Brady revives Athlone brilliance as Glasgow City spark new surge

Kelly Brady has swapped the memory of her hat‑trick for Athlone Town with a fresh spell of form at Glasgow City, where she has already netted four times in five league outings. The American‑born Republic of Ireland striker says the Scottish side has reignited the confidence that made her a Midlands favourite.

From Athlone triumph to England

Less than a year ago Brady smashed a hat‑trick against Bohemians, often called Bohs, in the FAI Cup final at Tallaght Stadium, sealing a double for Athlone Town. The performance earned her a call‑up from Carla Ward for a behind‑closed‑doors friendly with Hungary a few weeks later. Before that, she had impressed in the United States, starring for Central Connecticut State University and the University of Mississippi. The move to England felt inevitable, and Crystal Palace secured her signature, though she struggled for minutes during the six‑month spell.

Brady described the Palace stint as a steep learning curve. “I made the move to Crystal Palace and those six months were a great learning experience for me as a person,” she told. “I didn’t play as much as I wanted to and it didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to, but it all turned into me ending up here and I’m very happy where I’m at now, a year later.” She added that the jump from the League of Ireland to the WSL was “very competitive and athletic; very technical football”.

Glasgow City gives Brady fresh start

When minutes dried up at Palace, Glasgow City came calling, offering a chance to re‑establish herself in Scotland’s top flight. She joined fellow Irish internationals Erin McLaughlin and Emily Whelan, as well as American defender Jesi Rossman, who also lifted a league and FAI Cup with Athlone. The club’s reputation for reviving Irish careers made the switch logical.

Brady has responded with four goals in five league games, confirming she is “just happy to be scoring goals again”. She will feature against Hearts on Sunday, while her former side Athlone Town prepares to meet Shelbourne in an FAI Cup decider. “I’m champing at the bit to get back into the camp and hopefully I can… cause some chaos here in this league and (get another call‑up),” she said.

Carla Ward is set to name her squad on Tuesday for the World Cup play‑off semi‑final against Kazakhstan, and competition for forward places remains fierce. Brady, who first tasted the Republic of Ireland set‑up in the Hungary camp last November, hopes her club form will earn her a recall.

“Everyone has been delightful since I’ve gotten here, welcoming me with open arms,” Brady enthused. “What really caught my attention is that it’s an independent women’s football club striving for something special – that’s why I joined and I’m very happy with my decision.” She added, “We have a really great group of girls, a very talented squad. I think we could hopefully do another double this year. There are very high expectations and we set each other very high standards.”

Her resurgence adds depth to Glasgow City’s attack as the side chase another domestic double this season. The striker’s four‑goal return also boosts her case for inclusion in the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup play‑off squad.