Shine revels in securing two Champions League wins
South Roscommon native, Kayleigh Shine, helped Athlone Town to progress through the Champions League qualifiers. Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
After Athlone Town secured two victories in the opening round of qualification for the Champions League, Kayleigh Shine, from Taylorstown, Drum in South Roscommon, was overjoyed with the support her side received.
Athlone Town secured a 4-0 win over Cardiff City last Wednesday in front of a sell out home support before backing that up by defeating Croatian outfit ŽNK Agram 3-0 at the Athlone Town Stadium on Saturday.
Shine, speaking to Athlone Town FC’s 'The Dressing Room View' admitted the past few days have been a whirlwind as she praised the supporters for embracing the return of European football to the Midlands.
“I think the crowd here today and on Wednesday were like a 12th player here for us. The noise they make and the oohs and the aahs. It is mad. We have never had such a big crowd down here in Athlone and to get it again two days in a row is crazy.”
“We really, really appreciate all the support. I think we have shown people that the women’s football is just as good as the men’s football and to get down and support us. We are bringing European football back to Athlone and I think that is the main thing. Putting in good goals and keeping clean sheets, that’s the main thing.”
Shine credited her family for their support as she acknowledged that Athlone Town's European journey is a huge boost for women’s football in the country.
“It is great. Having my family all around here and I know it is tougher for the girls who aren’t from around and their families can’t be here and they make every effort to come down throughout the year."
“The amount of people that recognise you and see you, they really do acknowledge women’s football now. I don’t have any words to explain it to be honest.”
The victory means that the midlanders become the first League of Ireland team since Raheny United in 2014 to come through their first qualifying round group in the Women’s Champions League.
They will compete in another mini-series of games in the Netherlands on August 27 and 30 with Breiðablik of Iceland their next opponents.
To hear the full interview click here.
