‘They were tough times. I don’t know what kept me going. I just love playing soccer’

Katie McCarthy holds the record for the most appearances with Cork City Women’s FC, having played since the club’s foundation, in 2011, bar an 18-month spell between DLR Waves and Wexford Youths. Tomorrow will be her 72nd appearance and her first in the FAI Women’s Cup final.

Q: I don’t know if you let yourself think about it, but what would it mean to be the first Cork side to win the Women’s FAI Cup?

A: Jeez, it’d be pretty special, thinking of where the club has come from and to be part of the first squad. I hope it’ll be one of many, and it’s something we can win and go on and build on.