Marissa Callaghan is the latest guest on the Sport NI Athlete Stories podcast available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and YouTube.
The former Northern Ireland captain sits down with host Hugh Campbell to discuss her career, the highs, the lows and the growth of women’s football in Northern Ireland.
Callaghan played 91 times at international level and recently retired after a 20-year career at Cliftonville Ladies but continues to share her passion at the Irish FA promoting women and girls football across NI.
This journey began at the Divis flats with Callaghan often out playing football against the boys, she said: “I remember sitting in living room, looking out the window watching my neighbour next door. She was kicking the ball against the wall and I wanted to ask her if I could play but I was nervous. I got the courage and asked if I could play and that was the beginning of my love for football.”
“I was called a tomboy and I embraced that. I felt most confident playing sport and I was good at it so got respect in the street. One time I was playing against a boy my age and we were playing one on one. I beat him and he was so frustrated, he gave me a boot and sprained my ankle. I used to be so proud beating the boys.”
These humble beginnings were the pathway to an international career which resulted in captaining Northern Ireland at the 2022 Women’s UEFA European Championships, the pinnacle of women’s football in NI to date with it being their only major competition appearance.
It could have been so different if not for a key conversation as Marissa explains: “In 2004, I got the letter to invite me to trials, but I didn’t go until 2010. Reason being I was just enjoying working, playing and the social side of life.
“It wasn’t until I was 26 and I had to go to the Irish FA for work and Alfie Wylie (NI Women’s Manager at the time) saw me and said I want you in the team, but it was always like a joke comment between us. He got me in his office though that day and gave me an ultimatum.
“He said he wanted me in the World Cup qualifiers, and to be part of it. You aren’t getting younger and need to take the opportunity. I just left and thought he’s right, this could be my last chance. He sparked something in me that day.”
The distinguished career ended last year in dramatic fashion after receiving a red card meaning she missed the final game of her career, but Callaghan says her international career ending at 91 caps was the hardest, she said: “In 2023, I lost my nephew to suicide which was a tough time.
“We had just got a new manager in (Tanya Oxtoby) and I remember playing Malta and I was on the pitch but not feeling on the pitch. I knew I was struggling. Decision I made was to step down as captain as I needed to focus on me and the team deserved someone to take them through the next stage.
“But then, the next few camps I didn’t get any game time, then I was out of the team, and it was a tough time. I was grieving but also lost my spot on the international team.”
Hear more about Marissa’s final year and her plans for the future by searching for Sport NI Athlete Stories wherever you listen to podcasts.
Clips from the podcast will also be available on YouTube as educational pieces for athletes.