per cent and the team put on a great show, everyone gave their all today.”
What the future holds for the Town's superstar striker still remains to be seen, as there will undoubtedly be serious interest for one with such a natural ability in front of goal. But the American-born striker - and hopefully soon to be full Irish international - is just living in the moment hoping they can go again together.
“We’ll see where it takes me. I’m keeping my options open right now. I would love to come back with Athlone and retain all these players and try to do this all over again. Because it feels good, you know?” she added.