Issue link: http://digitaleditions.uberflip.com/i/1490162
MATCH Review She made her USA debut in 2015 against Argentina. Playing for her country nearly 100 times included reaching the 2016 Olympics qualifiers but after not getting to the Tokyo Olympics, 'Shed,' as her friends call her, made a life-altering decision. "We didn't qualify for 2020 and that was obviously heartbreaking," explained Manley about moving to Ireland. "I was going to play in the Netherlands but then ended up moving here. "My girlfriend is from Ireland and she played football for Salthill-Knocknacarra as well. So, that was what first gave me the 'in.' Being able to play such a cool sport has been amazing." She didn't forget her hockey roots and got involved with Galway, eventually taking the player/coach role until recently when she led them to a Connacht Senior & Indoor Cup double. US team mate Elaine Carey has been over to take a coaching session with their under 16s. But gradually, Ladies Football started to take a hold. "My family is so blown away by what I'm doing here, playing football," continued Alyssa. "It's so different to anything I've done." So, how familiar was she with football before donning the Salthill-Knocknacarra colours? "Not really," smiles Manley. "In my first year here, I didn't play. I just watched. And this was so cool! It seemed so fun and it would be a new challenge. "So, I decided I would come to a few trainings the following year to see if I actually wanted to join the club. It's such a great sport; it's so challenging; and it's a different challenge so yeah, I'm definitely going to pick it up." A new journey began. Salthill- Knocknacarra's target was just a maiden county title, which they achieved in October, beating St. Fursey's 3-13 to 1-3. "It really shows the resilience of the team that we have here," insists Alyssa. "We've supported each other; we've always had the belief in each other. But it's just been great. Kind of like a picture perfect season." And can you compare winning an All- Ireland with your club to representing your country at the Olympics? "You can in a lot of ways," concludes Manley. " Gaelic Games in general in Ireland is such a big part of the culture here. Obviously, the Olympics is the global stage. You train for four years. "We have been training for three years. Maybe not necessarily for the All-Ireland but this has been a long time coming. Our goal was the county and we just kept moving on after that. The training is just as intense." Alyssa Manley is here to stay! For years, Pennsylvanians chanted Rocky's name. Now, they'll toast their new hero in Galway city – 'Shed,' the winning goal scorer in a first ever All-Ireland win. MY FAMILY IS SO BLOWN AWAY BY WHAT I'M DOING HERE, PLAYING FOOTBALL. IT'S SO DIFFERENT TO ANYTHING I'VE DONE." Images clockwise from top: 1 Lydia McDonagh, Naomh Abán in action against Emma Madden, Salthill-Knocknacarra. 2 Salthill- Knocknacarra players celebrate with the cup. 3 Salthill-Knocknacarra captain Ailbhe Finnerty lifts the cup. 4 Siobhán Divilly, Salthill- Knocknacarra receives the Player of the Match award from Dorothy Gallagher, Business Development & Relationship Manager at Payac Services, on behalf of competition sponsors, currentaccount.ie. 5 Lauren O'Donnell, Salthill-Knocknacarra in action against Fia Manning, Naomh Abán. 34 | WINTER 2022 / JANUARY 2023 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie