SEASON PREVIEW:

SHAMROCK ROVERS WOMEN 2025

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Favoured Formation:

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4-2-3-1 - Utilised twelve times in the league in 2024.

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All player and coach quotes sourced from Shamrock Rovers Media  on X

Preview will be updated should further signings materialise

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Last Season Recap:

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A sluggish start to the 2024 season left The Hoops out of title contention with two-thirds of the campaign still to play.

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After narrowly missing out on 2nd place in 2023, a disappointing run of four consecutive draws against DLR Waves, Wexford Youths, Treaty United, and Shelbourne—followed by back-to-back losses to Cork City and a Galway United side in the ascendancy—surprised both fans and rivals alike.

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However, their dominant 4-0 win over Bohemians in June at Dalymount Park ignited a resurgence on which the squad rebuilt, propelling the Tallaght tiki-takas to a respectable 5th-place finish.

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In cup competitions, Rovers were narrowly edged out by a ten-player Shelbourne in extra time of the FAI Cup quarter-final, Megan Smyth Lynch’s free-kick cruelly deflecting past goalkeeper Amanda Budden.

 

Rovers suffered further heartbreak in the Avenir Sports Cup final, falling short in a penalty shootout to Galway United.

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Yet there were plenty of positives to take from the campaign (here are a few:)

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• Joy Ralph’s strike that fired The Hoops past Shelbourne and into the All-Island Cup Final. 

• Rovers' 3-0 win over Peamount in the All-Island Cup Quarter-Finals.

• Stephanie Zambra’s swansong strike.

• Maria Reynolds’ standout defensive performances, schooling the formidable Brenda Tabe and Madie Gibson in Lissywollen.

• The integration of Academy players into the senior squad and their subsequent impact.

 

Style of Play - The Tallaght Tiki-Takas

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Shamrock Rovers prefer to build out from the back, maintaining possession and progressing up the pitch by beating their markers, executing deft switches of play and fast paced link-ups on the wings. A physical side, they never shy away from a battle.

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• Wingers: Traditionally relying on speed and skill, Rovers will need to fill the void left by wing-back/attacking winger Lia O’Leary following her move to Bristol City. When fully fit, McCarthy may be favourite to take up the mantle left by O’Leary - her ability to push forward and deliver dangerous crosses second to none, while Academy graduate Ella Kelly has already proven her quality on the left channel, outplaying seasoned opponents with confidence and flair. Fiona Owen’s re-signing gives Rovers a natural charger from right-back, while Maria Reynolds multi-year signing lock’s down their ability to charge from defence straight down the pipe.

• Midfield Changes: With Aoife Kelly's unexpected transfer to Wexford FC and Stephanie Zambra's decision to retire, Rovers must find new midfield anchors. Jaime Thompson & Melissa O'Kane have both re-signed and will be pivotal as proven playmakers.

• Attack: Retaining Joy Ralph, Emily Corbet and Aine O'Gorman is a major boost for Rovers, their striking acumen, strength and ability to cut inside and create opportunities will be key as Rovers look to get off the mark quickly and gather points.

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New Signings

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Aoife Brophy - Defender

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With the departure of Shauna Fox (Galway United - TBC) and Jessica Hennessy (Nottingham Forest), strengthening the backline is a top priority for O’Neill.

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In February 2025, former Peamount United defender Aoife Brophy joined Rovers and looks set to be a regular starter.
Career Stats: 6,429 minutes since 2020 across all competitions (DLR Waves, Bohemians, Peamount United).

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Katie Keane - Goalkeeper

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Following Amanda Budden's move to Peamount United, nothing less than a big name would do.

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Enter Katie Keane who swaps the Midlands for Tallaght in an effort to fill the gap between the sticks.

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Alongisde Summer Lawless, her arrival is likely to sharpen both keepers as they compete for the number 1 shirt.

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An established name at both domestic and international levels, Keane played every minute of Athlone Town’s 28 league and Cup matches in their title-winning season and was much applauded for seeing off the Spanish Armada in a 0-0 draw with Spain at the Under 19’s Euros last summer.

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Collie O’Neill on Keane:
“She's one that has a real hunger and desire to get better. She's got plaudits for being a top goalkeeper around the league…but she’s not just someone who sits on her laurels...she wants to improve, to be pushed, and to reach new targets.”​

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Re-signings

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Joy Ralph - Striker 

• Scored 8 goals in 20 league appearances in 2024.

• Named in the PFAI Women’s Premier Division Team of The Year

• Nominated for PFAI Young Player of The Year

• Player of the Month in July following 5 goals in 5 games

• Strong, quick, and clinical in front of goal

• Enters her third season with Rovers having transferred from DLR Waves in 2023

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Ralph on leading the attack:
“Yeah, I've gotten a lot more comfortable playing in the 9...playing at the Euros gave me a lot more experience and playing in the league as well has given me a lot more confidence - the girls around me have made it a lot easier.”

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Ella Kelly - Wing/Attack

• Played for DLR Waves' WU17 team in 2023.

• Joined Shamrock Rovers' U17 team in 2024.

• Made senior debut for Shamrock Rovers as a late substitute vs. Treaty United at Tallaght Stadium on 30 March 2024.

• Youngest goalscorer for Rovers at 15 years of age

• Tallaght native

• Ireland Under 17 captain

• Likes to skate along and inside the left channel 

• Excels in one v ones

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Melissa O'Kane - Midfielder​​

• Began her football career with Ardagh United in Co Longford

• Moved to Athlone Town in 2021.

• During her two seasons at Lissywollen, she made 28 appearances across all competitions, helping the team achieve runner-up finishes in both the league and cup.

• Melissa later relocated to Dublin, where she combines playing for Rovers with studying Primary Teaching at Dublin City University.

• She has also represented the Republic of Ireland at underage level.

• Occupies a holding role just ahead of the back-line.

• Crucial link between defence and attack.

• Suavity in spades

• June player of the month

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Scarlett Herron - Midfielder/Defence 

• Tenacious, winner of duels (aerial and ground) 

• Set-piece threat

• Republic of Ireland U19 International Player of the Year

• Joined Rovers in 2023 from Athlone Town

• Began playing soccer in Monaghan

• Played for The Peas at Under 17 level and Athlone Town seniors.

• Over her time at Athlone, she made 32 appearances in all competitions before moving to Dublin.

• Studies Sports and Exercise Management at UCD.

• September player of the month in 2023 

• Young player of the year nominee in 2023

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Herron on versatility:
“Yeah I was speaking to Collie at the end of last season about the positions that I hadn't played and there weren't many to name! I try to help the team wherever. I think midfield is a different sort of battle and I think that's where I'm best... but helping out in defence is a good job to have.”

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Aine O'Gorman - Striker 

• Rovers’ captain, relentless work ethic.

• Scored 13 goals across all competitions in 2024.

• Womens player of the year in 2024

• Fierce competitor to the core

• Holds 2 league titles, 2 FAI Cups and 2 League Cups

• 5 time golden boot winner

• 13 international goals for the Republic of Ireland

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O’Gorman on the POTY nod:

''It's a great honour to pick up this Award... but overall disappointed that I'm not picking up some silverware on behalf of the team…I try to give 100%, focus on my own job on the pitch and try to help the players around me as much as I can. As Captain I have a role and responsibility to lead by example.”

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Maria Reynolds - Defender 

• Strong, quick, excellent positional awareness.

• Previously played in midfield

• Rose through Rovers Under 17 and Under 19 Academy squads

• Awarded Player of the month in September 2024

• Missed 14 months of game time due to a long-term injury

• Post a stellar return, now widely regarded as the leagues best defender in 2024

• Received the nod for Player of the match in September

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Fiona Owens - Defender/wing-back (source Extra Time)

• Played for Peamount United WU17 in 2018 and 2019.

• Joined Athlone Town in 2020, making 4 league appearances.

• Became a key player in 2021 with 21 league and cup appearances.

• Established as Athlone’s first-choice right-back in 2022, helping the team finish as league and cup runners-up

• Signed by Shamrock Rovers just before the season opener after Jess Gargan’s departure to Shelbourne.

• Made Shamrock Rovers debut against Sligo Rovers on 15 June 2024.

• Ended the 2024 season with 1 goal in 15 league and cup appearances.

• Long-range striking acumen

• Pace on the right channels (often links up with O'Gorman)

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Summer Lawless - Goalkeeper (source Extra Time)

• Played for Bohemians U17 in 2020.

• Joined Peamount United senior team in 2021.

• Continued with Peamount in 2022 and was called up to the Republic of Ireland U19 squad.

• Signed for Shamrock Rovers in November 2022 under Collie O'Neill.

• Made senior debut for Shamrock Rovers vs. Peamount United in the All-Island Cup on 17 June 2023.

• Made league debut vs. Cork City on 2 September 2023, replacing injured Amanda Budden.

• Finished 2023 with 7 league and cup appearances.

• Added 7 more appearances in 2024.

• Light on feet, agile and has an innate competitive edge

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Emily Corbet - Striker

• 2022 League Player of the Year.

• Scored 20 goals in her second season in senior football

• Emily made 22 appearances for Wexford in all competitions in her first season at Ferrycarrig Park in 2023, scoring five goals.

• Left Wexford FC to sign for Rovers at the tail end of last season.

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Corbet on pre-season preparation:
“It gives me more time to gel with the girls and get used to the system. Hopefully, that will be helpful going forward.”

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Jaime Thompson - Midfield ​

• Creative vision

• Deft footwork

• Can also play in a more defensive role

• Entering her 6th season with the club, Jaime’s passion for football was sparked at Clonee United.

• She later moved to Peamount United at the U13 level.

• In 2019, when Peamount opted out of National League competition, Jaime transferred to the Hoops, joining the U17 National League squad.

• She advanced to the U19 team and played a key role in their runner-up finish in 2022.

• As a Republic of Ireland Underage International, Jaime made her senior debut in 2023 during the season’s opening match against Sligo Rovers.

• In her first home game of the season, she scored a hat-trick in a 6-0 win over Treaty United.

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Thompson on a smaller squad and 2025 ambitions:​

"Yeah obviously a smaller squad this year but I just think it means we're more of a tight knit group and there'll still be the same competition to get into the starting team...I think everyone is going to say 'want to win the league' you'd be kidding yourself if not...but I think just improve on last season."

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Academy Aces

• Katie O'Reilly (Right-Wing) - WU17s top goal-scorer in 2023.

• Anna Butler (Striker) - Part of the Under-17s cup and league-winning side.

• Keelin Comiskey (Defender) - Part of the Under-17s cup and league-winning side.

• Hannah Martin (Defender) - Under-19s graduate.

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Collie O’Neill on youth development:

“It's testament to Wayne and Keith with the job that they've done so far. Because they’ve had better coaching and development and time on the ball…there’s a great framework here now... their quality is top class...the culture that they bring, the enthusiasm. It's going to be a whole other level.”

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Departures

• Aoife Kelly (Wexford FC)

• Amanda Budden (Peamount United)

• Lauren Kelly (Wexford FC)

• Shauna Fox (Club TBC)

• Sorcha Melia (Peamount United)

• Lia O’Leary (Bristol City)

• Alannah Prizeman (dual player - focus for now on Kildare seniors)

Scored a crucial goal in Kildare’s 1-8 to 0-8 victory over Dublin on February 2, 2025.

Also netted a goal in Kildare’s 1-13 to 2-7 loss against Waterford in the league opener.

Has established herself as a key squad player in the Lillywhites return to the NFL Division 1 for the first time since 2012.

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Speaking to the Kildare Nationalist, Prizeman said on her time at Rovers:

“I loved my time at Shamrock Rovers, to be fair. Even underage, it was probably the best years of my life. Obviously playing with players like [former Ireland internationals] Aine O’Gorman and Stephanie Zambra last year and the year before, was incredible. I always tried to do both, play Gaelic and soccer.

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“Gaelic was kind of kicked to the side for the last however many years I was with Shamrock Rovers, so I just decided to give it a change for the year and just see how it goes. I’m really happy with my decision at the moment, because obviously we’re doing well with Kildare and I’m really enjoying it.” 

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Coaching Staff

• Head Coach: Collie O’Neill

• Assistant Coaches: Stephanie Zambra, Ciaran Ryan

• Goalkeeping Coach: Karl Coleman

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Curtain-raiser:

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Rovers kick-off their league campaign against runners up Shelbourne at Tolka Park on March 8th with whom they shared the spoils in the league in 2024.

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Both sides have scores to settle - Rovers depriving The Reds a place in the All-Island Cup final with a stinging winner from Joy Ralph, while The Hoops will still be smarting from the knock-out blow dealt by Shels in the FAI Cup quarter-final.

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A competitive duel (and season) awaits - don't miss it​!

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All player and coach quotes sourced from Shamrock Rovers Media  on X

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