Hayley Nolan hoping for rub of the green after challenging year
Unplugging herself from a season that ended in relegation with Crystal Palace, Hayley Nolan walked parts of the Camino with her family - a fitting choice for a player who's shown perseverance, determination and genuine faith in herself over the years.
Nolan played every game in the Eagles' Championship-winning campaign in 2023/24, but her dream first year in the Women's Super League was soured by injuries; a shoulder problem sidelined the Kildare native until December, then a training ground knock in February set her back a few more weeks.
Still, the 28-year-old defender showed her quality whenever she got on the field, and was rewarded with a new Palace deal in January.
Now, she's back in the Republic of Ireland squad for the first time in over two years, desperate for a chance to shine in the friendlies against the USA on Friday (2am) and Sunday (8pm).
"I know it's part and parcel of being a footballer but when you work so hard to get an opportunity to play in the WSL and then you suffer a shoulder injury that keeps you out until Christmas and follow it up with another injury in February, I think it's fair to say I didn't have the best of luck," Nolan reflected.
"To play for Ireland is the dream for any footballer and for me, pulling on the Irish shirt, there is no better feeling. Mentally, it has been really difficult for me being injured, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. It is a really difficult time, especially when you have massive ambitions and goals to help Palace and to help Ireland, but I am fit and healthy now... I have to make sure I take this opportunity."
"I know my strengths and what I can offer."
This week is a full-circle moment for Nolan whose last appearance for her country actually came in the States back in April 2023, when Vera Pauw brought the Girls in Green to Missouri and Texas.
Given Diane Caldwell, Niamh Fahey and Louise Quinn have all retired, there could be room for an experienced centre-half in Ward's plans; indeed the head coach has said on several occasions she wants more leaders in the dressing-room.
"I'm really looking forward to it," Nolan said. "I want to help the squad push on, we have massive ambitions of (World Cup) qualification and that's the goal of the team.
"I have had a few conversations with Carla, stayed in contact but I've been injured and it's hard to put yourself up for selection when you're not fit and healthy. I played the last six games of the WSL and performed well and It has merited this call-up and me getting in.
"I know my strengths and what I can offer and I think that can help the team a lot and that is what I am here to do."
Nolan has been a guiding voice for two younger compatriots at Palace: Izzy Atkinson - released by the club a few weeks ago - and Abbie Larkin. Their presence has helped Nolan as much as she's helped them; a little Irish cohort to lighten the mood during the trickier times.
"I'm smiling because I love those girls, so much talent from both of them," Nolan said.
"It has been great to have them there at Palace for last 18 months, wonderful for me, it has been like a taste of home.
"When you go into the changing room and see Abbie and Izzy, they are always in good spirits and I'm hopeful that I am a mentor to them. They have great talent, you can see Abbie in the last camp, how much talent she has.
"Izzy's another tremendous talent, I think everyone knows that. There's a lot of possibilities there for Izzy. When she came into Palace and we got promoted, she had a great time there. I'm really looking forward to seeing where her future takes her. She's back in (Ireland) camp now too and I'm sure that she's hungry as well to show what she can do at this stage."
As for the Camino, a chance to tune out, walk on and catch up with the family was warmly embraced.
"We did about 20k a day, my family did the entire walk. I was supposed to be off so I only did half of it.
"I'm the youngest and it's difficult because we all have different jobs and as a footballer I don't get that much time off. So we just said we would take this opportunity to get away as a family and do something different.
"I absolutely loved it. I've two older sisters and it was the first time in a long time to spend a good period together with them. It was good craic. I've never done anything like it, normally it is just the beach or pool and you don't get to spend real time together. Whereas you have no choice when you're walking."
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