Barbara O'Connell: Underdogs journey was one of the best experiences of my life
The Underdogs' Barbara O'Connell and Lauryn Murphy.
ON a crisp December night in Galway, last Saturday as captain of The TG4 Underdogs, I got to experience one of the most memorable nights of my playing career.
After a short period playing together, 23 women from around the country came together for the final game as the Underdogs squad and had to face All-Island champions Galway United, which was played in the superb facilities of Eamonn Deacy Park.
It's the pitch where I won my very first National Cup, 28 years previous, then known as Terryland Park. And here, almost three decades later, I got to play in another high-profile game, unfortunately not coming away with a win this time but an experience that will live in the memory for a long time.
My Underdogs journey began six months ago when I attended the first trial in Navan. A daunting start as I scanned the dressing room which was full of players less than half my age. But, a few minutes into the trial game, I was completely at ease.
I had never let age be an obstacle before, and I sure wasn't about to start here.
While most girls attending the trials were younger than my daughters, I found it quite amusing and was proud, that my daughter, Jesse, had driven me to the trials.
Having got through further trials I went on to experience so much in the following six months.
We were in every corner of the country, many times spending four hours in the car and having to do a bleep test on arrival. Tough to say the least, but all part of the experience.
Goalkeeper Lauryn Murphy had a similar experience and looks back on huge pride.
"Something like the Underdogs is not something that you would usually experience, so I’m very grateful and lucky that I got the opportunity to be part of this year’s show," said Murphy. "It was an unbelievable experience, something I’d have never imagined myself doing.
"Over the past six months, I’ve travelled the country from top to bottom, made friends with people from all over the country and experienced new things that I’d have never done if I didn’t sign up for the Underdogs. I’ve grown as a player and as a person over the past six months and I’ve developed both on and off the pitch as a result of participating in something like this.
"I’ve enjoyed the whole experience from start to finish, it’s something I’ll always look back on and remember."
Myself and Lauryn have memorable times together which always started with her choice of music in the car. Although half my age, she did well to accommodate me with her playlists.
I had two main highlights, being chosen as captain by my teammates was a proud moment but getting the opportunity to play against my daughters Jesse and Alix was amazing. We played Cork City in a trial game and to share the field with my daughters was a great occasion for all the family.
From washing a cow to walking Alpacas we did it all, football was just one part of it and overall it was an unbelievable experience. To end the season and to put in a team performance like we did, narrowly losing out in the end one nil to All Island champions Galway, was a satisfying way to end our journey together.
The atmosphere in the stadium was something I hadn't experienced as a player. To have family, friends and the Cork U12 girls team that I manage there to support was the highlight. To hear them throughout gave me such a buzz, and I hope they enjoyed the experience as much as I did. To play against my kids' friends who are exceptional players with Galway was surreal.
Jenna Slattery, Jodie Griffin and Amy Madden are three youngsters that I admire as players and people and it gave me great pride to get a warm embrace from each of them as we lined up before the game.
To captain the TG4 Underdogs' first women's soccer team in the number eight jersey, which I've worn for over two decades with Wilton is an achievement that I will always be proud of.
While I would have loved the win, it doesn't take away from the wonderful experience gained.
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