Abbie Larkin could follow Connolly and Mustaki to WSL newcomers Bristol City

Megan Connolly left Bright and Hove Albion at the end of last season. 

BRISTOL CITY: Megan Connolly pens a deal with Bristol City after leaving Brighton and Hove Albion at the end of last season. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Free agent Megan Connolly has signed for newly-promoted English Women’s Super League club Bristol City and could be joined at Ashton Gate by fellow Ireland international Abbie Larkin.

Cork midfielder Connolly played every minute of Ireland's first World Cup campaign last month and brings with her four-and-a-half years of top-flight experience to her new venture.

We're delighted to announce the signing Republic of Ireland international Megan Connolly! ✍️

— Bristol City Women (@bristolcitywfc) August 24, 2023

Connolly joined Florida State Seminoles in 2015 after completing her Leaving Cert in Christ the King School.

She penned her first professional contract with Brighton in 2019.

The versatile playmaker was surprisingly released by Brighton towards the end of last season as part of an overhaul engineered by new manager Melissa Phillips.

“It feels great to be here. I spoke with Lauren [Smith] earlier in the summer so it’s really nice to finally be here and finally get going,” said midfielder Connolly, brother of prominent Cork GAA player Luke.

“I’ve heard great things about the team and the culture within the group which was a really big thing for me because it can be quite hard to find such strong togetherness. We’re going to be fighting for every result next season so having that is so important.

“I’m going to try my best to be a leader like I showed at Brighton. I always want to be a good team player and an asset to the group to help in whatever way I can and push the others onwards.” 

ON THE MOVE: Abbie Larkin could follow Megan Connolly with a move to Bristol City. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Larkin broke Gary Kelly’s 29-year record by becoming the youngest ever Irish player at the World Cup in the summer.

The 18-year-old is playing domestically, joining Shamrock Rovers for this season from double holders Shelbourne, but is eager to test herself in what is regarded as the strongest league in the World.

Several cross-channel clubs have been keeping track of the striker and she spent a couple of days training with the Robins squad Irish international Chloe Mustaki is already at the club, earning a two-year contract extension from helping the team blaze to promotion by winning the Championship.