Now Athlone attacker Brady wants to put roots down in Ireland team

Athlone Town's Kelly Brady. Pic: Laszlo Geczo, Inpho

US-born Athlone Town forward Kelly Brady insists she’s equipped to lead Ireland’s charge if called upon after the FAI Cup final.

Brady’s goalscoring prowess – a golden boot haul of 19 in the league, accompanied by a Champions League strike against Red Star Belgrade and a pair apiece in the FAI and All-Island Cup – has earned her an international call.

Although it’s only to train with the squad next week for the playoff against Belgium, Brady could soon find herself the cure to Carla Ward’s search for attacking reinforcements.

Brady will complete her first season in Ireland after Sunday’s decider against Bohemians and is likely to join the exodus of departees for fresh pastures.

“I have my passport and am all ready to go,” said the forward, born in Tomkin’s Cove, New York, about her Ireland ambitions.

“I’m always hoping for that call-up. I was under Carla’s radar from being top scorer and she’s watching more talent in the league.” 

Brady’s Irish roots are deep, so adjusting to the Midlands lifestyle was a doddle. She recently completed her job as a barista in downtown Athlone as she plans a return Stateside once the final and Ireland duty are finished.

“My Dad is from Castleblaney in Co Monaghan and my Mom's father is from Kinvara, Galway,” she explained about her background, which entailed participating in Féile na nGael at 14.

“I came over last November to check it out and felt homely. This was the place I wanted to be.” 

It got a bit rocky last month when Athlone’s march towards the double was jolted by the sudden resignation of manager Colin Fortune.

“No team wants to change management in the middle of the season, especially with the season we’re having,” she revealed about the changeover to caretaker boss John Sullivan. “The girls came together, put our heads down, knowing what we could do and stuck together.” 

Now they’re red-hot favourites to complete the double by seeing off a Bohs team they finished seven places and 20 points ahead of in the table.

“Bohs are a quick, youthful and aggressive team, so we need to go at them,” she vowed.