Caitlin Hayes had a birthday to remember last Friday.
On the same day she turned 28, Hayes received her international clearance to represent the Republic of Ireland, with interim boss Eileen Gleeson informing the centre-half she'd be going straight into the starting lineup against Northern Ireland.
The Celtic defender has been one of the standout players in Scotland for the last couple of years, winning the PFA Women's Player of the Year award last season after helping the Hoops to a league title.
She qualifies to play for Ireland through her Offaly-born grandfather James, and though Hayes has had to wait a long time to pull on the green shirt, she looked right at home in an assured debut at the Aviva Stadium.
Hayes will likely get the nod again on Tuesday evening for the Girls in Green's second UEFA Nations League group game against Hungary in Budapest.
It's been a whirlwind week, and she's savouring every minute.
"I’ve had the honour of playing at Celtic Park and playing here is just as good," she said of her appearance at Lansdowne Road.
"You can’t get two better stadiums, in my opinion, so I’m just thankful.
"I've been trying [to gain Irish eligibility] for a while. But I’m a firm believer in what’s for you won’t pass you. So I’ve been sitting, working with my club, Celtic, and I’ve been patiently waiting for an opportunity like [Saturday]. I’m just honoured and privileged to be able to take it."
"My family were in the stands and my dad may have shed a tear for the first time in his life."
Hayes' grandfather has passed away but her family were at the Aviva, proudly decked out in Celtic tops. It was a special day, its emotional significance almost overwhelming.
"I know he'll be proud," Hayes said of her grandad. "Just having that opportunity to represent that part of the family is something I don’t take lightly. I may not have the accent, but I know what it means to wear this badge and that’s something that I’ll fight for.
"My family were in the stands and my dad may have shed a tear for the first time in his life.
"I think I did alright but there are areas of improvement. Sometimes we were nervous on the ball but that come with the occasion. I can give more and want to be the team member that this time needs and deserves."
Hayes easily could have had two goals as her height and aerial ability caused major panic on the Northern Irish defence.
Two of Ireland's three goals against the North came from corners with Hayes, Diane Caldwell and Louise Quinn proving to be a serious handful for the visitors.
"Louise said earlier in the week that I'd save her a few brain cells!" she laughed.
"Maybe or maybe not but I’ve admired Louise Quinn for a long time. If she can teach me how to head the ball like she does, I won’t be too far off getting a goal.
"We’re just working together and I’ll provide for this team in any way. If that happens to be set-pieces, I’m there."
The birthday celebrations were muted as Hayes focused on making her international debut, but victory in front of almost 36,000 fans was a nice cherry on top as a lifetime ambition was finally realised.
"Ireland tops and Celtic tops were given to me each Christmas and birthday by my grandfather," she added.
"It's something that was definitely inherited from them. It was kind of that team that you had to support and you didn’t really have a choice. It was something you were given. It’s in my blood and I’m just thankful to be here."
Watch Hungary v Republic of Ireland in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday from 6pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app or listen to live commentary on RTÉ 2fm
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