Match Preview: Wexford FC Women 2025 

In preparation of the 2025 season, the club has made significant moves to strengthen both their squad and coaching staff. Gold, come the end of this year, may in fact be a fitting colour for the South East club!

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2024 Season Recap:

 

In the 2024 Women's Premier Division, Wexford FC Women secured a 4th place finish, accumulating 31 points over 20 matches, with a record of 8 wins, 7 draws, and 5 losses.

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The women from the sunny South-East demonstrated solid offensive and defensive performances, scoring 28 goals and conceding 20, resulting in a goal difference of +8.

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Key moments:

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• March 16, 2024: An away match at Tallaght Stadium saw Wexford FC Women secure a 1–1 draw against Shamrock Rovers (they remained unbeaten against Rovers throughout 2024.)

• May 4, 2024: The team achieved a convincing 4–1 victory over Sligo Rovers at Ferrycarrig Park.

• June 8, 2024: The Youths secured a notable 2–1 away win against Tribeswomen Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park.

• June 29, 2024: Wexford FC Women maintained strong home form with a 2–0 win over Cork City FC.

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In addition, Wexford reached the All-Island Cup quarter finals which they narrowly lost 3-2 to Linfield Ladies.

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Team Performance Statistics (2024 Season Averages):

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• Goals per match: 1.47

• Expected goals (xG) per match: 1.15

• Shots on target: 10.74

• Duels won per match: 47.17%

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Player Signings and Re-signings for 2025:

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• Ellen Molloy: The dynamic midfielder returns to Wexford after a stint with Sheffield United. Known for her strength and innate flair, the 20 year old has netted 47 goals across 90 appearances for Wexford Youths Women since her League of Ireland debut in 2020. In a time when many of the leagues best players are moving abroad, her return is a huge boost for the WLOI faithful.

• Rianna Jarrett: Holding the title of Wexford's club record goal scorer (having netted an incredible 111 goals in 139 appearances) Jarrett is one of the greatest strikers to have ever graced the League of Ireland turf. Despite being hit with a string of injuries throughout her career (including last season), Jarrett is looking forward to getting the new season underway in March.

• Ciara Rossiter: Rossi returns! Embarking on her fourteenth season with Wexford, Rossiter has been instrumental in the club's successes, contributing to four league titles and four FAI Cups. Her defensive solidity and leadership qualities make her a cornerstone of the team's front & backline, as does her ability to pedal up the channel at lightning fast speed. 

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Other notable changes:

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Freya DeMange commits, while goalkeeper Maria O'Sullivan (Watford FC),  Charlotte Cromack (FC London), Becky Cassin (returns), Lauren Dwyer (returns), Claudia Keenan (re-signs), Jayne Merren (re-signs) and captain Kylie Murphy (re-signs) put pen to paper.

 

Lauren Kelly and Aoife Kelly also traded green and white for purple and gold in two surprising moves from Shamrock Rovers.

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​Aoife was named Ireland U17 International Player of the Year in 2023 and was also nominated for Ireland U19 International Player of the Year last season while L.Kelly has an abundance of pace and a keen eye for goal.

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​Both real signings of intent, A.Kelly's move very nearly broke the internet amongst WLOI circles and must surely have served as a salve for the Ferrycarrig faithful following the loss of the talented Ceola Bergin to Galway United

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Maeve Williams also sought pastures new following a seven year spell with Wexford while midfielder and 2021 WNL player of the year, Aoibheann Clancy,  has too since left the club.

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Coaching Team:

 

The club has revamped its coaching staff, appointing a highly experienced team to lead the squad:

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• Sean Byrne: Taking the helm as head coach, Byrne brings a wealth of experience from his playing days with Shamrock Rovers, Drogheda United, and Bray Wanderers. Holding a UEFA A coaching license, he has been deeply involved in women's football and underage international coaching for the past 17 years.

• Pat Trehy: An experienced goalkeeping coach, Trehy enjoyed a 12-year career in the League of Ireland, starting with Shamrock Rovers and later contributing to Bray Wanderers' success in the First Division. Formerly a coach at Peamount, his extensive goalkeeping acumen and time served in the Women's League of Ireland will no doubt be an invaluable asset to the  further development of the team's goalkeeping pedigree.

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With these strategic signings and a bolstered coaching setup, Wexford FC Women are poised for a competitive and promising 2025 season as they continue to challenge for higher honors in the Women's Premier Division.

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Silverware must now surely be a real possibility