The 2018 Continental Tyres Women’s National League was launched in Dublin yesterday with eight teams taking part this year following the addition of Limerick WFC.
The opening fixtures kick off on Sunday, March 11 at 2 pm as defending Champions Wexford Youths welcome former Champions Shelbourne Ladies to Ferrycarrig Park. Galway Women’s welcome Cork City Women’s to Eamonn Deacy Park, UCD Waves travel to Peamount United and Limerick host Kilkenny.
“We’re extremely excited for the start of the new Continental Tyres Women’s National League kicking off this week and we’re positive we can build on the success of last season, our first season after switching to a single calendar format,” said Fran Gavin, FAI Director of Competitions.
“The league has continued to go from strength to strength which was recognised on the final day of last season as over 700 supporters watched Wexford Youths lift the title against Peamount United at Ferrycarrig Park.”
Join us next week when we begin the build-up to April’s key fixtures for the Senior International Women’s team, and chat with Robert Garrigan of the FAI on the promotional campaign behind them.
“Also, over half of the current Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team squad are playing in the Women’s National League which shows the abundance of talent playing in the league and the progression of the elite player pathway for Women’s football in Ireland.”
“The inclusion of Limerick, bringing the league up to an eight-team league, will enhance the competition as it will see every team play on each match weekend and raise the competitive standard even further.
“Of course, there is still plenty of work to be done and we’re working closely with the clubs to make the necessary improvements both on and off the pitch.”
“We’re very excited to be here today for the official start of the 2018 season,” added Tom Dennigan, Continental Tyres Ireland.
“This will be our fifth season as partners to this wonderfully rich and continually developing domestic league and we couldn’t be happier to be involved.”
“The high level of performance and dedication demonstrated by players, management and their supporters at games throughout the season is to be commended and seeing new additions such as Limerick this year adds an even more competitive element to the calendar season.”
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Image Credit: Stephen McCarthy, Sportsfile.
