After narrowly missing out on the 2025 SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division title, Shelbourne come into this season with a new level of determination to bounce back.
The Reds have welcomed a number of new additions in the hopes that this dream will become a reality, along with some familiar faces rejoining the team with Jenna Willoughby, Aoife Kelly and Maggie Pierce all making the move back to their former club.
Joining them will be a number of new players. A standout new signing is American native Mya Sanchez, who looks to be stepping into goal to replace Amanda McQuillan who departed the club at the end of last season to link up with Galway United.
Along with Sanchez, two fellow US players will be joining Shels this year, both with impressive experience. These are Olivia Damico and Brie Severns who both excelled in the collegiate level in the States and will look to continue that in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division.
The last of the new additions are Becky Watkins from Peamount United and Emily Kraft from Southampton who will bring more dynamism to Tolka Park for the upcoming season.
Shelbourne fans will have to get used to life without skilful forward Noelle Murray, crafty attacker Megan Smyth-Lynch and classy midfielder Roma McLaughlin. But the squad still looks very strong with captain Pearl Slattery leading them into what will be her 15th season in the league.
In anticipation of the crucial upcoming games, Shels have been in full preparation with pre-season friendlies. Their final match before the season starts was a 2-0 win over Peamount United which sets their hopes high ahead of the season.
Shelbourne will kick off their year with the Women’s President Cup where they will face reigning SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division champions, Athlone Town on Sunday, March 8th, before playing their first league game on Saturday, March 14th against Treaty United in Tolka Park - which will be live on TG4.
Expect big things from Russell's side this year because they expect big things from themselves.
Head Coach: Seán Russell
Key Player: Pearl Slattery
One to Watch: Halle Harcourt
