If there was one signing that signalled Athlone Town's intent at the start of this season, it was arguably Izzy Groves.
The Canada-born Jamaica international arrived to the Irish midlands with a strong enough reputation to be given the captain's armband, succeeding Laurie Ryan, now preparing to take the reins at Treaty United.
A daughter of Hubert Junior Groves (who was named Jamaica's Player of the Year in 1982 and nicknamed 'Beckenbauer'), she played in the USA, Portugal and France before joining London City Lionesses in 2023.
Injury derailed that move, but the 26-year-old midfielder hit the ground running in Ireland, exuding class in the middle of the park alongside the equally impressive Hannah Waesch.
They are a formidable duo, a rock-solid platform that has allowed the likes of Madi Gibson, Roisin Molloy and Kelly Brady to run riot in the top third.
Now, with the league title placed safely in the trophy cabinet, Groves is aiming to complete the double as they prepare to take on Bohemians in Sunday's Sports Direct Women's FAI Cup final at Tallaght Stadium (3pm).
"We had high expectations for the team and I think we've done quite a bit so far and proved ourselves throughout the season," said Groves as she looked ahead to the showpiece decider.
"It would be history for the club and that's what we have done this season and we want to continue to do that. I wouldn't say (it's) beyond our expectations at all. I think our group is an amazing group.
"We wanted to do well, we wanted to push ourselves and be the best we could be. I think we've done that and more and just proved ourselves that we can do anything we put our minds to."
Clear and deserving champions, Athlone also broke ground in Europe. They made it to the Round 2 qualifying of the Champions League, losing to Icelandic side Breidablik and then subsequently beating Red Star in a play-off to drop into the newly formed Europa Cup.
Glasgow City proved too strong for Athlone in that tie, but they've been a powerhouse all year - indeed, not even the shock departure of boss Colin Fortune before the first leg of the Glasgow clash could shake them.
John Sullivan took the reins and steered Athlone past Shamrock Rovers in the cup semi-final before wrapping up the title with a 4-0 win at Cork City.
It's all been smooth sailing for Groves, who has embraced life in the Emerald Isle.
She said: "I was just finished playing in England and the opportunity was brought to me by my agent. He gave me an opportunity that we were going to play in Champions League and that was something huge and something I couldn't turn down.
"So ultimately that was just the best move for me and I wanted to play Champions League and we ended up doing so well. I'm grateful for that opportunity.
"It obviously was a bit different, but like I've said I've experienced different places, different cultures. Ireland was very welcoming.
"So for me I felt welcomed immediately as soon as I landed off the plane. Everybody wanted to chat, everyone wanted to make me laugh, everyone wanted to joke around."
Groves was coy on her plans for next year. "No comment on that as yet," she said when asked if she'd be extending her stay.
Right now the focus is on giving the fans another day of triumph - including Groves' dad, an avid supporter who is unable to make the trip to Dubin this weekend.
"My dad's been over quite a bit, but unfortunately no one will be able to get to the game," she added.
"I've had family over multiple times, more than probably ever in my pro career. I've seen my dad a lot. He can't come to this next one, but I know he'll be watching.
"He watches every game, no matter the time it is for him. The time difference, he'll be up and watching it."
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