A year of firsts for Manorhamilton Rangers Women

The inaugural first season of the Sligo Bay Lobsters Women's League came to an end last week for Manorhamilton Rangers when they were defeated in the Cup quarter final by Gurteen Celtic. 

The team finished in a highly credible sixth place in what was a very competitive league with a number of very strong sides. It was a season of ups and downs for the Leitrim side with some brilliant results against the likes of Arrow Harps, Yeats United and Carrick Town and despite battling and hardworking performances disappointing defeats in other games. 

The newly formed league has proven to be a very popular addition to sport in the region with 12 teams competing and is an important development in providing a pathway for female players to continue playing once they are no longer eligible for underage football. 

Manager Jamie Murphy said “To finish sixth in the league's first season considering the strength of the teams involved is a good achievement and is something we want to build upon for next season. We had a great squad this year with a good mix of younger and more experienced players who all worked really hard in training and on matchdays. The group demonstrated huge potential over the season and we want to try and realise that potential over the seasons ahead.”

Speaking about the league in general Murphy said “It is a hugely important development for women's sport and I'd say most if not all clubs would agree that the season has been a great success and huge credit is deserved by all those involved in setting it up. Young players can see around them the success and growth of the women's game internationally with the Irish team and the League of Ireland with clubs like Sligo Rovers. 

“That is where young players are seeing their role models now and the new league provides those young players with an opportunity to keep playing competitively when they are over 18.  We would encourage players in their communities to join their local women's team and help the league grow.”