news-engine

Everyone at Bohemian FC wishes Aoibhe Brennan the very best of luck as she today completes her dream move to Manchester City. In her two and a half years at Dalymount Park, she made 72 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals, and quickly became a favourite among fans and her team-mates. Her form saw her nominated for the PFA Ireland Women’s Young Player of the Year Award last year and this year earned her first call-up by manager Carla Ward for the Ireland senior women’s team. Brennan, 18, said: “Getting called up to the Ireland senior squad while with Bohs this season was probably one of the best days of my life because it was something I’ve worked for and always dreamt of. It really made me want to push on and just see how much I can achieve playing football. “This is a really special moment for me and a really good opportunity that I hope I take with both hands. Every girl dreams about becoming a professional footballer and I am delighted I have got that opportunity. Getting over there is one thing, but staying over there is another. “I wouldn’t be where I am without Bohs. I want to thank everyone at the club so much for the support they have shown me throughout my time here. The Bohs fanbase is the best in the league, and the club means so much to me. “From scoring on my debut and even just having had the opportunity to to play for this club has been unbelievable, and Bohs has a special place in my heart now. “Going to watch the lads on the Friday nights as well – the atmosphere and everything about the club – has been so special. I could spend hours talking about all my memories here and how much I enjoyed it here on the pitch and off the pitch. I know when I am home, I will keep going back because it means so much to me. “I’ve made memories and friendships for life with all the girls here, they kind of adopted me when I came in! Rachael (Kelly), Lisa (Murphy), Fiona Donnelly – all of them, I could name the whole team. Emma (McDonagh) too, our drives home after training, like another mam off the pitch, and always there for me. “They all looked after me for the past two and a half years, so I want to thank all of them and do them proud. I’ll take everything I learnt from them all with me, and I just want to let them know I’ll miss them.” Manager Alan Murphy said: “When Aoibhe came in, the first thing we could see was just how tenacious she was as a young player. She was ready to play from the start, which is fairly unique. But she has developed massively in a lot of different aspects, on the pitch, off the pitch, technically, tactically. She has turned into a really polished player, how she reads the game, how she runs the game. “We are massively proud of her. From the club’s perspective, it’s clear what we are trying to do in terms of having young players in the first team and giving them an opportunity to play and develop and progress. From an individual point of view, as a coach and a manager, it’s always brilliant to see the players you have progressing. “It is massively important that we are producing players capable of moving on to a higher level. It’s a huge bonus for the club to be able to attract players. Aoibhe’s journey gives everybody a little bit of hope and a little bit of good feeling.” Captain Rachael Kelly said: “Aoibhe is a really, really good person. She cares and really wants the best for herself and her team. She drives standards, she is dedicated to the game, and has been absolutely brilliant to have around the camp. “She’s never happy with where she is. She always wants to get better, and she does extra stuff every day of the week. So it’s brilliant to see that rewarded. The minute she walked through the door, she had that kind of swag. “We knew straight away she was a special player and certainly going to go places, so we are very proud that she has got this opportunity. It’s a big sister moment, and I’ll certainly miss our chats on a Friday night at the men’s games but we could not be happier for her.”