Roche overwhelmed by reaction to super strike

On a day of great goals by the likes of Jack Wilshere and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, football superstars around the world have all fallen short of one goal.

 

Last Sunday, Republic of Ireland and Peamount United striker scored a wonder goal against Wexford Youths that would grace any stage.

 

Thankfully (for all of us) this piece of footballing magic was caught on camera, and ever since her manager Eileen Gleeson uploaded the footage this morning, the clip has caught the imagination of the world over and gone viral.

 

As the YouTube juggernaut gathered momentum, Extratime.ie caught up with a slightly overwhelmed Roche and asked her about THAT goal.

 

“I can’t believe it. Jesus. Over 20,000 views on Youtube already.”

 



Indeed in the time few hours since we have spoken, this has climbed to 100,000 views with no signs of slackening.

 

The Peamount striker has been in deadly form in the Women’s National League for the last few seasons, but as Roche arrived in Ferrycarrig in search of her first goal of the season weekend – she was just happy to get off the mark.

 

“At half time I was only talking to Aine [O’Gorman], saying that I wanted to try and score. I was just delighted to get a goal because I hadn’t scored all season.

 



 

“To be honest, I didn’t think at the time how good of a goal it was. I knew it was a good strike, but I wasn’t thinking anything of it.

 

“Obviously when I heard it was videoed, I wanted to get a copy of it, so I kind thought it was a good goal but, the hype over it is unbelievable. I can’t believe it.”

 

Into its third year, the Bus Éireann Women’s National League has given a platform for players like Roche to make it into the national squad.

 

On this occasion, the quality of football was caught on camera, but Peamount’s number nine insists that this was not a fluke.

 

“That’s the thing. I’ve seen Rebecca Creagh saying on twitter that there are girls scoring good goals like that every week.

 

“Every week there’s some really good games and some really good goals, but we’re not fortunate enough to have them on camera.

 

“It’s just good for us now to get that on camera, it gives the Women’s National League a bit of publicity as well as girl’s football in Ireland, and I’m happy to be a part of that as well.”

 

As the video got shared and retweeted, Roche has gained praise from praise from the likes of US Women’s National Team forward Abby Wambach, renowned sports journalist Ollie Holt and a fellow scorer of great goals Matthew Le Tissier.

 

With a combined following on Twitter of over three quarters of a million between those three alone, the extent of this ‘golazos’ reach begins to sink in.

 

With Le Tissier himself referring to it as "Goal of the Season", Roche was lost for words.

 

“I couldn’t believe that. The goals he’s got over the years? I can’t believe it. I’m speechless.”

 

As the praise continues to pour in, the Peas striker does not have time to revel in her newfound fame however as she prepares for a tough trip to face Galway tomorrow.

 

“Ah it’s all good natured. I’m getting texts and Facebook comments left right and centre. They’re all sharing it and obviously delighted that it’s getting the attention as well.

 

“I’ll see tomorrow, I’ll probably get a bit of stick on the bus to Galway.”

 

Before we leave her back to her pre-match preparations however, we have to ask…how many times has she watched her spectacular goal so far.

 

“I’ve watched it a few times in fairness so I have,” Roche confesses – struggling to contain her laughter.

 

“Every time I see someone tweet it, I have a look – I’m not going to lie.”

 

…and to tell the truth Stephanie, so have we…and some!!!

 

    About Brian Fitzgerald

    Brian Fitzgerald is a Dublin-based reporter who has followed Cork City since the mid 1990's. Brian can be contacted at brifitz@gmail.com or followed on twitter @B_Twitzgerald View Full Profile