When Mahopac girls soccer coach James Carroll needs a big play this fall, he can always rely on the Kelleher sisters to deliver, just as they did when Niamh Kelleher scored off an assist from Fiona in a statement 1-0 win over Horace Greeley on Sept. 8. When girls’ hoops coach Jason Conklin finds himself in a defensive bind this winter, he can always count on the Kelleher sisters to go all out to make a stop. And when flag football coach Andrew Ryan needs a game-breaking performance this spring, he, too, will turn to the extraordinary Kelleher sisters.
Fiona and Niamh Kelleher aren’t your ordinary set of twins. The seniors are three-sport stars who can do a little bit of everything on the pitch, hardwood or gridiron.
“The Kelleher girls are class acts,” Ryan said. “They are what you want a Mahopac athlete to be. Not only do they excel on the field, but they are also both great students. They both volunteer their time to help out with our 'Best Buddies' program after school, for our students with special needs. They don't do it for the money or a better grade, they do it because they know what's right, and it's out of the kindness in their hearts. We are very excited to get them back on the flag football field this spring, and I’ll be following them closely throughout the year.”
Their coaches know them as fearless competitors, T-E-A-M players who are willing to go the extra mile for the greater good of the squad, so let’s get to know Fiona and Niamh a little better.
What’s been the most challenging part of high school for you?
Fiona: Waking up early in the morning.
Niamh: Having to learn to manage my time while balancing school work and three sports.
What’s your favorite high school memory thus far?
Fiona: Going to the County Center for basketball my freshman and junior year.
Niamh: Laughing with my friends in AP Bio and STATS. Sports-wise, it was playing Fox Lane during playoff basketball at home. The atmosphere was the best thing ever.
People often think of the Kelleher sisters jointly, but what sets you apart from each other?
Fiona: Niamh is more laid back and relaxed, while I'm more hyper.
Niamh: Our personalities definitely set us apart from each other.
Do coaches or people ever confuse you two?
Fiona: Yes, all the time. They mostly tell us apart by our number or cleats.
Niamh: We get confused a lot, even by our own family members. At this point we answer to each other's names.
Which teachers have had the biggest influence or impact on you?
Fiona: My science teachers probably made the biggest impact because I want to study something in the science field.
Niamh: All my teachers in Mahopac have made some sort of an impact on me, but the one who has made the biggest difference was a teacher I didn’t even have in Mrs. Viebrock.
Would you rather be the funniest person in the room or the smartest person in the room?
Fiona: Smartest
Niamh: How about both?
People are so divided these days. What trait do you possess that might bring us together?
Fiona: I am empathetic.
Niamh: I’m non-judgmental.
Name a chore that you hate.
Fiona: Doing the dishes.
Niamh: Folding laundry, especially matching socks.
Favorite place to visit?
Fiona: Italy.
Niamh: Ireland.
College decision (or college considering) and intended major
Fiona: UConn, pharmacy
Niamh: Binghamton or UMass Amherst, chemistry.
Dog, cat or another pet:
Fiona: Dogs for sure.
Niamh: Dog definitely: I love my pup Brady.
Best slice of pizza in Mahopac:
Both: Mike & Joe’s.
Favorite local restaurant:
Fiona: Kobu.
Niamh: Il Forno.
Favorite birthday meal:
Fiona: Candy, I was born on Halloween.
Niamh: Ice cream cake.
What would you do with a day of no school, no sports?
Fiona: Sleep in, get Starbucks and hang out with friends.
Niamh: Sleep, shop, Chipotle.
What are you an expert at?
Fiona: Spending money.
Niamh: Getting hype.
What are you not nearly an expert at?
Fiona: Cooking.
Niamh: Arts and crafts.
What’s your favorite pre-game ritual?
Fiona: Taking a last sip of water before going on the field.
Niamh: Hyping myself with music on the way there.
What’s your favorite sport to play? Favorite sport to watch?
Fiona: Gaelic football (for both)
Niamh: Soccer [to play] and Hockey [to watch].
Favorite professional athlete:
Fiona: Lionel Messi.
Niamh: LeBron James.
Favorite pro sports team:
Both: New York Rangers
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