Galway WFC open campaign away to UCD Waves

Galway WFC begin their 2014/15 FAI Women’s National League season away to UCD Waves this Sunday in Dublin.

The side is under new management this year, with Don O’Riordan replacing Nigel Keady, and the former Galway United boss has brought in a number of players for the new season, including the Limerick trio of Marie Curtin, Megan Kelleher and Claudia Hunder.

Curtin, a defender who has won 45 senior international caps with the Republic of Ireland, brings with her a vast array of experience having played in Norway and the US. Kelleher (17) joins from Cork side College Corinthians, and was named Cork WFC’s Young Player of the Year in 2012/13; while Hunder has transferred from League and Cup double winners Kilmallock United, and was also on the 2012 Irish College’s Team of the Year.

“We are really excited to be able to bolster our squad with these great signings.  All three girls bring with them the right set of skills and attitude we are looking for as we set out on the National League season,” said O’Riordan.

“UCD Waves have secured the services of former Peamount manager Eileen Gleeson who in turn has managed to bring with her a number of Irish senior internationals from Peamount, as well as Sinead Taylor, who was Galway WFC’s top scorer last season, making them one of the favourites to capture league honours this season.

Meanwhile there are four Galway-born layers in the Republic of Ireland’s senior women’s squad for tomorrow night’s World Cup qualifier with Slovenia in Tallaght Stadium in Dublin (7.30pm). Galway WFC’s Meabh De Burca is joined in the 20-strong panel by Arsenal’s Niamh Fahey and the UCD Waves duo of Julie Ann Russell and Dora Gorman.

And there are two Galway WFC players in the Republic of Ireland U-19 squad for a double-header of friendlies away to Denmark this week. Lisa Casserly and Eleanor Stafford have been named in Dave Connell’s squad for the games in Nykobing today (5.30pm Irish time) and in Saksobing on Thursday (11am Irish time). The games are warm-ups for the new season’s UEFA U-19 Championships First Qualifying Phase, which takes place in Sweden in three weeks’ time.