A look at Bohemians ahead of the new SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division season
A first year at senior level for Ken Kiernan will be testing as Bohs have lost a number of experienced players and look to be placing their trust in youth.
Kiernan, who assisted Ciaran Kilduff at Athlone Town last year, is a shrewd operator and he has an eye for talent. The big question is whether that can translate into results?
A top-six finish last year was laudable for The Gypsies, who lost star performer Sarah Rowe, striker Erica Burke and then manager Sean Byrne at key periods. The club, however, want to aim higher and that brings its own pressure.
The core of Rachael Kelly, Lynn Craven, Lisa Murphy, Fiona Donnelly and Katie Lovely will be key to any success they have. As well as remaining as consistent performers in their own right, that quintet also need to take on the responsibility of guiding a new set of younger players.
Sarah Duke Power and Orlagh Fitzpatrick both finished out last term standing out in Treaty United’s line-up, following loan moves from Peamount United. Now, they get the opportunity to show they can do it in the red and black.
The signing of Dublin teenager Aoibhe Brennan from Shelbourne is one to take note of. She is a player with a superb range of passing, clever movement off the ball and the ability to create game-winning moments.
The two big signings are those of Tiegan Ruddy and Alannah McEvoy, who were with Shamrock Rovers last term and know this League well. Ruddy is a natural leader and able to play in defence or midfield, while McEvoy is an attacker who wreaks havoc on defences.
Bohs scored a lot of goals from set-pieces in 2023. Now they must find a way of netting more from open play, which means getting the most out of Fitzpatrick, McEvoy and Katie Malone.
Finish Last Season – 6th
Manager - Ken Kiernan
Key Player - Fiona Donnelly
