Trust and respect the key as Ryan juggles Athlone and Clare

Athlone midfielder Laurie Ryan manages to juggle her Clare Gaelic commitments but only because of the respect accorded her from the club.

9 February 2022; SSE Airtricity Women's National League players, front row, from left, Julie Ann Russell of Galway Women, Rachel Doyle of DLR Waves, Emma Hansberry of Sligo Rovers, Kylie Murphy of Wexford Youths Women, with, front row, Laurie Ryan of Athlone Town AFC, Jesse Mendez of Treaty United , Tiegan Ruddy of Peamount United, Pearl Slattery of Shelbourne, Danielle Burke of Cork City and Sinead Taylor of Bohemians at the launch of the SSE Airtricity Premier & First Division and Women's National League 2022 season held at at HBV Studios in Clarehall, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

As a former captain of Clare’s ladies football side, Laurie Ryan knows how imperative player welfare has to be for Athlone Town to survive.

The Midlanders have built steadily since entering the Women’s National League two years ago, kicking off their third campaign on Saturday against FAI Cup holders Wexford Youth with greater optimism.