The March ‘Player of the Month’ award was accepted by Eleanor Ryan-Doyle from Peamount United (pictured above with Republic of Ireland WNT Head Coach Colin Bell and Tom Dennigan from Continental).
The striker's gutsy performances for the Dublin club have been one of the league’s major talking points this season as she continues to help her team climb up the league table.
Wexford Youths’ WFC leader Kylie Murphy was the unanimous choice for the April award. Kylie’s hard graft and ability to leave everything on the pitch shone through during her team’s outings in April as the South-East side push towards winning back some silverware this year.
The May award, meanwhile, went gone to Ciara McNamara of Cork City WFC. With the help of her team-mates the defender has been her club’s star performer, entertaining fans and ensuring the rebel county club got over the line in several key matches this season.
Each monthly winner was selected by a panel of judges, including the Women’s National League board which includes international team management figures who attend WNL games throughout the season.
Speaking at the ceremony, Colin Bell, Republic of Ireland WNT Head Coach, praised the quality on display during the first three months of the season.
“All three players are worthy winners, whose individual performances have contributed hugely to their teams’ success,” said Bell.
“I have attended as many games as possible over the past three months and I’ve been impressed and excited by the outstanding talent and teamwork that I’ve seen. In that respect, the Women’s National League is an excellent showcase for the women’s game here in Ireland.”
Ahead of the weekend, Dublin side Peamount United hold top position, two points clear of both Shelbourne Ladies and Wexford Youths WFC teams.
Tom Dennigan, Irish Country Manager for Continental Tyres Ireland, was also at the awards event. “We couldn’t be happier with the start we’ve had to this season, it’s been full throttle and things are nicely set up as we head towards the season hiatus,” he said.
“On that note, we’d like to wish all those players who are sitting exams the best of luck and look forward to seeing them on the other side!”
The upcoming three-week break will allow young players to take their exams while others will have time off to rest ahead of the big restart on June 24. The season then runs through until the Continental Tyres FAI Senior Women’s Cup Final on November 5 at the Aviva stadium.
Colin Bell’s Women’s National Team faces Iceland at Tallaght Stadium on Thursday, June 8, with kick-off at 19.30 as they continue to prepare for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification campaign which starts against Northern Ireland in September.
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