Women’s National League Launched

There are eight clubs aiming for the top prize in the 2018 Continental Tyres Women’s National League including Limerick WFC.

The opening games of the league kick off this Sunday, March 11 at 2pm. Limerick WFC will host Kilkenny. Defending Women’s National League Champions Wexford Youths welcome former Champions Shelbourne Ladies to Ferrycarrig Park. Galway Women’s welcome Cork City Women’s to Eamonn Deacy Park while UCD Waves travel to Peamount United.

This is the eighth season of the Women’s National League and Limerick WFC’s first season.

Sporting Limerick and the LEDP also announced that all of the Limerick WFC’s home games will be played in the Marketsfield which is a huge boost for the club.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s opening games FAI Director of Competitions Fran Gavin, believes that Limerick WFC will help bring the league up to higher standards.

“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 Gavin.

“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.

“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. I would like to wish all of the players, coaches, administrators and volunteers the very best of luck.”

Also speaking ahead of the weekend was Continental Tyres Ireland Tom Dennigan,  he said “We’re very excited to be here today for the official start of the 2018 season. 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 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.

“We look forward to attending weekend games and seeing even more outstanding performances this year.”