Abbie Larkin: The Ringsend flyer with the world at her feet

Abbie Larkin is well aware of the magnitude of this FIFA Women's World Cup; she's just blessed with the relaxed confidence of youth that's helping her to take it all in her stride.

The Shamrock Rovers 18-year-old made history on Thursday against Australia when she became the youngest footballer to ever represent Ireland at a major tournament. Gary Kelly previously held that distinction; he was weeks away from turning 20 when he played at USA 94.

Larkin's display off the bench was impressive, further evidence of her potential to play at the very highest level, with clubs in England keeping a close eye on her development.

Not that any of this is affecting the Ringsend native, who admits she'd no idea she had the chance to etch herself into the record books ahead of the clash with the Matildas.

"I got told after the match by the girls," she said at the team's base in Brisbane.

"They said something about Gary, and I hadn't a clue who Gary was! I was like, 'I don’t know who this is?!’. I don’t know if that was a bad thing or not. It was amazing hearing that from the girls. We played well as a team, didn’t get the result but on to the next one."

"I didn't even know there was that many people in Ringsend."

Dublin's inner-city suburb of Ringsend is currently a shrine to the talented teen. Houses are decked in tricolours and bunting as the natives proudly celebrate one of their own sparkling on the global stage.

Larkin is over 16,000km and nine time zones away, but she feels and appreciates the support.

"I got so many videos from my family and friends, it was amazing the amount of people. I didn't even know there was that many people in Ringsend.

"I love being here, this is my dream, but just watching everything at home – watch parties and