Ruby McGilloway will forever be a special part of Holywell FC Ladies’ history

Ruby McGilloway (back row – third from left) with her beloved Holywell team-mates

The immensely popular Ruby McGilloway of Holywell FC Girls & Ladies is 23 today.

Born on May 8, 1998, Ruby is down in history as the first-ever goal scorer for the Wellwomen, who formed in the 2019-20 season.

In their second match in Division Two of the North Wales Women’s League on September 15, 2019, novices Holywell lost 14-1 to Mountain Rangers.

While Rangers debutant Katie Bowe made headlines with seven goals, arguably the most popular net-finder of the match was a consolation strike for Holywell.

Ruby got past a couple of defenders before lashing an absolute beauty into the top corner, sparking a wild celebration.

The pile-on

She struck again the following month against Llanberis, ‘megging’ the keeper and then being subject to a major ‘pile on’ from delighted team-mates.

A love for football goes back many years for this speedy operator.

She recalls playing in a tournament for Holywell when about 6 years old, and she was the only girl in the team.

Dazzling against Llanberis

For most of her sporting life Ruby has actually been a netball player, but she played for Holywell when she was younger, then Prestatyn ladies for half a season. Her first proper full season playing football was with Holywell.

Famed mostly for her wing sprints, Ruby is part of a footballing family as brother Brady spent three seasons at Holywell Town between 2015-18 before moving to Airbus and winning the 2018-19 Cymru Alliance double.

He went on to represent the Wingmakers in the Cymru Premier League.

Brady (right) with Airbus UK Broughton legend Mark Allen

The midfielder, aged 21, is a product of the youth systems at Wrexham, Chester and Stoke City and has won representative honours with the North Wales Premier academy side.

As for Ruby’s profession, well that’s pretty far removed from football. She is studying for a masters degree in forensic psychology.

After the frustration of women’s football in North Wales being scrapped for the 2020-21 season, Ruby hopes to get back on the pitch in the months ahead.

Happy birthday Ruby – have an awesome one.