Alex Kavanagh: Has Her Time Come To Star for Ireland?

Is Alex Kavanagh the great, unheralded genius of the women’s League of Ireland? Among Shelbourne fans, that is certainly an increasingly strongly held belief. In October, Shelbourne’s ace no. 6 was presented with a special trophy marking her 14 years at the club before a sold out Tolka Park for the Shelbourne vs Waterford men’s LOI game.

Still only 25, Alex is now the longest-serving player (male or female) in the Drumcondra-based club and, appropriately, received the special trophy from Barry Crossan, editor of Red Inc, the longest serving football fanzine (25 years) in the League of Ireland.

Alex Kavanagh and Barry Crossan of Red Inc. Photo: Maurice Frazer

Kavanagh was also selected by the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) in the Women’s League of Ireland Team of the Year for 2024 and was one of only three players nominated for PFA Player of the Year, award along with Madison Gibson of Athlone and Julie-Ann Russell of Galway United. It was hardly a surprise that the latter won out, given her successful return to the international team, as well as a string of fine performances for Galway.

The lesson to be learned from Julie-Ann’s powerful performances with the national side is surely that if you have the talent, the leap to that level can be navigated successfully. And – like Julie-Ann, who is a superb ball-player – Alex Kavanagh has the ability in abundance. The rest she can adapt to, if and when she is called on. She has the experience, too.

Alex Kavanagh. Photo: Andy Fitz

Inexplicably, however, although very highly-rated by coaches and fellow players alike, Alex was never selected for Ireland under head coach Eileen Gleeson. This, despite the fact that as far back as 2016, she was called into the Irish squad and won two caps as a substitute.

Alex’ Kavanagh has football in her blood. Her brother, Cian, is a noted coach and played in the League of Ireland, as did her father, George.

The question now is: will her immense talent be recognised under whatever new manager emerges over the next – hopefully short – period? To an extent, of course, this will depend on her form as the beginning of 2025 starts to take shape. But Kavanagh comes into the new season off the back of a very successful 2024, during which her talent and elegance as a footballer were on display for all to see.

Alex Kavanagh. Photo: Andy Fitz

Fans of League of Ireland football certainly feel strongly that there should be greater representation for players signed to Irish clubs in the national set-up, and that analysis has been backed up by the manager of the League-winning Athlone. FC, Ciaran Kilduff – who is now set to manage Dundalk men’s team in the upcoming season in the League of Ireland.

Interesting times ahead. Bring on the new season. It promises to be a fascinating one…

Read Paul O'Mahony's 'Women's Football In Ireland - A Year In Review' here.