She used to go to the fabled terrace as a child with her dad. Now she’s a decorated All-Ireland winner and All-Star. And she has flourished in the AFLW, a Premiership winner with Melbourne Demons.
But nothing could compare to running out onto the Donnycarney lawn. Back with her beloved Dubs.
“I came back to Ireland five weeks ago and I was straight back into training. It was so good. Just great to be back,” she says.
In her first game, Dublin were well ahead at half-time against Kildare in the TG4 Leinster Championship fixture.
Sinéad came on for the second half. And with her first very first touch, she set up a point for Orlagh Nolan.
Sinéad then started in last week’s handsome victory over Laois, and Dublin will conclude the Group with a Parnell Park meeting with Meath in Parnell Park tomorrow.
Both Dublin and Meath are already through to the May 12 Leinster final in Croke Park. It will form part of a double bill with the Dublin v Louth Leinster men’s final.
“It’s great to be playing in Croke Park. That’s where the Leinster final should be. It’s good for the game to have double bills, and, hopefully, we’ll get a big support.
“The team is in good form. A lot of players are getting game-time. It’s the most competitive Dublin squad that I have been involved with.
“There’s so much talent coming through. When I came back in, there were around ten girls that I didn’t know. It’s wonderful to see their drive and excitement.
“I’m just so grateful to be back in the Dublin jersey. I appreciate Melbourne for allowing me to do it and also to Mick (Bohan) and the group for welcoming me back in.
“It’s such a high-performance set-up. And you have the likes of Carla Rowe and Hannah Tyrrell pushing on standards.
“Mick has been so supportive to me. Before returning, my last game for Dublin was our defeat to Donegal in the All-Ireland quarter-final.
“I felt I had underperformed that day. The dressing room was so down afterwards. That stayed in the back of my mind. Hoping for the chance to put it right. I’m so grateful that I have another chance.”
She plays the game in the old swashbuckling style of Kevin Moran. She brings such athleticism to the arena. She excelled at running from the start.
Sinéad was a brilliant basketballer with Coláiste Íosagain, Stillorgan. And she has enjoyed much success with her club, Foxrock Cabinteely .
Sport has been the heartbeat of her life. “But I love Gaelic football, Fox Cab and the Dubs best of all,” she smiles.
“And now I just want to make the most of this chance I have been given.”
