THERE MIGHT ONLY be four teams competing, but the Donegal Women’s League is expected to be a competitive arena in 2016.
The League kicks off this evening when Glenree United host Bonagee United at Glenree Park, while reigning champions Lagan Harps welcome League new-comers Finn Valley to Orchard Park tomorrow evening.
Fanad United have withdrawn from the League this season and Lagan Harps have just one team competing now, having fielded two sides in last year’s League.
Lagan have won the League in each of the last six years, but Bríd McGinty has lost the services of the likes of Lauren Harper to Sion Swifts while Caoimhe Walsh and Erin Coll are now in the colours of Derry City.
Picture caption: Lagan Harps celebrate their Glencar Inn Cup win last season.
[adrotate group=”62″]Zoe Green brings considerable international experience to the Lagan dressing room while Ciana Brogan is another who has worn the Irish jersey.
By and large, it is a young and emerging Lagan team with players like Aoife Pagem Chantel Kelly, Orla Friel and Amanda Callaghan now aiming to join the regulars like Nakita Burke and Caroline Gallagher in the bid to retain the title.
[adrotate group=”37″]This evening’s kick-off sees Cathal McGinley’s young Glenree take on a new-look Bonagee.
Youngsters like Niamh McDevitt and Julie Trearty are among those to watch in the Glenree ranks and this evening’s opener brings them face-to-face with former players Shannon McBride and Grainne Gallagher, who are lining out with Seamy McGinty’s Bonagee.
McBride carries a good goal threat and Gallagher will shore up a rearguard in front of the hard-to-beat Denise McElhinney.
Michael Doherty is in charge of Finn Valley, back in the League after a three-year absence. Finn Valley cards are being kept close to the chests and while it is said that Doherty has a young squad at his disposal, there are those who suggest that we shouldn’t be surprised by who might appear.
[adrotate group=”46″]Tags:
