After a career that saw her represent Ireland more than 50 times, line out for clubs including Manchester City and Liverpool, and inspire a generation of young players, Drogheda’s Megan Campbell has announced her retirement from professional football — but says this is far from the end of her journey.
At 32, Megan says the decision to step away came at the right time. “For me, 32 as a footballer is a good age to finish. I’ve had a lot of injuries over the years, and my body was starting to tell me it was time,” she said. “I was spending more time warming up and recovering than actually playing. When you know, you know.”
While her playing days may be behind her, Megan says she’s not one to sit still. “I’d love to go straight into coaching. I can’t sit around — I need to be doing something,” she said. “I want to stay involved in football and keep giving back to the game, especially to young players coming through.”
From Grove Rangers to the Green Jersey
Growing up in Drogheda, Megan’s football story began with Grove Rangers, encouraged by her dad and her great uncle Peter, a lifelong Drogheda United supporter.
“I think I was just a really active kid who needed somewhere to let out all my energy,” she said. “My dad took me up to Grove Rangers, and that’s where it all started.”
She recalls being a ball girl at United Park, watching Graham Gartland play for Drogheda United “Back then there weren’t many female football role models, so my heroes were the lads playing for Drogheda United,” she said.
That early love of football took her all the way to the top — from the League of Ireland to the Women’s Super League in England, and more than 50 caps for Ireland. “Representing your country is the ultimate honour,” Megan said. “To play once for Ireland is amazing, to do it more than 50 times is something I’ll always be proud of.”
A Chance to Give Back
During her visit to Drogheda, Megan took time to support a cause close to her heart — donating $2,500 (€2,276) to Tredagh Lodge Day Care Centre, which provides essential support for people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
The donation comes through her partnership as a Visa Athlete, which includes a charitable contribution to a cause of the athlete’s choice. For Megan, there was no question where that donation should go.
“This means a lot to me personally,” she said. “Members of my own family have struggled with dementia, and I know how important places like this are — not just for those living with the condition, but for families who need support and a place of care.”
Megan said it was her first time visiting the centre and that she was moved by the dedication of those who work there. “You can see the love and pride people have for this place — it’s really special.”
Supporting Tredagh Lodge
Ann Shortt, fundraiser at Tredagh Lodge, said the donation would go directly towards maintaining the centre’s memory garden and supporting day-to-day operations.
“The garden alone cost over €100,000 and needs constant maintenance,” she explained. “Any donation we receive goes straight into the running of the centre and maintaining the garden for our clients. Megan’s support really means a lot to us — not just financially, but because it connects back to the community.”
She added that volunteers are always needed, particularly gardeners and hairdressers, to help care for clients and keep the grounds beautiful and safe.
Those wishing to support Tredagh Lodge can donate or volunteer through its Facebook page or directly via:
https://www.idonate.ie/cause/tredaghlodge
What Comes Next
While stepping away from professional football marks the end of one chapter, Megan sees it as the start of another “For years everything revolved around training, recovery, and performance,” she said. “Now I get to explore what comes next and I’m excited for that.”
