Strong Donegal feel as Sligo Rovers prepare for WNL debut

There is a strong Donegal feel to the Sligo Rovers squad that will debut in the Women's National League this weekend.

The Bit O'Red have entered the WNL for the first time. They begin with a testing trip to Peamount United, one of the title favourites, on Saturday.

Sligo manager Steve Feeney has added exciting Buncrana forward Emma Doherty to his roster.

Doherty bagged in goals for fun with the Donegal Women's League side in the under-17 and under-19 WNL in 2021.

Doherty, an underage international, is already marked out as one to watch at the WNL's newest side.

Gemma McGuinness from Greencastle has made the move from Derry City to the Showgrounds. McGuinness looks like another valuable acquisition by Feeney.

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Former Illies Celtic striker Paula McGrory has also signed for Sligo from Derry. McGrory was a goal machine for Illies in the Inishowen League and North West Women's Super League.

Erin Coyle from Moville is among the midfield options while Ballybofey teenager Caoimhe Brennan is vying for a spot as the Sligo goalkeeper.

Fiona Doherty, a Letterkenny-based Garda who hails from Mayo, has also been recruited.

Former Finn Harps striker Sean Flannery is on Feeney's backroom team as the strength and conditioning coach.

Sligo's Donegal contingent will be up against a familiar opponent on Saturday. Peamount have signed Culdaff woman Erin McLaughlin from Sion Swifts and the striker will look to hit the ground running.