Roscommon woman takes on best in Europe
Maryam McCabe was part of the Shelbourne team that took part in the Barcelona Cup.
A Roscommon soccer player competed against the best in Europe recently.
Maryam McCabe, from Taughmaconnell, lined out for Dublin side Shelbourne in the Barcelona Cup, a competition that brings together the top underage players and teams from across Europe to the south of Barcelona.
The Coláiste Chiaráin student was able to help Shelbourne to a highly respectable tenth place. Shelbourne faced the tournament winners Valur of Iceland in the group stages while they also beat English sides Urmston Meadowside Sharks and Shawside Juniors Lionesses.
A tough penalty shootout defeat to KR Reykjavik to end the tournament did little to deflect from the positive experience Maryam enjoyed in Salou.
According to her father Derek, the tournament was an eye-opening and enjoyable experience for Maryam.
“The Icelandic teams were exceptional. In fairness, all the teams were excellent. Shelbourne and Peamount really showed up and I think other teams took notice.
“For us, the coverage in the Roscommon Herald was a huge help in securing sponsorship for Maryam but what we found out is that the government fund the Iceland teams.
“That was an eye opener as to how seriously they take this event. Seeing their athleticism it is easy to notice the preparation they had undergone. Those players would be in the gym five days a week I was told, so it was great for Maryam to play against those players and experience a brilliant tournament,” he noted.
Maryam watched Roscommon compete in the Gaynor Cup before flying over to Barcelona to compete against elite opposition.
“We watched the group stages, and the Roscommon team were very impressive. If Maryam was not playing in Barcelona, then she would have been playing in the Gaynor Cup.
“I think there is real talent in the county because Roscommon were very unlucky to lose their semi-final on penalties. Paul Green continues to do a phenomenal job developing players.
“Playing in the Gaynor Cup would have been great, but the Barcelona experience exceeded her expectations tenfold. When Maryam arrived at the tournament she said this was everything she wanted,” Derek stated.
Shelbourne’s strong performances led them to receiving an invitation to compete in the Copa Catalunya Femenina next year. That will be another step-up in class for Maryam and Shelbourne.
Maryam lined out in five games over two days at the Barcelona Cup with temperatures hitting 32 degrees on the opening day of action.
Derek believes that his daughter will benefit from the tournament as he believes she deserves to rest up before the new season commences.
“On the Saturday the temperatures hit 32 degrees so that was very tough. By the time she was playing the third game it was taking a toll. I have to say there was magnificent work done by all the girls and coaches to prepare, and that told on the pitch. The coaches were saying they were impressed with Maryam’s attitude, which is great.
“She deserves a rest now because she’s worked hard with her school work and on her game. The next season won’t be long coming around,” he concluded.
