Ireland midfielder Ellen Molloy set for Shamrock Rovers after Wexford U-turn

Ellen Molloy won the last of her six Ireland caps in 2022. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Shamrock Rovers are on the brink of recruiting Ellen Molloy after the Ireland midfielder performed a U-turn on staying with Wexford Youths.

Molloy was Wexford’s top scorer in last year’s national league with 11 goals, as they finished fourth and lifted the All-Island Cup.

Several rivals, including double holders Athlone Town, lodged their interest in recruiting the 21-year-old during the off-season but continuity under new manager Dave Connell appeared to be her preference.

Yet, despite the south-east club last Sunday declaring their “delight” at the retention of Molloy, six days later the position contorted to her leaving the club with “immediate effect”.

Rovers eventually lured three-times title winning manager James O’Callaghan to Tallaght in the off-season.

He ended his decade-long spell with Peamount United at the end of the 2024 season and returned to the circuit following a year’s break.

O’Callaghan has engineered a squad overhaul for his first season, the club’s fourth since returning to the in the women’s national league, by landing numerous signings.

From his former club Peamount are Sadhbh Doyle and Lauryn O’Callaghan, while goalkeepers Therese Kinnevey and Amanda Budden have also been recruited.

Galway United stalwart Therese Kinnevey is part of the new-look squad too.

Headhunting Molloy, who won the last of her six Ireland caps in 2022, represents a major coup in national league circles.

The Kilkenny native spent a brief spell at Sheffield United before rejoining Wexford for last season.

First up for Rovers in the 2026 campaign is a trip to Cork City on Saturday March 14.