Two years ago, Hansberry was part of the Ireland squad that finished sixth in Cyprus but didn’t see any action while last May she was part of the group that played USA and Haiti but once again she failed to make it onto the pitch.
Now 21-years-old, she feels better prepared to make the step up and complete her collection of international caps having already appeared at U16, U17 and U19 level for Ireland.
“I’m still looking for it. I have been on a few trips with the squad alright but there is a wealth of experience among the players already in the squad. I suppose I am only young still but I am always hoping when I go away that I will get my first cap and it is the same again this time. I am hoping that I will get a few minutes on the pitch and win my first cap for Ireland,” said Hansberry, who added that winning a senior cap has been her burning ambition since she first started kicking a ball in her native Strandhill.
“It is something you dream about as a kid when you are growing up playing and working your way up through the ranks, playing underage level. When underage stops the next goal is to get your senior cap so it is something that I always wanted to do when I was playing underage and I am hoping that it will come this time.”
Although she didn’t get game time during her previous involvements with the senior squad Hansberry admits that she left each camp with a positive experience and an improved football knowledge.
“It’s obviously a good experience being away with the girls. There are always new challenges when you are away and you always learn new things. Without doubt it is a massive jump-up from underage football. I guess when you are playing U16 there is U17 and then U19s so you don’t find much difference between countries because we were always able to put it up to other teams. But once you get up to senior level, even playing with and against the girls within the squad, there are huge differences. When I first came in to squad there was a huge difference between myself and the older girls in the squad. It is a much more physical and faster game. That’s a given, but I guess that’s something you have got to get along with it and get up to the same level they are at.”
Hansberry’s determination to improve herself as a player saw her leave Castlebar Celtic last summer to join Continental Tyres Women’s National League champions Wexford Youths. Its’ a move that has already paid rich dividends as she has already played Champions League football and also won an FAI Women’s Cup medal at the Aviva Stadium in November.
“I’m really happy with the move. I love the style of football they play. I love playing football with them. They are a great bunch of girls and I think I have made the right decision for myself in moving. I am really enjoying football again and that was the main thing for me. I am now living in Wexford and going to college in Carlow where I am in third year doing Sports Science. That is a course I always wanted to do so the move Wexford has worked out perfectly.”
Hansberry has been joined on the trip by her Wexford team-mates Jessica Gleeson, Rianna Jarrett and Claire O’Riordan who was added to the squad over the weekend.
The Ireland squad flew to Cyprus today (Monday) and will face Austria in their first game on Wednesday in Paralimni with further games against Italy on Friday and Hungary next Monday before the positional play-offs on Wednesday week, March 10.
Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team Squad
Goalkeepers: Emma Byrne (Arsenal), Niamh Reid-Burke (Shelbourne), Grace Moloney (Reading)
Defenders: Louise Quinn (Eskilstuna United), Jessica Gleeson (Wexford Youths), Megan Campbell Manchester City), Niamh Fahey (Chelsea), Savannah McCarthy (Glasgow City), Sophie Perry (Brighton & Hove Albion), Meabh De Burca (Galway).
Midfielders: Karen Duggan (UCD Waves), Denise O’Sullivan (Glasgow City), Diane Caldwell (Kóln), Ruesha Littlejohn (Glasgow City), Julie-Ann Russell (UCD Waves), Megan Connolly (Florida State University), Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Emma Hansberry (Wexford Youths), Rachel Graham (Shelbourne).
Strikers: Clare Shine (Glasgow City); Rianna Jarrett (Wexford Youths), Aine O’Gorman (UCD Waves), Claire O’Riordan (Wexford Youths).
Ireland’s Cyprus Cup Schedule is as follows:
Wednesday, March 2: Republic of Ireland v Austria, Paralimni, 12:30 (Irish time)
Friday, March 4: Republic of Ireland v Italy, Larnaca, 15:30 (Irish time)
Monday, March 7: Republic of Ireland v Hungary, Paralimni, 15:30 (Irish time).
Wednesday, March 9: Positional Play-Offs