"Katie is an unbelievable captain and person as well and is obviously such a role model. "Obviously, I'm so young so I'd be nervous coming into camps but they're all amazing and they make me feel comfortable. It's such a big welcome and its kind of like family this team and its such a homely feeling," added the Dubliner. "Every girl in this room has supported me so much, even when I first came into this team.
She started the friendly win over Zambia, which was the last game before the World Cup squad was announced. The talented youngster made her first senior appearance for the Republic against Russia in 2022 and has been a squad regular since. Larkin is just one of two home-based players to make the squad, along with Rovers team-mate Aine O'Gorman. African champions Nigeria and Olympic gold medallists Canada are the other two teams competing in a strong Group B. Their first game will be against Australia at a sold-out 82,500 Stadium Australia, in Sydney, on 20 July. The Republic flew out on Friday to Australia, which is co-hosting the Women's World Cup with New Zealand. It's nice to know Vera has belief and faith in me and I think that it has given me more confidence myself and I'm believing more in myself lately, so it's great." 'Family feeling among the squad' Abbie Larkin joined Shamrock Rovers from League of Ireland rivals Shelbourne in 2023
"I'm honoured to be able to go to the World Cup. It's so overwhelming in a good way and the support the girls have is amazing. It's a crazy feeling, but I'm so proud and honoured. "I think I need to try to let it sink in a little bit more because I don't think it's hit me yet that I'm going to a World Cup. "Then I called my dad - he started crying, then my mum started crying! It was a bunch of tears, but happy tears.
"When Vera said it to us, I literally started crying and then some of the girls started crying as well and I was like, 'oh my God, I can't stop these tears from coming out'. It's just an amazing feeling and, at this age, I would have never of expected it," added Larkin. "I don't think any words can describe it. The Dubliner moved to Shamrock Rovers after a successful season at Shelbourne in which they became National League and FAI Cup champions. Larkin has seven caps for the Republic of Ireland's senior side, and scored her first goal during their 9-0 victory away to Georgia in June 2022. The teenager is one of four forwards named in the Republic's 23-strong squad, with three reserves also making the trip to Australia. I'd love to be one for the next generation to look up to." When the forward was asked if being a role model was important, she replied: "100%, that's my goal. I'm grateful and will never take that stuff for granted." It's an amazing feeling and I'm honoured to be able to have that feeling. I never would have thought that, especially at this age. "Even at my home club, the amount of girls who know me is crazy. "The girls back home are shouting my name, asking for pictures and autographs and I'm like 'this is amazing'. "It's such a fairytale, a dream come true really," said Larkin. The 18-year-old is the youngest member of Vera Pauw's squad and, despite her tender years, she is already a role model for the next generation.
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