Megan Smyth-Lynch: 'It's exciting times for Shelbourne'

Megan Smyth-Lynch is still only 26, but the Shelbourne winger boasts the CV of a veteran.

The former Raheny United and Peamount United player has won it all in a glittering career, and can now call herself a fully fledged international coach having taken care of the Republic of Ireland's women Under-16s on an interim basis while Tom Elmes focused on his assistant manager duties with the seniors in the run-up to the World Cup.

Smith-Lynch is back serving as Elmes' No 2 now while also lining out for the Reds, who take on Shamrock Rovers today in a blockbuster Sports Direct FAI Cup semi-final.

It's a busy schedule that's dominated by football - exactly how she wants it.

"We're just hoping we can get a result and get to that final again," said Smyth-Lynch laden with silverware but hungry for more.

"We live for it. No matter how many times a couple of us have been there, you never get used to that feeling walking out for a cup final. It's a great occasion and it's something we want to keep doing year after year. Hopefully we can.

"These are the games you relish. When we play each other there is a bit of a rivalry there. Obviously we know each other and stuff, so we do feel that. We're looking forward to it."

Shels won a league and cup double last year, and though Peamount United look like they're going to win the title this season, an FAI Cup would be a very nice consolation prize.

The vibes are good at Tolka Park. In June the club was taken over by Hull City owner Acun Ilicali who vowed to back the men's and women's teams in their quest for sustained success.

"They really want to back the women's team and help us," added Smyth-Lynch.

"It's exciting times for Shelboune. All that matters to us is getting on to the pitch and winning