The Mayo Women’s League is creating history by fielding its first ever county senior team.
League secretary Joe King has announced the ground-breaking news that a women’s side will be entering the Angela Hearst Cup - a national tournament for senior women’s leagues.
The competition will get underway in mid-April.
Details of the Mayo management team have been revealed.
Ollie King of Manulla FC will be manager. Ollie brings a wealth of coaching know-how to the table allied to a winning culture having guided Manulla to the Mayo domestic treble last year. The club also recently reached their third consecutive Connacht Cup final.
Assistant manager is Michael Devaney from Swinford FC. Michael, like Ollie, did a lot of work in the boys’ game before effortlessly transferring his skillset across to the female game where he has had notable successes with both the Swinford seniors and their excellent Under 19 side who went through the league season unbeaten.
Marie Bones (nee Gallagher) of Kiltimagh Knock is coach. The Donegal native has played in the Mayo Women’s League with Manulla, played League of Ireland with DLR Waves and was capped by the Republic of Ireland.
Kit-man duties will be looked after by Ballinrobe Town’s Brian Farrell, a long-time advocate of the beautiful game in south Mayo. You were as likely to come across Brian at an Under 10s girls blitz in the Green as at a women’s senior game.
Regina McIntyre will provide the physio requirements. Regina was formerly physio with Ballina Town.
Michael Collins from KK is acting as the league’s coordinator.
A panel of players is currently being put together and this will be released in due course.
Joe King commented: “I’m really delighted with the quality and experience of this management team and look forward to Mayo taking part in this national competition.
“This venture is something that the league has talked about in the past, but we have now taken an important first step to bring it to fruition.
“Looking at the quality of players playing in this league also fills me with pride and it’s only fair and proper that they get a chance to represent Mayo.”
