Galway United Women kick off their campaign on Saturday at 3pm as they travel to take on DLR Waves.
Their pre-season activity suggests that their ambitions remain to reach the very top of the women’s game and push for a title that they have been near for a few seasons.
Often, with a team on the brink of success, there is a suggestion that a couple of key players in key positions could make all the difference. Phil Trill will have cause to think that he has made the necessary acquisitions. He has recruited not just talent but also experience and winners.
Roma McLaughlin’s signing was a huge announcement this week. She was always a strong presence in the engine room as an opponent. She was at the core of a Shels side who often had the better of United, even deciding an important game between the teams a couple of seasons ago.
Remini Tillston is a welcome arrival from America. She played at a high collegiate level with Michigan State. The American imports to date have all made significant contributions, and it will be hoped that she can continue in a similar vein and add some strength and composure at the back.
However, Amanda Mcuillan might be the most important acquisition. Another arrival from Shels, she is an experienced winner who has impressed as one of the top ‘keepers in the domestic game. The signings of McQuillan and McLaughlin will not have gone unnoticed in the league and will be considered a statement of intent.
This is particularly the case when they come in to complement a brilliant blend of talent that the club has been cultivating. Their line-up in their last pre-season outing felt instructive with Madden, Dossen, Tillston and Costello making up a strong back-line.
Beletic is an outstanding player at the base of midfield and will be crucial to any success this season. Niamh Farrelly is skilful and smooth, while Kate Thompson is a gifted athlete. It is an excellent midfield without reference even to the likes of McLaughlin or Lynsey McKey.
Up front, Emma Doherty has pace and presence. Either side of her, Ceola Bergin and Aoibhínn Donnelly have enormous talent and potential.
On the bench there was youth, talent and experience. Excitingly, there is huge amount of local talent who have always gotten their chance under this regime. Teenagers Niamh Cotter, Ava Mullins and Heather Loomes will all get their chance and can be expected to contribute based on their previous showings.
The arrivals from Treaty United of Amy Tierney and Cara Griffin are intriguing as they will add further competition at the very least.
United therefore appears to have the necessary depth to go all the way. The substitute 'keepers both have significant experience. Lynsey McKey will be an important factor. Lucy Jane Grant herself has huge experience despite her tender years. Abbie Callanan can also operate effectively in a number of positions.
They will understand that there are no easy games, but the schedule they have to start offers them the opportunity to stake a claim to be the nation’s very best.
