Pride, passion and privilege are the three P's Courtney Brosnan is packing in her suitcase as Ireland head Down Under for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Everton goalkeeper has emerged as a vital player in Vera Pauw’s squad, ever present in qualification, and ready to guard the Irish net in Australia and New Zealand.
The euphoric memory of Amber Barrett’s play off winner against Scotland triggered a moment in history for Irish football as Pauw’s team finally clinched their World Cup dream.
The scene of Barrett racing clear of the Scotland defence is the image that has been replayed from that incredible night at Hampden Park, but Brosnan’s role in Glasgow reflected her Ireland career, composed and crucial for 96 minutes.
Her first half penalty save was the springboard for Pauw’s charges in Glasgow, as was her 'grace’ under fire in the closing stages, as the hosts fought to maintain their own World Cup hopes.
However, focused praise bounces off the New Jersey-born stopper, as commitment to the wider cause remains the focus.
"It’s a very exciting and super proud moment for us. A historic moment in the country and everyone feels privileged to be part of it", she said.
"It was a great qualifying campaign for the whole squad, and me personally. I’m very proud of the role I played to help get us here.
Brosnan’s delight and confidence beams through, as the squad continue their preparations, but she admitted the difficult decisions of omissions have been tough on a close-knit squad unified by qualification.
Pauw has not shied away from the difficulties of telling players they would not be boarding the plane from Dublin next month.
The Dutch coach spoke passionately about how tight calls over players carrying injuries had caused her sleepless nights in their pre-tournament camp.
Injured pair Aoife Mannion and Megan Campbell are the two standout names Pauw was forced to deliver bad news to, alongside Leanne Kiernan and Jamie Finn, in a day she described as the worst of her career — and her No.1 agrees.
"It’s a difficult time because of how we feel towards those who’ve missed out, having played a big role in getting us here.
"We know we wouldn’t be here without everyone that helped us along the way in qualification, even if they’re not included in the final squad."
Hard squad decisions are a messy and inevitable part of World Cups, but Brosnan’s role as Pauw’s last line of defence is well established.
The 27-year-old was one of just four players to complete 90 minutes in all nine qualifiers, alongside captain Katie McCabe, Denise O’Sullivan and Louise Quinn, and she will be between the posts for Ireland’s huge Group B opener against Australia on July 20 in Sydney.
That level of consistency was matched by performance, with four goals conceded and five clean sheets, as her 2020 decision to declare for Ireland continues to stand out as a turning point.
The USA connection is flecked through Pauw’s squad, with Sinead Farrelly, Kyra Carusa and Marissa Sheva all born on the other side of the Atlantic, alongside Chloe Mustaki, who moved to Ireland as a young child.
Despite the furore and media inquests over dual nationality players opting in and out of Martin O’Neill and Stephen Kenny’s men’s side, Pauw has placed a pragmatic and clear mantra towards her squad’s relationship with national identity.
These questions can at times carry an awkward asterisk, but Brosnan’s relationship with her Irish roots is a refreshing change, from what can be a tricky conversation for other players.
"I had the privilege to play underage for Ireland, at U17 and U19, which was unbelievable.
"That made the decision (to declare for Ireland at senior level) much easier. I had been a part of the group which so many of the girls are still involved in. I could see what we stood for and wanted to achieve."
Brosnan has family at the heart of her motivation to play for Ireland, as her grand parents travelled the well-trodden path from Ireland to the US, eventually creating a pocket of Kerry and Roscommon in Millburn, New Jersey.
"My grandpa is from Minard in Kerry and my grandmother from Roscommon.
"They moved to the US. And, growing up, they instilled that sense of Irishness into my sister and me, I love that part of our history and I know how important it is to my family."
Ahead of her key role in Australia, Brosnan quipped she has found herself pretty popular in Kerry, with the wider clan keen to meet their shot stopping relative.
"I have been down to Kerry this weekend with my sister and we spent the whole time meeting every family member possible!
"I have a big group coming from the US to support me. Friends, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and that connection is touching. People reaching out to say how proud and excited they are."
The family connection is also strong in New Jersey, despite the USA heading into the tournament as defending champions and favourites, but the Green Army will be behind Courtney.
"That support comes from Ireland and the US. There will be a little of sea of green in New Jersey come July, for sure."
Brosnan’s humility and grit on the pitch means Pauw has an important box ticked in her pre-tournament plans as the link from Minard to Millburn prepares to extend onto Sydney.
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