I'll be Abbie to get home but I hope it's not too soon...

Teen overwhelmed by support back in Ireland & Down Under

- MARK MCCADDEN

ABBIE LARKIN is looking forward to her homecoming - but she wants to push her return to the football-mad community back as far as possible.

Locals in Ringsend, Co Dublin, are out in force to celebrate the 18-yearold's adventure at this summer's Women's World Cup in Australia.

Abbie made history on Thursday when she became the youngest Irish footballer to appear at a senior World Cup beating Gary Kelly's record, which was set at USA 1994.

Streets and buildings in Ringsend have been awash with colour - with flags, banners and bunting on display in support of the teenage star.

Abbie has seen it all during her time so far Down Under, revealing: "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. When I left there was only one flag on my balcony. It's crazy. It's so overwhelming, in a good way.