Hannah Walsh: 'I knew once I got that first touch I’d settle down a bit more because I was nervous coming in'

Hannah Walsh made her senior debut at Eamonn Deacy Park yesterday for the Tribeswomen. Credit: Hugh de Paor (ETPhotos)

Paul Corcoran reports from Eamonn Deacy Park

Galway may have been defeated 2-1 by Shelbourne at Eamonn Deacy Park in the Women’s National League on Saturday but it was a day to remember for Hannah Walsh with the teenager making her senior debut for the Tribeswomen.

Walsh pulled off a number of important saves throughout the game in a very assured performance against one of the WNL’s top teams and the shot stopper was pleased with her side’s performance and her debut.

“It’s always great to make your senior debut and especially at home,” Walsh said, speaking to extratime.com after the game.

“The girls have been great in training, they’re constantly encouraging you and pushing you on. I’ve been training with them for a while now so I’m just happy I got to make my debut, against a good side as well.

“I was nervous enough I suppose as Shelbourne have that name to them, but we just knew ourselves that we had to put it up to them and work as a team, it wasn’t down to individuals.

“We knew if we pressed them and kept the ball we’d make it hard for them. They’re top of the table for a reason and we’ve seen that today but we knew if we kept their chances limited we’d be in with a shot.”

The goalkeeper has been at the club for a number of years, she was part of Galway’s League and Cup double winning Under 17 side in 2019 and she is the current captain of their new Under 19 side.

She didn’t have long to wait before being called into action at senior level either, with Jessica Ziu drawing a great save from the goalkeeper in the fourth minute.

“I think 19s is great between the step up from 17s to senior. It was great to get a few games in before I got to play senior today.



“Definitely building confidence and it’s great because a few of the girls are in with the 19s as well so it’s a bit of family, you’re used to playing with everyone and it’s great really.

“I knew once I got that first touch I’d settle down a bit more because I was nervous coming in but I got a good warm-up in and I was ready to go once the whistle went at the start. I was glad to get that first save and went from there.”

“We’re happy, we’re pushing the top teams, 2-1 today and 1-0 against Wexford Youths so we are pushing.

“Hopefully once this month is over we’ll get ready and into the next set of games. Playing against Athlone on Tuesday, so a quick turnaround we’re just looking to recover early and get a result down there and keep the consistency going because we are pushing the top teams, we’re not that far away.”

    About Paul Corcoran

    Paul Corcoran is an experienced writer and journalist and has contributed to various publications including the Galway United match programme Maroon View. He spends much of his time covering the fortunes of Galway United's teams … View Full Profile