Striker Paula McGrory and goalkeeper Amy Mahon have joined Sligo Rovers.

McGrory, a native of Donegal signs having spent 2021 playing with Derry City.

The 25-year-old began her career with Aileach FC before she moved Illies FC where she played for 14 years.

McGrory played in the Inishowen League and Donegal Super League where she played alongside her current team-mate Emma Doherty. She then moved to Derry City for the 2021 season. “I wouldn’t be where I am now without Illies FC. I moved to Derry FC last year for the season and enjoyed my time there it was great standard in that league. I loved playing every minute in the Ryan McBride Brandywell,  it was just an unreal place to play football,” McGrory said. 

Having received contact in recent weeks from Bit O’Red manager Steve Feeney, McGrory felt it was too good an opportunity to turn down. “I was contacted by Steve only two weeks ago and thought it would be a good opportunity to play in the Women’s National League”.

Having previously played GAA, McGrory says she wants to prioritise her football now as she joins the Bit O’Red.

“I’m excited about the season ahead and playing alongside Gemma McGuiness as we always battled against each other in between Illies FC vans Greencastle. 

“We have a big challenge ahead but we are going in as an unknown team so hope we can have a few surprising results.”

Paula made her debut yesterday against Peamount.

Goalkeeper Mahon joins having previously been with the Rovers Under-17 team in 2020 before the season was halted due to Covid-19. 

The 17-year-old is familiar with Rovers having first joined training sessions when she was 14. 

The Mayo native first played for her local side Charlestown Athletic before she signed for Castlebar Celtic. 

Mahon, a goalkeeper, spent last season with Galway WFC’s under 17s. She was part of the Connacht team that won the interpros in 2017 and received her first Irish cap in 2019 when  she represented the Ireland U15’s at the Bob Docherty Cup in Spain. 

Mahon is also an established GAA player for Mayo. 

The 17-year-old had long wanted to sign for Rovers, and finally got that chance in 2020 when she joined the U17 side. Covid stopped the season, meaning that Mahon didn’t get the opportunity she had hoped for. 

She said: “I’ve now come back and joined the senior team and I’m really excited for the season ahead as it’s my first time competing at senior level in the Women’s National League. 

“The squad is full of young talent and experienced players which makes training really enjoyable and there is always a great atmosphere. 

“Steve, the coaches and all the girls have all been really welcoming since joining and I’m excited to see how the season goes for us.”