Olivia Gibson back doing what she loves - playing football with Cobh Ramblers and scoring goals

At just 22 years of age, Olivia Gibson has already experienced the highs and frustrations that can shape a footballer’s character. 

The Mayfield native is back playing League of Ireland football after a three-year absence, and for Gibson, the return home has reignited both her passion for the game and her appreciation for the support network that never wavered.

A former player with Treaty United and Cork City, Gibson’s early promise marked her out as one of Cork’s brightest young talents. 

Comfortable on the ball and renowned for her dead-ball ability, she built a reputation for scoring spectacular free kicks — a skill that has once again become her trademark since returning to domestic action.

Three years ago, Gibson stepped away from the League of Ireland scene, embarking on a new chapter that briefly took her to the United States. The experience of playing abroad offered fresh challenges and valuable life lessons, but it also reinforced something deeper: there is no place quite like home. 

While the spell overseas broadened her horizons, the pull of family, community, and familiar surroundings ultimately proved stronger.

“It’s great to be playing closer to home again and I am really enjoying my time here in Cobh and a lot of that is down to the incredible management team, and players” said Gibson.

For her, running out onto the pitch with her mum Judy and dad Pat watching from the sidelines carries a meaning that transcends the game itself. Through every setback and success, her parents have been her constant. 

Their encouragement during her time away from football helped sustain her belief that she would one day return to the League of Ireland with renewed determination.

That return, however, was not without its complications. 

Gibson had initially planned to sign for Waterford FC Women’s senior side last season. 

The move seemed perfectly poised to mark her comeback, but a delay in international clearance scuppered those plans. 

By the time the paperwork issues were resolved, the opportunity had slipped through her fingers.

For many players, such a setback might have dented confidence. For Gibson, it merely redirected her path.

Although capable of competing at senior level, Olivia made the considered decision to line out in the newly established development Under-23 league for Cobh Ramblers rather than rush straight back into top-tier football. 

It was a choice rooted in maturity. After three years away, she recognised the importance of rebuilding match sharpness gradually.

“I think the U23s league is such a good addition to the LOI because it gives the younger players a chance to showcase their ability at a higher age level than 17s and 19s. 

"I feel like the majority of players who may have not got the opportunity to play senior level this could be the chance to prove themselves and push on.” 

Olivia’s leadership qualities have not gone unnoticed. Appointed co-captain alongside Jane Finlay, she has embraced the responsibility. 

For a young squad navigating a fresh competition, her experience in the League of Ireland and abroad provides invaluable guidance. 

She leads not only through words but through example — in training intensity, tactical discipline, and composure under pressure.

That composure was on full display at the weekend in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Waterford. 

In a contest filled with energy and attacking intent, it was fitting that Olivia would leave her imprint in familiar fashion. 

Stepping up to take a free kick within striking distance, she curled the ball beyond the goalkeeper with precision and confidence — a reminder that some qualities never fade.

While Gibson’s long-term ambition undoubtedly includes a return to consistent senior football, her immediate focus remains firmly on the present. She speaks about progression rather than pressure, about helping her teammates improve and ensuring the squad gives a strong account of itself in this new competition.

There is a sense that her journey has come full circle. 

The Mayfield girl who once burst onto the scene with Treaty United and Cork City is older now, wiser and more grounded. 

The experiences abroad, the frustration of delayed transfers, and the challenge of rebuilding from scratch have all added layers to her game and her character.

For Olivia Gibson, the road back has not been straightforward. 

Yet, standing on the pitch once more, surrounded by teammates and cheered on by Judy and Pat, she appears exactly where she is meant to be. And if her latest free kick is anything to go by, there may be many more memorable moments still to come.