Donegal stars Caoimhe Walsh and Tara O’Connor take major awards at Derry City

Derry City Women’s remarkable 2024 season has been capped off with well-deserved recognition for two Donegal natives, Kerrykeel’s Caoimhe Walsh and Malin’s Tara O’Connor.

Walsh, a stalwart in defence, has been named the team’s Player of the Year after a stellar campaign. Rejoining Derry City at the start of the season, Walsh seamlessly slotted back into the squad and featured in 19 of the team’s 20 matches. Her composure and reliability at the back were crucial in helping Derry secure an impressive fifth-place finish in the NIFL Women’s Premiership.

The Kerrykeel native’s football journey began with Fanad United, followed by stints with Lagan Harps and Sion Swifts, where she honed her skills. Beyond her club commitments, Walsh also played a key role in Mulroy College's All-Ireland success in 2017, scoring twice in the final. Her consistent performances and leadership qualities have cemented her as a vital player for Derry City.

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Joining Walsh in the spotlight was O’Connor, who was named the club's Top Goalscorer for the 2024 season. Returning to the club after some time away, O’Connor quickly made her presence felt by netting an impressive 12 goals in just 17 appearances. Her finishing ability and knack for finding the back of the net were pivotal to Derry’s attacking success throughout the campaign.

With both Walsh and O’Connor-Farren set to continue their contributions in 2025, Derry City Women can look forward to another exciting season