Hayley Nolan returns to Ireland squad

It's been eighteen months since The Kildare Nationalist spoke with Irish international soccer player, Hayley Nolan. That was in the aftermath of her exclusion from the Irish squad for the World Cup Finals, despite being included in the squad for all the qualification matches and gaining her second and third senior caps in the warm up games in the USA.

That disappointment was tempered by the Johnstown native signing for Crystal Palace in the Women’s Championship cross channel. The intervening period has been a mixture of highs and lows with a few challenges along the way as the stylish defender told us on the eve of her departure with the Irish Squad for friendly matches against the USA on this Thursday, 26 June in Colorado and on Sunday 29 in Cincinnati.

“When I missed out on the World Cup that was obviously a really disappointing part of my like and my professional career. Then I signed for Palace to gain some more confidence back after that disappointment. I had such a such a good year that year, getting promoted to the Women’s Super League (WSL) and playing every minute of every game in the League season and helping the team get promoted,” Nolan explained. The stylish midfielder had an injury hit season in the WSL, dislocating her shoulder again. 

“Then I made my comeback and I actually got Player of the Month for December and played another few games after the Christmas break when I snapped my hamstring and I was out for another seven weeks,” she added.

Nolan used the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup Squad to make her a stronger person and a better player. A change of Head Coach with the Republic of Ireland saw Vera Pauw replaced by Eileen Gleeson but still Hayley Nolan could not find her way back into the squad, despite playing well in the WSL. That disappointment and the subsequent injuries proved a difficult time for the Co Kildare native.

“The last year has been extremely difficult from a mental standpoint. I don't think I've ever been in a situation where you have a dream to play in the WSL and to have injuries take that away from you was very difficult from the mental side,” Hayley tells us adding that she was grateful to the club and her family for their support.

 “At the end of the day I love football and, yes, it brings these kinds of bad moments where you're not selected for the World Cup or you're injured or you're not getting selected for Ireland, but I actually just love playing football and when I get back out there, when I'm fit and healthy, I just enjoy it so much.” Lines of communication were open with Eileen Gleeson. 

“I just don't think that I was seen in their plans and that's completely fine,” Nolan explains. “Football is a matter of opinion and that was the opinion of Eileen. I was obviously disappointed because I wanted to play and I wanted to be selected, but that's life, that's football so I was just going to keep my head down, keep calm, persevere and hopefully get a call.” 

A number of players declared for Ireland limiting further Nolan’s chances of being included in the squad. 

“Anyone who decides to play for Ireland knows the minute they put on the jersey they're playing with pride and passion. When you come to play for Ireland you have to play with your heart on your sleeve. I know that the girls that have declared to play for us are going to do that and they have shown that,” she tells us.

That call eventually came two weeks ago from new Ireland Head Coach, Carla Ward. 

“No, I wouldn't say I was expecting it, I was actually on a family holiday,” Hayley laughs. “I had a call with her previous to that, before the camp in April, Then she called me again just to tell me that they wanted to give me an opportunity to come in and showcase what I can do. I have watched them and I know they've obviously changed formation and in the last two games events, they played quite well. I know that they're trying to be a more, possession-based team and to create more chances and I think that suits my type of play.” A further boost for Hayley Nolan was the signing of a new contract till the end of 2026 with Crystal Palace.

 “The club really got behind me and they gave me a lot of confidence as well but I still couldn't break through on the international stage. I wanted to show that can play at that level. I thought to myself, I'm going to keep being resilient and determined because at the end of the day there is nothing better than playing for your country.” 

Hayley Nolan said proudly. “Hopefully I can add more caps this week,” the Johnstown village native concluded.

nternational Friendlies 

USA v Ireland Thursday, June 26th Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, Colorado KO 7pm (Local Time), 2am (Irish Time) Live on RTÉ Player 

 USA v Ireland Sunday, June 29th TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio KO 3pm (Local Time), 8pm (Irish Time) Live on RTÉ2 & RTÉ Player