Netball hopeful Lauren Walshe determined to grasp opportunity at Commonwealth Games

The Team NI goalkeeper narrowly missed out on selection four years ago but has made the team for Glasgow alongside former captain and English Super League winner Caroline O’Hanlon, Fionnuala Toner and Lisa Bowman.

Walshe said: “They've been girls I've looked up to since a young age. Coming to Friday night netball in Lisburn, you would have seen them girls who obviously played for Warriors and you're like, that's where you want to be, and now to be sharing the court with them, it's just amazing, it's really, really good.

“I think it's just so surreal as well because you've went from being a young player, growing up, looking at them, wanting to sort of be them and then now to share the court with them, it's just class.”

Walshe also had inspiration closer to home.

She explained: “My mum was a netballer back in her day, she played for Northern Ireland, actually the same sort of position as well – she was goalkeeper.

“She was the one that kind of nudged me towards the sport of netball and went from there; started off at a wee local club and then just built up from there, really.”

Walshe works as a teacher and while it can be challenging juggling classroom commitments and being an international athlete, the support of her pupils is driving the goalkeeper on.

“The kids are very proud, I teach a wee primary 2 class; they're really excited, school's obviously a great support system as well,” said Walshe.

“My mum and dad are coming out, they're going to come for basically all of the games, so, they're really excited as well. They're definitely going to be two of the biggest supporters, I would say.

“It's massively challenging but I wouldn't have it any other way, it's a busy lifestyle.”

After the disappointment of missing out in Birmingham Walshe is relishing the going head-to-head with the best teams in the world.

“I'm really excited, can't wait to just get started and see how it goes,” she said. “Four years ago it was… a difficult enough time but this is a new year, this is the aim four years later to try and get on the team and I've done it, so I'm really, really proud of myself and just really, really excited to get going.

“There are a few new faces, there’s three of us actually that's going on the squad who are first timers, and then there's a good few who are going to their third, a good few going to their second, so yeah, a lot of experience on the team and also a few new faces, so a good combination.

“There is no bigger challenge playing the likes of England and Australia. I can't wait to go up against some of the best in the world, see how they play and see if I can play against it.”

The Warriors are aiming for a top 10 finish in Glasgow.

“There’s three sort of teams we're really gunning for I definitely think we'll put up a great show and hopefully get the win,” added Walshe.