Roma McLaughlin returns to Shelbourne after Danish stint

Roma McLaughlin has rejoined Shelbourne in the Women’s National League after completing a season with Fortuna Hjorring in the Danish top-tier league.  

The 25-year-old had previously been associated with Shelbourne in 2017 and 2018 before embarking on a four-year stint in the United States, where she played for the university football team, the Blue Devils, at Central Connecticut State University. 

During her time in the US, McLaughlin played a crucial role in the Blue Devils' success, contributing to four NEC championships.  
She earned recognition as the NEC Midfielder of the Year twice and received a call-up in 2021 under Vera Pauw.  

Additionally, McLaughlin was part of Vera Pauw’s squad during the noteworthy 1-0 World Cup play-off victory at Hampden Park in 2022 before returning to Ireland in early 2023. 

McLaughlin's return to Shelbourne aims to bolster an already accomplished team that secured league titles in 2021 and 2022. Despite narrowly missing out on a three-in-a-row in 2023, finishing second to Peamount United, they also faced defeat in the FAI Cup final against Athlone Town last winter. 

Originally hailing from Greencastle, McLaughlin made her senior debut with Peamount United under Sue Ronan’s Ireland in 2016 against Portugal.  

Alongside her Shelbourne teammates, she looks forward to sustaining their success in 2024, under the guidance of new manager Eoin Wearen.