Athlone Town AFC is home to two rising stars from the Sacred Heart School who are making waves in Irish soccer. Leah, just 14 years old, represents the club’s U17 team, playing well beyond her years. She has also showcased her talent on a national stage as part of the U15 National Academy, proving herself as one to watch in the future.
Aoife, a fellow Sacred Heart student, has taken her game to the next level, playing for Athlone Town’s senior team. Her impressive achievements include representing Ireland’s senior U19 team, a testament to her dedication and skill on the pitch.
The Sacred Heart School has every reason to be proud of these exceptional young athletes, who continue to inspire both on the field and in the classroom. Their hard work and success highlight the strong foundation of support and encouragement at the school for aspiring sports stars.
Check out their player profiles below to learn more about their incredible journeys and achievements!
Aoife Murphy O Connor:
- What’s your name, age, and the position you play on the team?
Aoife O'Connor, 18, I play in midfield.
- How long have you been playing soccer?
I have been playing since I was 10 years old.
- Which team/club do you currently play for?
I play for Athlone Town
- Who is your soccer role model and why?
I grew up watching the U.S.A player Tobin Heath and loved her creativeness and how brave she was when she played.
- What’s your favourite thing about playing soccer?
My favourite thing about playing soccer is the friends you make and being able to compete, travel and have experiences with them.
- What’s your ultimate goal in soccer?
I try not to put pressure on myself so my ultimate goal is to get to the highest level I can achieve.
- What’s the best thing about being part of a team?
The best part of being in a team is improving, competing and experiencing things together and being able to play with your best friends every week.
- Do you have a favourite soccer jersey or number?
My favourite number is 11.
- How has playing soccer shaped who you are as a person?
Soccer has allowed me to gain many skills and experiences that have shaped me as a person. I was very shy when I started and it allowed me to gain confidence and become outgoing.
- What advice would you give to younger girls who want to start playing soccer?
I would tell younger girls to start as soon as they can, not put any pressure on themself and to not compare themself to anyone else.
Leah Stack:
- What’s your name, age, and the position you play on the team?
My names Leah Stack, I’m 14 years old and play winger.
- How long have you been playing soccer?
I have been playing soccer since I was 3 years of age playing with Killeigh School Boys/Girls Cubs.
- Which team/club do you currently play for?
I currently play for Killeigh boys team.
- What inspired you to start playing soccer?
I enjoyed watching soccer on TV with my Dad and playing in the garden and beach when I lived in Cyprus and this lead me to want to play more and more
- Who is your soccer role model and why?
My soccer role model would be Zlatan Ibrahimovic who worked very hard to make it despite having a lot of barriers in his early life that could have forced him to give up, but, he worked hard and it all played off.
- What’s the most memorable game you’ve ever played in?
One of the most memorable games I’ve ever played in was when I was invited to play with Athlone Town u17 and u19 I got to play against Real Madrid in the Surf Cup in Barcelona, also during the summer I played with them against Wolves, Northern Ireland and Aston Villa. These were great experiences for me.
- What’s the best advice you’ve ever received about soccer?
Hard work Beats Talent When Talent Doesn’t Work.
- If you could meet any professional soccer player, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Mary Earp’s the English and Man Utd goal keeper as she appears good craic. I’d ask her what are her bad habits.
- Who’s the funniest or most inspiring teammate, and why?
The funniest school teammate is Danielle Martin, Kayla Lawlor or Ava Sheeran, they crack me up. My most inspiring teammate is Aoife Murphy O’Connor from the senior school team who has played internationally and has played senior league of Ireland.
- How do you prepare mentally and physically for a big game?
I’d prepare mentally and physically for a big game by firstly eating well prior to the game and prior to games I enjoy listening to music to get me more focused.