Bus Éireann Women’s National League — Irish Eight

Gareth Maher reports the Bus Eireann Women’s National League opening a third season in August with Galway Women’s FC taking the total to eight clubs, spreading the league across the country and giving Castlebar Celtic a new rival. Galway have already signed some of Castlebar’s players, manager Nigel Keady wasting little time. Two clubs have new managers: Terry Eviston takes over at champions Raheny United, who fell short in the Champions League despite spirited displays, and Adrian Carberry steps in at Castlebar. Cork Women’s, DLR Waves, Peamount United, Shamrock Rovers and Wexford Youths complete the field. Republic of Ireland manager Sue Ronan, a regular at games, stresses the league’s importance in sharpening players before two vital World Cup qualifiers in September. Megan Campbell, Paula Doran and Denise O’Sullivan have moved abroad.