On Friday, it was confirmed that former USA underage international Sinead Farrelly had opted to represent Ireland.
This announcement came as a shock to many, but the 33-year-old played 60 minutes during Ireland's clash against the reigning world champions on Saturday evening.
The NY/NJ Gotham FC midfielder is undoubtedly a welcome addition to Vera Pauw's side, and a player with such experience could prove vital in this summer's World Cup in Australia.
Sinead Farrelly's remarkable career journey to date
After representing the Virginia Cavaliers and the USA at U17, U20 and U23 level in her college days, she was quickly snapped up by Philadelphia Independence after being the number two draft pick in the 2011 WPS Draft.
Farrelly then went on to play for New York Fury, FC Kansas City and Portland Thorns, as well as having two spells with Cypriot outfit Apollan Limassol.
Farrelly only returned to the NWSL in March after eight years away from the league. Back in 2016, she was forced to retire from football after being involved in a serious car accident, but there was another reason which only came to light recently, which also impacted her decision to hang up her boots.
In September 2021, The Athletic published an article detailing how Farrelly and former Portland Thorns' teammate Mana Shim had accused their former coach at the club, Paul Riley, of sexual coercion and harassment.
READ ALSO: Alannah McEvoy Got First Ireland Call-Up On 15-Minute Break At Work
Riley was the head coach of Philadelphia Independence when Sinead Farrelly joined the club, and then at both New York Fury and Portland.
At the time of the allegations made by Farrelly, the English coach was in charge of North Carolina Courage. Riley was later fired from his role due to the serious claims from players and in January 2023, he was banned from the NWSL for life.
Sinead Farrelly's return to football
After taking a break from football for over six years, Farrelly decided to come out of retirement last summer.
8 April 2023; Sinead Farrelly of Republic of Ireland during the women's international friendly match between USA and Republic of Ireland at the Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
However, international football was not really discussed a possibility at the time. Her inclusion in the Ireland squad this month certainly came from left field, with the midfielder joining up with the team after they travelled to the States.
Vera Pauw showed little hesitation in drafting her straight into the team, naming her to start in last night's 2-0 defeat in Austin.
Speaking after her Ireland debut on Saturday, Sinead Farrelly said:
I am so overwhelmed.
Very happy, excited. Obviously we wanted to win, but I am just really proud of the team. I am also very tired...
I feel so supported here, and this journey back to soccer has honestly been insane.
I'm just trying to stay centred and and grounded, and be in my body.
In July, I decided that I wanted to do this. I was lifting and trying to run, I was at zero - I just hadn't done anything.
With the second game against the USA on Wednesday morning, Ireland boss Vera Pauw will be delighted to have a player of Sinead Farrelly's calibre in the squad.
Her journey to this point has been remarkable, one that could be capped by playing at a World Cup later this year.
SEE ALSO: Kris Boyd Was Absolutely Fuming Over Alfredo Morelos' Disallowed Goal Against Celtic
