Republic of Ireland women’s striker Áine O’Gorman is relishing the opportunity to be a role model for young girls.
As a child, O’Gorman’s footballing role models were male, with David Beckham, Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole of Manchester United all mentioned as inspirations.
Today’s youngsters have a plethora of Irish superstars to look up to. With the likes of O’Gorman, Katie McCabe and Denise O’Sullivan tearing it up, there is no shortage of female role models for young girls to admire.
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“It’s massive (for girls to have female role models),” said O’Gorman at Tuesday’s launch of the Aviva Soccer Sisters Easter programme.
“It wasn’t around when I was younger and it’s great that girls now have the opportunity to play and explore a new sport, especially with the buzz around the World Cup this year.
“Talking to some of the young girls down here they’re all talking about Katie McCabe and Denise O’Sullivan as their heroes.”
Making her debut at senior level as a 16-year-old in 2006, O’Gorman has seen the women’s game explode in popularity before her own eyes.
The women’s game is as popular as ever and in Katie McCabe, Ireland have a true global superstar.
And if you don’t believe that, then just ask Kim Kardashian, who had her son Saint West decked out in a Katie McCabe shirt at the Emirates Stadium last week.
Not Bukayo Saka. Not Martin Odegaard, but Katie McCabe.
Proof if ever it was needed that the women’s game is more relevant than ever.
“It came straight into the player’s group. Katie McCabe on the back of the jersey," said O'Gorman.
“It’s pretty cool though isn’t it? It just goes to show how far the game has grown and that I suppose, we’re just footballers aren’t we? doesn’t matter if we’re male or female.”
Today, the Irish team is one of the most respected in the country and was recently bestowed the honour of being Grand Marshals of the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin.
But this wasn't always the case.
For many years, the team struggled to gain respect even inside their own footballing organisation. After years of slights, the team reached breaking point and aired their grievances in a famous press conference at Liberty Hall.
That moment six years ago has proven to be the catalyst for the success that has followed. What started as a campaign for respect laid the foundations for the golden age of Irish women’s soccer.
O'Gorman believes their actions turned out for the best.
“It put conditions in place and gave us that platform to perform and an opportunity to be the best we can be.”
That opportunity was grasped with both hands when Amber Barrett fired Ireland to the World Cup finals last October.
For the first time, the Ireland women’s team are going to a major tournament. At full time in Hampden Park O’Gorman felt “numb”, and five months later, the emotions haven’t changed much.
“It still feels a little bit surreal. I think we’re happy we’re here now preparing for the World Cup.”
Away from the field, 2022 was a magical year in its own right for the 33-year-old Shamrock Rovers striker. Last Summer, O’Gorman’s partner gave birth to a baby boy named James.
Having a newborn at home while preparing for a World Cup is a mammoth task and one that can only be undertaken with the right support systems in place.
“I’m very lucky that I have a very supportive family and partner at home and it means I’m able to fully focus on football and prepare for the World Cup.
“It gives you a perspective on life and you come, maybe you’re not having such a good day and you get a little smile or a little chuckle and that’s all that really matters.”
In just 120 days, Ireland will be squaring off against Australia in the first game of the 2023 Women's World Cup.
Drawn in a tough group with the hosts, Canada and Nigeria, Vera Pauw's side is facing an uphill task to make it through the group stage.
Some might bemoan such a tough group, but O'Gorman is looking forward to testing herself on the biggest of stages.
“It’s class. The opening game is the one that everybody is talking about, 80,000 seater stadium against the hosts, but it’s a challenge that the team will look forward to.
“And then Canada, the Olympic Champions and Nigeria are probably the best fourth seed team. But look, if you go to the World Cup you’re going to be playing against the best.”
Áine O'Gorman was speaking at the launch of the Aviva Soccer Sisters Easter Programme
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