Dual player Rowe set for GAA return

CASTLEBAR Celtic ace Sarah Rowe has revealed she plans to play for the Mayo senior ladies Gaelic football squad next month once she completes her soccer commitments with the Republic of Ireland Under 19 squad. The Ballina-based star is enjoying a magnificent tournament at the UEFA Women’s Championship finals in Norway where Ireland clinched a semi-final place following their final group match against Sweden last night.

Dave O’Connell’s charges put themselves in a commanding position following wins over Spain (1-0) and England (2-1) last week, with Rowe playing an influential role in both games.

Speaking to The Connaught Telegraph from the FAI’s base in Norway where Castlebar-based official David Breen is the head of the Irish delegation, she said: “There is a great sense of belief in our squad because we have done 10 games without defeat. Our conviction really showed when we found ourselves a goal down against England and we really turned it around in the second half. There are no stars as such in our squad but, as a team, we work so hard for one another.

“We may have come up against more skilful opposition but they did not possess our level of energy and commitment. It’s great to be involved and I am inundated with texts from Castlebar Celtic, including our manager Adrian Carberry and sponsor James Murray.”

Sarah is delighted to be joined in Norway by her parents Alan and Grainne Rowe, The Quay, Ballina, sister Lorna, and her aunt, Ann Marie Flynn, Enniscrone. Her boyfriend, Mayo senior footballer Aidan O’Shea, took a break from his hectic schedule to visit Oslo last Tuesday for Ireland’s opening Group B clash against Sweden.

Maz Sweeney, one of her coaches at Celtic Park, is the kit manager with the Irish squad in Norway. “It’s great to have so many familiar faces around,” she explained.

An accomplished GAA player for the Mayo ladies, Sarah had take a break from code for the championship campaign so far to concentrate on soccer but will return in August. “I am very proud of the fact that I have over 20 international caps for Ireland to date. But I love playing for the Mayo ladies Gaelic football team and I intend to return as soon as I can. I will also be supporting the Mayo senior football squad when they face Cork or Sligo in their quarterfinal tie at Croke Park next month.”