Hanly: ‘My family are why I play’

Roscommon’s Aisling Hanly was delighted after helping DCU claim a three in a row of O’Connor Cup titles as they withstood the challenge of UCC to be crowned champions once again.

The Kilbride clubwoman kicked an important second half score to help DCU on their way to a 2-11 to 1-9 triumph.

After the game she told the LGFA social media channels that her family’s support had helped her achieve this latest success.

“My family are the reason why I play football. Every time I step out onto the pitch, I always say it to myself that I am doing it for my family more than anything. I am just so grateful for my family because they are there for me every step of the way.

“I wouldn’t be here without them so I am just delighted they came up to Belfast. My brother and his fiancé, I actually didn’t know they were coming here so it was lovely to see them at the final whistle,” the Kilbride player stated.

Hanly has been in esteemed company. Two time All Ireland winner Emma Duggan kicked 1-5 to help DCU on their way while Clodagh Lohan and Kate Kenny are other top talents that DCU could call upon.

The Roscommon woman highlighted the close bond within the group and how her game has benefitted by being around fellow inter county players from across the country.

“It is super. I know in the last year or so I have come on so much as a player and even more as a person. I’m just developing the leadership qualities by playing with these girls.

“There are so many girls I had never spoken to before this year, and I don’t know how I didn’t meet them before college. Some of them are my best friends now and it is just brilliant to have that relationship with some of the girls on the team from all over the country.

“It is funny because we will be best friends today and in a few weeks’ time we could all be playing against each other in the county games. The relationships will always stand to us for the rest of our lives,” she concluded.