McCartan's side, Peamount United, face into a clash with Osijek on Saturday.
Irish teams can close the gap with Europe's elite but there's still a lot of work to do.
That's what Westmeath's Lucy McCartan is saying after her Peamount United team won their first Champions League qualifier in Croatia yesterday.
McCartan, who won an All Ireland Intermediate title with the Lake County footballers in 2021, believes there's a big hurdle to overcome when amateur Premier Division clubs take on professional outfits on the continent.
Peamount were 2-1 winners after extra-time against Dinamo Minsk yesterday to book their meeting with Croatian outfit Osijek on Saturday.
Former Mucklagh strike Ellen Dolan opened the scoring for Peamount, with Keri Letmon slotting the winner in the 96th minute.
McCartan says for now, teams like Peamount United will have to rely on their spirit:
The game in Osijek kicks off at 4pm on Saturday.
Westmeath Ladies Face Crucial Contest In Athlone
Laois Face Westmeath In Camogie League Derby
"They Do The Upmost For Their County" - Offaly Playing For Promotion Play-Offs
Buccaneers Hoping For Bounce Back Win Against UL Bohs
Athlone Insist Focus Is On DLR Waves After Sullivan Resignation
Westmeath Manager Expects Two Point Onslaught In Wexford
Patchy Laois Wrap League Campaign Against Table Topping Down
Laois And Offaly Begin Minor Hurling Campaign
"Special Doesn't Do These Lads Justice"
Upwardly Mobile Athlone Take On Treaty
Ireland Name Nine New Caps For Six Nations Squad
Panthers Promotion Hopes Dashed On Final Weekend
Colaiste Mhuire Mullingar: All Ireland Champions
Dublin Sink Offaly In Camogie
Lowry Looks On Shaky Ground Since Cognizant Collapse
"Unhappy" Laois Leave Fermanagh With Some Regret
Laois Ladies Football Legend Honoured By County Council
Westmeath School Primed For All Ireland Final Shot
Offaly Relegated After Cavan Defeat
Offaly And Longford Chase Semi-Final Spot In Division Four