Denise O'Sullivan: The girl from the Hill who climbed a mountain

Ireland's playmaker -- who's battling to be fit -- was given a big farewell from her Knocknaheeny neighbours before she headed for Australia, where she aims to make a big impact with Ireland.

FAMILY AFFAIR: Denise O’Sullivan with her family, (all O’Sullivan) John Paul, Lee, mum Nuala, Mark, David, Melissa, Nicola, Margaret and Sinead in Courtown Drive, Knocknaheeny. Picture: Jim Coughlan

Italia ’90 fever hit Knocknaheeny 33 years on, only this was for one of their own.

It was a homecoming doubled as a farewell. Dressed in a white tracksuit, ascending that well-worn path of Courtown Park, Denise O'Sullivan was a touch uncomfortable.