Cup star Brady open to continuing her Athlone journey

Kelly Brady said she's open to staying at Athlone Town next year after firing in a dream Sports Direct FAI Cup final hat-trick to sink Bohemians on Sunday.

The 23-year-old was in scorching form in front of watching Republic of Ireland boss Carla Ward, her three goals swinging an entertaining five-goal showdown Athlone's way.

Brady will link up with Ireland tomorrow after being invited into train with the Girls in Green this week, though she is not in the squad for the upcoming Nations League play-off against Belgium.

If she is to eventually get the call, Athlone fans will be hoping it arrives when she's in their colours with Brady doubtless in demand following a terrific season in the midlands.

"We'll see where it takes me, I’m keeping my options open right now," Brady said when asked if she would be signing on with Athlone for 2026. "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?"

Bohs broke the deadlock through Alannah McEvoy's early screamer, but Brady took control, bagging two headers and a finish from inside the area to turn the gam eon its head. Aoibhe Breenan's brilliant 73rd-minute strike gav eBohs hope, but it was Athlone's day - and their year.

"It was like Christmas eve, I could not go to sleep, I was so pumped up and excited for today," Brady added.

"I slept well, I think got a good rest. What a day. You know, I'm so proud of this team. 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.

"Was Carla here? It's awesome, I’m just happy to finally get the hat-trick."

Hannah Waesch, another American who came to the club last winter, hailed Brady's impact.

The impressive midfielder was non-commital about her own future plans, but didn't hold back in her praise for Sunday's match-winner.

"Kelly Brady, she's one of my closest friends," beamed Waesch. "She just brings everything. She's such a light. She's absolutely a delight to be around, and I think that really translates to the field.

"She's a very high energy player. She runs everywhere, she's going after every ball. I mean there's a reason she's the top goalscorer for the league. Kelly puts these goals away, it's what she does.

"We've got a great core of American girls, that's been really great to connect with them and the Irish girls. We've got Maria (Matthaiou) from Cyprus, Izzy (Groves) from Canada. You've got a lot of girls in different walks of life. The girls are just so great and I think that really translates on the field."

Reflecting on her arrival to the League of Ireland, Waesch added: "Honestly, I had no expectations. I didn't really know much, to be fair.

"When you design something like this event, when you play at a stadium like Tallaght, when you put these female football players on a platform, people will come and watch.

"I've been so, so happy with how everybody's just been supported by the community and also the media.

"You couldn't have written it any better. An almost perfect season. Long season, it's been up and down and up and down, but I'm really proud of this team, I'm proud to be a part of this team and a part of the community."

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