After finishing 5th in last year's SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division, Shamrock Rovers will feel that they can climb even higher going into this 2026 season.
Rovers have been busy on their off-season with lots of players coming in and others moving out of the club, including a managerial change, as James O’Callaghan took over as Head Coach following a successful stint at Peamount United.
A big change for The Hoops will be moving on without club captain Áine O’Gorman following her retirement at the end of last year. A true leader, the Ireland WNT Centurion was also one of the league's best players and an inspiration to many of the younger players - both on and off the pitch.
A number of other players have also since departed the team, including Summer Lawless, Fiona Owens, Casey Byrne, Aimee Neal, Aoife Brophy and Melissa O’Kane. But these departures open up space for the new manager to make his mark.
To fill these gaps, O’Callaghan has brought in Caitlin St Leger, who previously played collegiate football in America and for Danish club Fortuna Hjorring. She will be an interesting addition.
However, the most impressive signings are ones who league fans will know well with Erica Turner, Therese Kinnevey, Roisin McGovern, Lauryn O’Callaghan, Sadhbh Doyle and Ellen Molloy all making the move to Tallaght Stadium.
Rovers have had a positive off-season with their most recent result being a 3-0 win over Linfield, with goals coming from Maria Reynolds, Ciara Whyte and Mia Gaff.
They kick off their year officially on Saturday, March 14th, when they travel to the Munster FA Turner's Cross Stadium to face Cork City at 15:00 in their first game of the 2026 SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division.
O’Callaghan has made some shrewd moves in shaping his squad for this season but we will have to wait and see if it is rewarded.
Head Coach: James O’Callaghan
Key Player: Maria Reynolds
One to Watch: Anna Butler
