After a long hiatus, top flight women’s football returns to Eamonn Deacy Park when Galway United host DLR Waves this Saturday evening (kick-off 5pm ).
Earlier in the offseason, much of the talk was around the departure of key performers. There is no doubt that the loss of Julie-Ann Russell, Jenna Slattery, Jamie Erickson and Jessica Berlin leave big boots to fill.
However, a more than solid core remains, and they have been bolstered by some impressive additions. Nicole Nix and Niamh Farrelly had already been announced, but this week saw the welcome additions of Jayne Merren, Rachel Kearns and Shauna Fox.
Kearns has an exceptional talent and has had a remarkable journey. Having shone for Galway WFC, she excelled for Mayo in Ladies Football to the extent that she was snapped up by Geelong in the AFLW.
Fox was a leader in the Galway WFC team before making the move to Shamrock Rovers. It is a coup to have her back in maroon and she will add presence to the backline.
Merren is another highly regarded goalkeeper arriving from Wexford, who will compete with Nix and Abbiegayle Ronayne for a spot between the sticks.
However, the pedigree of Farrelly stands out. She has been capped internationally, won a Scottish title with Glasgow City before spells with Parma and London City Lionesses. The Dublin native spoke enthusiastically about her return home.
“I wanted to come back because I left my degree a bit early so I wanted to come back and finish my education. My spell in London didn’t go as I had planned, I didn’t really play as much so I thought it would be best to come back and try to get some game time and try to get my confidence back up.
“The attendances are increasing every year and it’s important. You really get a buzz when the fans come to the games. That’s a big thing for us and hopefully we can see a good few fans there on Saturday.”
There is one notable absentee through injury as captain Lynsey McKey is working on her fitness to make a return.
There have been great days against DLR Waves in the past two seasons. Emphatic victories and two record attendances have made this an important game in the calendar.
