Cork City's new recruit Colleen Kennedy on her path from Tennessee to Leeside
Colleen Kennedy in action for Cork City recently. Picture: KDB Photos.
WITH the season about to kick off, Cork City women's newest recruit is loving life in Cork.
From Tennessee in the States, 27-year-old Colleen Kennedy took the sudden decision to settle here with her Leeside-born husband Shane O'Connell.
To get the opportunity to play for Cork City was one of the key factors in her making that decision. Here she tells us about her late move and how excited she is to the season starting this weekend.
"My husband and I came back to Cork after our wedding to visit with his family before our next move," said Kennedy.
"After being here for a few weeks, and still looking at what our next move was going to be, we had some opportunities come about. We were able to get in touch with Danny Murphy about the possibility of joining with Cork City FC.
"I knew the minute I stepped off the pitch from the first session that I wanted to stay. After a few conversations, we were able to get things finalised.
It's a big move to switch to Cork.
For Kennedy, getting to experience playing in different countries has always been a huge ambition of hers.
"I actually came to the game later than most. I started playing soccer at 10 or 11 years old after choosing to try a new sport over the one I grew up playing.
"I was able to earn a scholarship to play for The University of Mobile in Alabama. As I was finishing my last semester, I was selected for a Preseason Roster with the Houston Dash.
"Although it was short-lived, it gave me the opportunity to start my career outside the US. I played with Sandvikens IF in Sweden for a season and then moved to Iceland.
"I was able to play a season for Thor/KA and two seasons with FH over the last three years.
"Coming to Ireland to play in the women's National League is a new challenge for me as I knew very little about the league but am learning quickly and am aware how big of a game this Saturday is against Peamount.
"I think I am setting in well.
"The girls and coaching staff have been absolutely incredible since my introduction and I am looking forward to getting to know my teammates better as the season continues.
"I am extremely excited to get going with the season. I have been around the same teams for the last three years in Iceland so I am ready for a new challenge in style of play, opponents and league this season.
"I hope that I can make a difference this season in multiple ways. Like most players, I hope I can create opportunities, score goals and help the team win games. But I hope that I can also help bring the best out of my teammates.
"I actually didn’t know too much about the league. I have seen some videos of last year’s matches from Cork City and some of the teams so I have an idea now but I think it’s a positive for me and I’m looking forward to a new challenge.
"For me, it does not matter who the opponent is, what crest is on their top or what they’ve done in the past. Only thing that matters is what happens on match day. I will put 110% into every match, read the game on the day and do my job to the best of my ability.
"I expect we will give Peamount a challenge.
"I think with the team we have now and what I know our team is capable of, we are a different team than last season."
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