SHELBOURNE LADIES DUO Noelle Murray and Leanne Kiernan have capped a memorable 12 months by claiming Continental Tyres Women’s National League Senior and Young Player of the Year respectively.
Murray beat Kiernan and UCD Waves’ Karen Duggan to the top accolade, after she helped Shels to their first league and cup double.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Kiernan also gained recognition, following 12 months in which she hit a hat-trick in the Women’s Senior Cup final amid a 5-0 defeat of Wexford Youths, while the Cavan native also made her Ireland debut.
In addition, Peamount United striker Amber Barrett took home the Irish Daily Mail Golden Boot, after scoring 16 goals for her side, who finished third in the league.
Following today’s news, Murray expressed her delight at receiving the honour.
It’s a great feeling to be named Senior Player of the Year and delighted to pick up the award.
“It’s definitely the best moment of my career so far and it’s been a great year for me with this fantastic Shelbourne team. I couldn’t have done it without them so a big thanks has to go to all my team-mates and staff.
The youth the football club has produced and is currently producing is unbelievable. I’m sure Shelbourne will continue to grow from strength to strength in the Champions League next season.”
Kiernan and Murray were also among five Shelbourne players to feature in the Women’s National League Team of the Year.
The full Continental Tyres Women’s National League Team of the Year: Amanda McQuillan (Shelbourne Ladies), Jetta Berrill (UCD Waves), Pearl Slattery (Shelbourne Ladies), Chloe Moloney (Galway WFC), Niamh Prior (UCD Waves), Karen Duggan (UCD Waves), Roma McLaughlin (Peamount United), Noelle Murray (Shelbourne Ladies), Leanne Kiernan (Shelbourne Ladies), Amber Barrett (Peamount United), Siobhan Killeen (Shelbourne Ladies).
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It’s going to be an interesting season. It’s hard to call who’s going to win it since all the clubs change around so much. Dundalk should win it again on paper but this Cork side looks good. I really rated Bolger last season and thought he held pats together in midfield so with the players around him I’d say cork could be that bit harder to beat.
Are clubs still paying a yearly registration fee. If so what is it this year?
Hard to know if Dundalk will still have the hunger. Last season was all about becoming the first Dundalk team to win two in a row, this season, I think a decent run in Europe is the aim. Maybe that will affect our league progress. Having said that, it’s hard to see a better team in the league.
Maybe fix up the ground should be part of this seasons plan too for Dundalk with the recent success , it has to be the worst stadium in Ireland. How it got approved for European football last season still has me shocked.
Problem with lease that is preventing them from upgrading. http://www.the42.ie/dundalk-statement-oriel-park-2585281-Feb2016/
Compleatly forgot about that ! Fair point it’s a sticky situation.
Have to agree with you, the stadium is in a shocking state. Unfortunately the leasing issue seems to be holding up any developments. Personally I’d love to see the pitch ripped up and a return to grass.