Rachel Graham still driven by pride & love for Shels

Rachel Graham has been around the Women's National League long enough to savour the big days - and she's had plenty of them in a trophy-laden career.

Graham has been playing in the WNL since its inception back in 2011, when she was a young defender at an all-conquering Raheny United with whom she won two leagues and three FAI Cups in a row.

When Raheny and Shelbourne ladies merged, Graham stuck around and continued to enjoy success.

On Sunday she could add another EVOKE.ie FAI Cup to her collection when the Reds take on Athlone Town at Tallaght Stadium, and it's not something the 33-year-old takes for granted.

"We used to have to pay to play in the league," she said.

"We would have to pay €300 to be allowed play. Obviously that's gone now for all the clubs and then we would get the expenses covered as well. To be honest, we do it for the love of it as well.

"We love the club and we just want to play for the club and it's a bonus not having it come out of your own pocket and get your expenses on top of that. Anything is a positive and it is always going the right way so I don't know how quick it will become pro. That's the next step, but I don't know how close it is to be honest."

This weekend Shels could compete the double having secured the league title with a 4-0 victory at Wexford Youths.

Last year Wexford beat them in the cup final to deny them a double so there's unfinished business for Noel King's team.

"I think the biggest disappointment last year was not that we lost but our performance," said Graham.

"I just don't think we gave a good account of ourselves. Look, part of that was we were probably not back down to earth and we've learned from that. We just really want to put on a performance now and show what we can do.

"Eve