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Omagh Family Celebrates Chloe Kelly's Euro 2025 Triumph
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Omagh Family Celebrates Chloe Kelly's Euro 2025 Triumph |
Local ties to England's star forward bring pride to Northern Ireland community |
Liam Nugent, a 79-year-old resident of Omagh, is beaming with pride as he watches his distant relative, Chloe Kelly, lead England to victory in the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 final.
Chloe, who has familial roots in Omagh, played a pivotal role in England's triumph over Spain, scoring the decisive penalty in a tense shootout.
Reflecting on the match, Liam shared, "I just closed my eyes and prayed because she missed a penalty a couple of days before. When I heard the roar and opened my eyes, the ball was in the net. It was great."
Chloe's grandfather, Brendan, originally hailed from Gortrush Park in Omagh before relocating to London due to a job promotion.
While Chloe has yet to visit Omagh, Liam expressed his desire to meet her, saying, "I've never met the wee girl to tell you the truth. I'd love to meet her."
Football talent runs deep in the family. Chloe's great-grandfather, Henry, was known for his skills on the pitch in Omagh during the 1930s and 40s.
Liam believes that Chloe's Omagh heritage has contributed to her success, stating, "She's got the Omagh blood in her; we're all great people down here, you know."
Chloe's journey to the top has been marked by resilience. After a challenging stint at Manchester City, where she considered stepping away from football, she returned to Arsenal in July 2025.
Her comeback was nothing short of remarkable, culminating in a Champions League victory with Arsenal and her standout performance in the Euros.
In the semi-final against Italy, Chloe showcased her determination by scoring a crucial penalty rebound in the 119th minute, securing England's place in the final.
Her teammate, Esme Morgan, praised her composure, noting, "She thrives in those moments where all eyes are on her and she knows she needs to produce, and she's just got this belief in herself."
Chloe's contributions have solidified her status as a key player for England, with her performances inspiring fans both in the UK and back in Omagh.
As Liam and his family celebrate Chloe's achievements, they look forward to the day she might visit Omagh and connect with her roots.
For now, the community takes immense pride in knowing that one of their own has played a significant role in England's historic back-to-back European Championship victories.
Chloe's journey serves as a testament to the enduring spirit and talent that runs through the veins of the Omagh community.
Her story is a beacon of inspiration, reminding young athletes in Northern Ireland that with determination and passion, they too can achieve greatness on the international stage. |