Echo Women in Sport award: Denise O'Sullivan thrilled to hit the net on home turf

NO matter how big, how successful athletes become, no matter what awards they win, be they local, national or international, some matter more than others.

And for superstar soccer player Denise O'Sullivan and others like her, who have reached the top of her chosen sport on a worldwide scale, getting recognition locally still matters.

That's because they know their parents, siblings and other family members will read what is said about them and that matters to them greatly.

For her performances with Ireland over the past few years where she has become the senior team's most important player and for that unforgettable night last month in SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh where she led Ireland, scored the opening goal and generally played superbly in the Euro qualifier against one of the best teams in the world, France, she has been chosen as the Echo Women in Sport Award winner for July.

Denise is no stranger to this award scheme. 

More than 10 years ago when she was setting out on her career she was chosen as the overall winner at a gala ceremony in Rochestown Park Hotel and the Knocknaheeny lady, now 30, is thrilled to have won a monthly award which puts her in the running to win the overall award again early in 2025.

The Cork woman, who scored her 21st goal in that game now has 115 caps for Ireland.

July was another great month for Denise as she also committed to another two years in the USA signing a new contract with ending speculation she was about to join Manchester United in the English league.

Here she explains what it means to her to win the EWIS award and what it was like to play in front of family and friends in a huge international qualifier.

"It’s an honor to be chosen for this award. To be recognized locally is great as there is so many high-calibre athletes in my area who also fully deserve this," said O'Sullivan.

"It was an unbelievable experience playing in Cork and then on top of that to score the opening goal was really special. I had so many family members at the game and my boyfriend James also travelled over for it so it was a night I’ll never forget. 

"As soon as I scored I immediately thought about how proud they all were and definitely how proud my dad would have been. I wish it was one game he could have been there for."

How was it playing in her home town?

"Playing in Páirc Uí Chaoimh was different in the best way. It was a different kind of atmosphere to playing in Dublin, the fans were so loud they really got behind us for 90 minutes. 

"You could really tell we hadn’t played there in over 10 years. You could feel the excitement from people. 

I was happy for the people of Cork because as much as I love playing in Dublin it’s really good to spread it out. 

"It will benefit us as a team and we will attract more fans I believe. I had about 50 people which included family and extended family at the game in Cork. 

"And then of course I knew so many people outside of family that showed up. The support was phenomenal. 

"I wasn’t one bit surprised to be honest because our community here in Cork is so supportive of each other and it showed certainly that night."

MISSED

While it was a special night for Denise and her family, it hurt her not to have her late dad at the game.

"I think about my dad every time I play a game but of course more so when playing in Cork. 

"My dad was my biggest supporter growing up until the day he passed. I always remember when he was so sick in hospital and I was discussing my contract with the team in America and there wasn’t a day went by that he didn’t want to chat about it. 

"He encouraged me to make that move to the USA because he knew how much it meant to me.

My dad really pushed me to be the best. Almost every morning growing up he always got me out of bed to go for a run up the Lee Fields and he would walk by me. 

"The number of times he took me over to Grattan soccer pitch to train and he would sit in the car outside the pitch to make sure I was safe.

"And it's funny to think of it now, but there was nights I would come home from training and was always excited to speak to him about the session. 

"I would tell him 'dad, this girl was so good...' and his answer would be 'well you're better'. 

"And he never stopped saying that, and not in an arrogant way but made me believe in myself so much. 

"I am so grateful for everything he done for me and I think about him every single day.

"I’m absolutely thrilled to have signed a new deal here in the States. 

"It was definitely a massive decision but in the end it was the right one for me. I had offers from elsewhere and of course took time to look into those offers and discuss with my agent but the Courage is definitely the place where I want to be.

"If I had to give advice to youngsters wanting to fulfill a career in football, I would tell them that one day if you really want It, it can happen. 

"It could be them wearing the green shirt. But enjoy every single moment of playing football because it’s a short career and goes by so quick. Just work hard and go after what you want."