Captain fantastic Nathalie O'Brien is Echo Women in Sport winner for June

She has many reasons to be on a high right now, having just returned from playing in a World Cup, finishing in fourth place while also picking up her 40th international cap.

33 year-old Nathalie O’Brien from Hollyhill captained the Ireland Deaf Futsal team to a fourth place finish in Italy recently with wins over England and Turkey only to bow out at the semi final stage against Brazil. 

The excellent run in this tournament was an incredible and an historic achievement for Nathalie and her team mates, and this lead to the EWIS award been awarded to O’Brien for the month of June.

Playing in her seventh major tournament, O’Brien puts this one up there with the best experience and here she tells us why.

“Honestly, it was the best experience,” said O’Brien. 

"It was one of those tournaments where everything just clicked for us.

“The 2025 World Cup was held in Montesilvano, Italy. 

"We were placed in what many called the "Death Group," alongside Brazil, Spain, and Turkey. 

"Spain had recently beaten Brazil at the Deaf Winter Olympics in Turkey in March 2024, while Brazil were the runners-up in the previous tournament held in Brazil in November 2023.

“Our first game was against Spain, and unfortunately, we lost 6-0. 

"However, it was 1-0 at half-time, which surprised Spain—they thought it would be an “easy” game, according to their players. 

"Our next match was against Brazil, where we narrowly lost 2-1, with Brazil scoring in the last 50 seconds. 

"It was a heartbreaking loss because we played brilliantly in that game.

Our final group stage game was against Turkey, and we won 5-1. 

"That victory was enough to send us through to the quarter-final, where we faced England. We beat them 6-3, which had us absolutely buzzing!

“Reaching the semi-final of a World Cup with my country and making history was an incredibly special moment. 

"Beating the English in the quarter-final was brilliant for us girls—not only because it was our first time beating them, but also because it secured our first-ever semi-final appearance. 

"It’s a moment we’ll never forget. That’s the standard we’ve set for ourselves, and it’s one we’ll continue working hard to maintain in future tournaments.

“There were eight players in the squad, including two newbies. 

"One of them was Brooke Dunne, who ended up being named goalkeeper of the tournament —a huge achievement, especially since it was her first tournament with us. 

"I couldn’t be prouder of her.

“We also had a true rebel on board—our vice-captain Rebekah Grant—who had an amazing tournament. 

"She really stepped up to her role, which is especially impressive considering she’s only 23 years-old.

“Another person involved with the squad was coach Dave Bell, a man who spent many years coaching in Cork, as a development officer for the FAI. 

"Having Dave on board with us was the best. 

"Most of us have known Dave for a long time—he was our coach when we first started together back in 2018. 

"Dave knows our strengths and weaknesses inside out and really knows how to get the best out of us.

“For me, personally, he’s the kind of coach I’d run through a brick wall for. 

"I have a great relationship with Dave, so I was absolutely buzzing when I found out last minute that he would be coaching us for this tournament. 

"He was brought in at the last minute after our original coach, Sina, had to pull out due to personal reasons.

“Since I joined the camp in 2018, I’ve participated in seven major tournaments. 

"The last game against Poland to finish in fourth place marked my 40th international appearance—something I’m incredibly proud of. 

"With every tournament, we gain valuable experience and consistently come away having learned an awful lot about each other and our opponents.

“We’ll start training next month for our upcoming European championship tournament in March 2026, which will be held in Porec, Croatia. 

"We’re really looking forward to it!

“If any businesses or companies want to jump on board as sponsors, please get in touch with us. 

"We’d be super grateful for any support, as we’re covering about 80% of the trip through fundraising. Every little bit helps! 

"Let’s make some magic happen together.” 

So, while O’Brien enjoyed a brilliant tournament, returning home and hearing she had won the EWIS award for June was the icing on the cake.

“It feels really great to win the monthly award for the Echo! 

"It’s such a nice feeling to know that the hard work all of us girls on the Irish futsal team are putting in is being noticed and appreciated by people here at home. 

"This is my second time winning the award, and it’s just as special—if not more as the first time. 

"It means a lot to be recognised again.”