By Conall Collier

Almost four years to the day since he took charge of Sligo Rovers in the historic opening game in the Women’s National League (as it was in 2022), Steve Feeney took his place again on the sideline for an opening game of the season on Saturday.

Now rebranded as the Women’s Premier Division, Saturday’s encounter at the Showgrounds saw a determined and strong Sligo Rovers side make a positive start to the 2025 season with a scoreless draw against Bohemian FC.

Both sides had chances throughout a hard-fought affair, and while the Sligo Rovers boss was disappointed not to get a win, he agreed that a draw was probably a fair outcome.

“We were very disciplined in terms of our shape, and it was a really pleasing performance. It’s nice to get a point on the board. I would have preferred three points, but we can certainly build on this,” he commented.

“We are fortunate to have some talented young players coming through to the senior team, and when you factor in that Rachel McGoldrick, Anna McDaniel, and Mairead McIntyre played a Connacht semi-final yesterday (Friday), the effort and commitment were phenomenal.

“Mairead was outstanding and caused a lot of problems for the Bohs defence, and we are really looking forward to her progression throughout the season.

“She was a late inclusion to the starting 11 due to an injury to Paula (McGrory); we probably could have chanced playing Paula, but we opted for caution.

“What I found pleasing was the way we had the physicality to stand up to Bohs when we had to, and I don’t mean in a way that was just lashing the ball and flying into tackles; it was controlled, and it was important.

“Looking at the team, it’s a young team; Keeva Flynn is still only 17, but she plays like a veteran centre-back, and we also have some very good experienced players.

“Those experienced players will help the younger players, and it worked out well today. I’d imagine there will be some improvement to come as well, and we have to build on this result in Cork next Saturday,” he added.

NEXT UP

Saturday, 15th March—Cork City v Sligo Rovers, 5pm, live on LOITV