A going-away party was held in the club grounds on Monday, May 19 to celebrate the two senior players as they prepare for their move to Australia. The event brought together the entire club community, from juvenile and senior players to coaches, parents, committee members, and backroom staff all gathered together in celebrating the remarkable journeys of Aisling and Síofra and wishing them well in this exciting new chapter.
Both players have been outstanding representatives of club and county in recent years. At inter-county level, they were instrumental in Clare’s run to the All-Ireland Intermediate Final in 2023. At club level, they helped lead St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield to a historic victory in the Clare Senior Championship final in April, securing the club’s first-ever senior title. That final would be their last game in club colours before heading to Australia.
Speaking to The Clare Echo Síofra explained that she and Aisling were taken aback by the wealth of support they have received from their club.
“When we came into the hall, we were absolutely shell-shocked. I’ve never been so caught off guard before. We really were not expecting as many people to be in Gurteen as there were. Even the young girls, they were brilliant. Walking in, it honestly felt like… it didn’t feel like reality at all. It was so amazing.
She says they are both extremely grateful to their team mates, managers and everyone involved in the organising of Monday nights event.
“Seeing the amount of people from the club that are supporting us and happy for us, and just so excited for the whole experience, it just makes the transition of leaving so much nicer, because it’s a hard thing, leaving when you’ve been part of the club for so long. To have everyone there and for them to have nothing but best wishes, honestly, I can’t even explain it.”
As the move draws closer, the reality of the move is starting to set in for Síofra.
“It’s actually two weeks today that we’re going, so it’s becoming really real. It always seemed so far away, but since I finished work last weekend, it’s feeling a lot closer to home now. I’m starting to get a bit nervous, but I’m also excited to see what it’s like.”
The duo caught the eye of AFLW recruiters during scouting visits to Ireland and were subsequently signed by Carlton, where they will join four other Irish players at the Melbourne-based club.
Aisling Reidy echoed the sentiments of gratitude and emotion felt on the night.
“We would just love to thank everyone for being so generous with their time on Monday evening to come out and support us, it really was incredible. I would also like to give a special mention to both the Doora Barefield ladies football and camogie clubs, especially Theresa Rosingrave, for all the support and encouragement they have given us not only in the past few weeks but throughout our playing careers.
“The overwhelming support we received Monday evening was truly remarkable, and hopefully these young stars of the future can now see there are endless benefits and opportunities to playing sport.
“As our departure date quickly approaches, it comes with a truly bittersweet feeling. We are both excited for the opportunity and adventure to come, however, the club holds a special place for both of us for sure.”
Síofra and Aisling will be missed by their friends and family both on and off the pitch. Although they won’t be lining out for St.Joseph’s Doora/Barefield this championship season, the girls will always have the support of The Parish
