Putting on Abbie face

Generation of kids are inspired after 18-year-old Larkin almost turns tide

- JOHN HAND, DEREK FOLEY

ABBIE Larkin's family revealed their pride at her impressive performance in Ireland's World Cup opener as her godmother told us: "Ringsend is on wheels."

Relatives of Shamrock Rovers' ace Abbie were among hundreds at Irishtown Stadium yesterday as they watched on two large screens set up to see the game.

Ireland lost 1-0 to Australia after giving away a penalty which broke the deadlock in the second half.

But Abbie, who turned 18 in April, made history by becoming the youngest player to play for Ireland at a World Cup Finals, which was previously Gary Kelly.

And her stint on the pitch turned the tide in Ireland's favour but ultimately fell short of getting an equaliser.

Her uncle Michael, who organised yesterday's watch party, said the hundreds of kids who turned out. shows that she has already inspired so many in her native Ringsend and Dublin.

He told the Irish Mirror: "It's amazing. You could see she made a difference when she came on.

"The place is buzzing. I'm such a proud uncle. That's what it's all about, it's about the kids. They all want to grow up to be like Abbie.

"When they grow up I want them to remember, I was at the Abbie Larkin event.

19 Abbie's Godmother Mary Jane Gannon added: "Ringsend is on wheels basically. "She's like a Ringsend legend already and she's only turned 18. "She's our Ringsend Rose, that's what we're calling her now.

"If you speak to any of the kids and girls in the area, they're all mad about Abbie. Even all her own cousins, who've known her all her life, are still like oh my god Abbie Larkin'. They're just so impressed with her. We're just super proud."