Allannah McEvoy was on her break at work when she found out that she'd been called up to the Ireland squad for this month's friendlies against the USA.
The 20-year-old works part-time in her local supermarket. She was one of three new call-ups - along with Lewes goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse and Peamount United defender Tara O’Hanlon - to be named in the squad on Friday.
Delighted to see Alannah McEvoy called up, I’ve played alongside her the last few years and she’s one of the hardest working players I’ve seen. Powerful, pacey and can finish too, I really think she could fit well into how Vera likes to play! Happy Tara included also! 👏🏼🇮🇪
— Stephanie Zambra (@StephanieRoche9) March 31, 2023
"I'm absolutely delighted," the Shamrock Rovers forward said at a press conference on Monday before flying to the US.
"I found on Friday, just before [the squad] came out. I was in work, and I got a text off [communications manager] Gareth Maher. I was just over the moon, I couldn't believe. I couldn't stop crying. I was shaking. I just felt sick, I don't know what it was. It was just excitement then.
"I had to go back to work and I couldn't concentrate on nothing. I couldn’t stop crying first. I actually happened to be on my 15-minute break in work and I was just sitting down and that’s when the message popped up.
3 April 2023; Alannah McEvoy, right, and Kyra Carusa arrive at Dublin Airport ahead of the Republic of Ireland women's flight to the USA for their international friendly double header against USA in Austin and St Louis. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
"My 15-minute break turned into a 40-minute break and I couldn’t stop crying. I was just shaking, I couldn’t eat, nothing.
"I then had to explain it to my manager that I wouldn't be here for the next two or three weeks. It was the longest shift of my life. I just couldn't wait to go home."
McEvoy has previously represented Ireland at U16, U17 and U19 levels.
It was announced on Monday that Birmingham midfielder Lucy Quinn has been called up to the squad in place of Lily Agg who was forced to withdraw due to an ankle injury.
As their preparations for this summer's World Cup continue, Ireland play the reigning world champions USA in Austin on April 8th and then in St Louis on April 11th. Both games will be broadcast live on RTÉ2.
See Also: 10 Former Ireland Players You Might Not Know Have Moved Into Coaching
