Women's National League: Team-by-team guide

John Fallon talks us through the contenders ahead of the WNL kick-off this weekend. 

CHAMPIONS? Ciara Maher, Lauryn O'Callaghan, Becky Watkins, Mia McGonnell, Niamh Richardson and Erin McLaughlin during a Peamount United FC squad portraits day at PRL Park. Pic: David Fitzgerald, Sportsfile

ATHLONE TOWN:

Manager: Ciarán Kilduff.

Last season: Fifth and FAI Cup winners (2022: Runners-up in both).

Expectations: Heightened. The Cup holders laid down a marker by shredding Peamount 3-0 in last week’s President’s Cup final but must replenish the firepower of the league’s top scorer Dana Scheriff who has moved abroad.

One to watch: Maddie Gibson: The American remains one of league’s most exciting talents and her class will shade close contests.

Verdict: Third.

BOHEMIANS:

Manager: Ken Kiernan.

Last season: Sixth (2022: Seventh).

Expectations: Stability. Last year was turbulent despite their improved finish but the new boss, previously Ciaran Kilduff’s assistant with Athlone, has reshuffled his squad with an emphasis on youth.

One to watch: Tiegan Ruddy: Plenty of experience gained by 23, her move alongside Alannah McEvoy from Shamrock Rovers was quite a double coup.

Verdict: Eight.

CORK CITY:

Manager: Danny Murphy.

Last season: 11th/last (2022: Ninth).

Expectations: Must be an improvement. They’ve been fortunate relegation doesn’t apply because it’s been a basement slog for three years in Cork.

One to watch: Orlaith O’Mahony: Enticing the 18-year-old Irish underage midfielder from Rovers is a fillip for Danny Murphy.

Verdict: Tenth.

DLR WAVES:

Manager: Laura Heffernan.

Last season: Eight (2022: Fifth).

Expectations: A first full season at the helm for the only female coach in the league but it’s a different gig to the title-winning spell she had at Wexford. A paltry 13 goals scored last year tells its own story and they face another uphill struggle.

One to watch: Jess Gleeson: Still going strong at 30, the sister of Waterford hurler Austin will be depended upon for her experience and nous will be imperative during a testing year.

Verdict: Seventh.

GALWAY UNITED:

Manager: Phil Trill.

Last season: Fourth (2022: Sixth) Expectations: Strong internally and externally. Last year’s winners of the All-Island Cup caused some shocks and managed to retain virtually all of their squad.

One to watch: Kaylee Hammer: Like their men’s team, signings have been rare but the 25-year-old American strengthens their quality.

Verdict: Fourth.

PEAMOUNT UNITED: 

Manager: James O’Callaghan.

Last season: Champions (2022: Third).

Expectations: Silenced their doubters last year and no reason why they won’t do the same. Tara Hanlon has left for Manchester City but the remainder have stuck with them and key injured players have returned.

One to watch: Ellen Dolan: The Offaly teen is capable of building on her breakthrough season that earned a senior international call-up.

POACHER: Peamount's Ellen Dolan with Madison Gibson of Athlone Town. Pic: Ben Brady, Inpho

Verdict: Champions.

SHAMROCK ROVERS:

Manager: Collie O’Neill.

Last season: Third (first season).

Expectations: Last year – their first in the league since 2014 – taught them not to brag as their aggressive recruitment didn’t result in silverware. That they’re working with much the same squad will reveal whether that was just down to teething.

One to watch: Savannah McCarthy: Last year was a case of returning from injury but the Kerry defender, a regular under Vera Pauw when fit, has the season in front of her to impress.

Verdict: Third.

SHELBOURNE:

Manager: Eoin Wearen.

Last season: Runners-up in league and Cup (2022: Double winners).

Expectations: To regain their crown. Noel King ended his decorated tenure empty-handed and his young successor has inherited the spine of a squad that has been gilded by the likes of teenager Hannah Healy adding exuberance.

One to watch: Roma McLaughlin. Seems she’s been around for a generation but is only 26 and the experience of playing in Denmark and USA will enhance a Shels team that required a refresh.

Verdict: Runners-up.

SLIGO ROVERS: 

Manager: Tommy Hewitt.

Last season: Ninth (2022: Eight).

Expectations: Middling. The manager’s first pre-season was busy refining his squad and the addition of some of his former Athlone players will be a boost. Still, 54 goals conceded was the joint-worst with Cork City and that has to be rectified.

One to watch: Kelly Crompton. A veteran and trophy-winner with Sion Swifts in the north, the midfielder desired a change of scene following a break away from the game and Hewitt convinced her the Showgrounds is the best place.

Verdict: Ninth.

TREATY UNITED:

Manager: Dominic Foley 

Last season: Second from bottom (2022: bottom).

Expectations: Having former player Ciara McCormack as new chief executive following the takeover by US heavyweight Tricor Pacific Capital will ensure an emphasis on the women’s side but fusing a disparate group of recruits will be a challenge for new chief Dominic Foley.

One to watch: Fiana Bradley: The Kerry trickster possesses incredible ability and together with fellow underage star, Katie Lawlee, will get their chance to shine.

Verdict: Eleventh.

WEXFORD YOUTHS:

Manager: Hugh Strong.

Last season: Seventh (2022: Fourth).

Expectations: Recovery. Last year was their worst since being an original member of the WNL in 2011, with Kylie Murphy rightly branding it awful. Her return from injury will be crucial to regaining lost ground.

One to watch: Ellen Molloy: Back from a devastating ACL injury that ruined her World Cup dream, her presence is like a fresh signing for a boss who previously managed Shelbourne’s U19s.

Verdict: Sixth.