WPD preview - Peamount United
For regular viewers of the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division, it will feel odd not seeing James O’Callaghan on the sideline in a Peamount United tracksuit. But this is a new era in Greenogue.
Emma Donohoe is the taskmaster now. She will hope to blend old and new to stir up the right concoction that can lead them to a successful season.
Karen Duggan will still have the captain’s armband hugging her bicep, Amanda Budden takes over between the posts following Niamh Reid-Burke’s retirement, Croatia international Antea Guvo adds firepower up front and Lucy McCartan will feel like a new signing after missing a lot of game-time last season.
The two additions that stand out are those of Abby Tuthill and Sorcha Melia. The former did really well with Wexford last term, while Melia is a young player with a lot of potential who arrives at a club known for developing talent.
It should not be overlooked that Jess Fitzgerald, Ellen Dolan and Freya Healy will be a year older and wiser. The trio were all elevated to the Ireland Women’s National Team squad in recent times yet all still qualify for the Under-19s. They should be big players for The Peas once again.
As the action gets underway, Donohoe will be able to answer a lot of questions about her approach and preferred style of play. She has been there with this squad for a number of years so they should be able to provide a different dynamic for a team in need of one.
