Looking at the Waves ahead of 2024
After taking over midway through last season, Laura Heffernan had to steady the ship. Now she can plot her own course for 2024.
There haven't been too many new signings, but Chloe McCarthy is ready to become a regular starter in defence, Taylor White can prove she is ready for this level and Nadine Seward will add speed in attack.
Last season allowed several players to learn on the job, including Neema Nyangasi, Eve Conheady, Cliodhna Donnelly, Eve O’Brien and Michelle Doonan. Each of those players can emerge as key figures for The Waves this time out.
Doonan, in particular, is one to keep an eye on. The tricky striker was her team’s top scorer last season but three League goals falls short of what she is capable of. More support will help her get closer to double figures.
In defence, they are led by Jess Gleeson and she will be amongst the first to admit that they need to learn how to shut opposition teams down. If they can become hard to beat then that gives them a chance in games.
For Heffernan, this is a big season. She knows how to lead a team to success from her days with Wexford but this is a different kind of challenge. It is exactly what the UEFA Pro Licence participant will relish as she gets to put her stamp on things.
Few people will expect DLR to make much of a splash this year and that will suit Heffernan just fine. It afford her more time to work with a young group of players and mould them into something completely new.
Finish Last Season – 8th
Manager - Laura Heffernan
Key Player - Isibeal Finnegan
