Fresh off her 150th appearance for Birmingham City, Lucy Quinn arrived into Ireland camp in good spirits, even if the weather was doing its best to unsettle her.
“It’s actually a little windy out here at the minute. I only got here a couple of hours ago, but I’m looking forward to it.”
Hitting that milestone at Birmingham gave her a moment to breathe and take stock.
“It’s pretty cool. It feels like I’ve been there my whole life, but it goes so quick. You get to a milestone like that and you realise one day it’s all going to be over. It was really nice to achieve and I’m up there with some big names. I still want loads more.”
A Different Kind Of Camp
Ireland meet this week for a behind closed doors friendly, a fixture that lacks the noise of Tallaght or the Aviva but offers something just as useful.
“It is a bit different, but whenever we come into camp it’s always such a good feeling. We’re desperate to catch up and get the silliness out of the way. It’s refreshing to have a slightly different camp where we can enjoy it and focus on things that aren’t as pressured. These experiences are valuable.”
For Quinn, it’s also a chance to remind Carla Ward what she can offer.
“I think we were very good in both Belgium games. I didn’t play many minutes, so it’s about recognising how talented the players around me are and showing again what I can do. Carla’s a fan of me anyway, but I’m glad to be in such a competitive squad. It pushes everyone.”
Experimenting Without Fear
The squad’s recent success and their playoff performances have lifted confidence levels, and Quinn says the quieter setting of this week’s camp is the perfect place to fine tune things.
“We still take it seriously and we’re very competitive. But it’s nice every now and again. It’s good for younger or newer players to feel like they can express themselves without pressure. Everything is watched closely by other teams, so it’s a good chance to experiment.”
The sense of growth in the group is obvious to her.
“In the past few years we’ve played massive games. Our first major tournament, opening it too. We didn’t crumble. We held our own. We’ve grown so much since. Every game in an Ireland shirt is massive. You can see the maturity and development.”
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The playoff win over Belgium has clearly given the squad a lift.
“Any time you win on aggregate like we did, it boosts confidence. Belgium are unbelievable and showed that in the second leg. For us to compete the way we did is huge.”
And the fans, she says, continue to matter more than they realise.
“The energy at Tallaght or the Aviva is unbelievable. Even away to Belgium, our fans were loud and made it intimidating for them. That only helps us.”
The switch to a back five last month sparked talk about increased competition among the attackers, but Quinn isn’t worried.
“I don’t look at it like that. It’s good to have several formations. Top teams adapt. I see wing backs as a positive attacking position and I’d like to put my name in the hat. I’ve played it before at Birmingham. I enjoyed joining the attack late. I’m a bit older now so the recovery runs are a blow, but I’m up for it and Carla knows that.”
Why This Week Matters Before The Real Games Return
This camp may be quiet, but it’s far from a free pass.
“It’s not a holiday. It’s about pushing on individually and as a team. It’s a long time until we meet again so it’s good to touch base and prepare. It’s a chance to experiment but also to reconnect.”
Ireland’s summer trip to the US clearly left an impression.
“They were two of the most difficult conditions I’ve ever played in. Altitude and heat. But I’m glad I experienced it, and it was against one of the best teams in the world. Those experiences are valuable. What Carla wants to implement takes time and trips like that help.”
Quinn also shared a laugh about her recent club derby penalty shootout, which she won bragging rights for at the lunch table.
As for the faith Carla Ward has shown her, it’s something she values deeply.
“It’s massive. Football is about opinions and how people see you as a player and person. We travel a lot and things don’t always go your way. How you react matters. To have someone who picks you and tells you outright what they like about you is crucial. You can tell by performances how a manager makes players feel. It’s really important.”
Ireland may only be together for a short camp, but Quinn’s message is clear. This week is about sharpening skills, building trust and setting the tone for the year ahead.