Fiona O’Sullivan’s football adventure continues. Born and raised in California the Republic of Ireland Women’s international has carved out a career which has been both stimulating and successful.
Now a key player for Notts County in the Women’s Super League, O’Sullivan helped the Lady Pies book a place in the FA Women's Cup semi-final with an emphatic 5-1 thrashing of Aston Villa on Sunday. O'Sullivan and Notts are just one victory away from the Wembley final, and the forward is delighted to be involved at an encouraging time for the sport in England. “It is great to be playing in England at the moment,” O’Sullivan acknowledges.
“There is an interest in the sport; it is getting more exposure. There is a good television deal and people seem to be genuinely interested. I had some opportunities to come to England four or five years ago, but I just didn’t think it was the right fit then.”
Now, though, the landscape has changed significantly. Arsenal, once so utterly dominant, are just one of the serious contenders as the race for silverware features several determined teams. “I think the way it is now is brilliant,” is O’Sullivan’s verdict. “With the World Cup coming up people are talking about the League. There is interest in it.
“Overall things are set up better compared to previously. It is an attractive place to play at the moment. It wasn’t always that exciting or dramatic. In the last couple of years there has been an overhaul and there is hype and excitement.
“Teams used to win matches easily by maybe four, five, six, seven, or even eight goals. There wasn’t as much drama as there is now. All the clubs are professional in their approach, for me there are so many strong teams. You couldn’t choose a league winner with any huge certainty now. That is a good thing for sure.”
Every year O’Sullivan returns to California to run her own summer camps which is vital for her. “The camps are a pretty big priority for me,” O’Sullivan admits. “When I was younger I never thought I’d be doing what I am doing now. There is no way when I was growing up that I thought this would be feasible. It seemed so unrealistic to be playing football.
“I feel that so many coaches and people helped me. With the camps I suppose I like to think that I can help the next generation. I’d like them to know what they can achieve by working hard; by gaining experience and confidence. When you get those things who knows what might happen in the future.”
Fiona O'Sullivan. Photo: INPHO.Growing up in California O’Sullivan, whose father is from Cork, was always aware of all matters Irish. “I think sometimes that a lot of people in Ireland don’t actually realise how strong the Irish community is. It was always part of our upbringing.
“We spent many summers in west Cork so I knew I was Irish. It was a strong part of the family. So playing for Ireland now is really important for me. I’m very grateful to the FAI, who have helped me.”
It is a sad, poignant, but lovely tale how the FAI were alerted to O’Sullivan’s eligibility. “It is a funny story in itself,” O’Sullivan recalls. “My finance (Devougn Lamont), who passed away last year, knew I loved football.
“He reckoned I should email the FAI. I was reluctant to-so I didn’t, but he went behind my back and did it. That was nice of him because it definitely gave my career an injection.
“Suddenly I had belief again and I had a great season in America. Before then I didn’t really have much access to the European game. The exposure I got with Ireland was great especially being involved in important qualification games. It acted as a springboard for me to come to Europe.”
Stints in Sweden, France, and Germany have assisted O’Sullivan, who signed for Notts County in June, 2014. “Definitely it was beneficial for me to sample life in those places. I think you’ve got to go to a place with an open mind and a willingness to learn both in sport and from a cultural experience too. They were building blocks in my career and I certainly took information from my spell in Europe.”
Sue Ronan’s Irish team are looking forward to the Euro 2017 draw which takes place next Monday in Nyon. “At the moment it is a bit of a strange time for us because we are waiting to see what group we are drawn in.
“We are looking forward to it. Last Wednesday we played quite well against Spain in a friendly. We were unlucky to have a goal ruled out which would have given us a draw. I think we wouldn’t mind playing Spain again.
“They are going to the World Cup in Canada so it was good that we were competitive in that match. We are building towards the qualification campaign - we are looking forward to it.”
