Participation Boost for NW Women’s League

Fixtures have been finalised for the 2023 Women’s Leagues in the North West and the addition of two new teams has really given the competition a lift for the summer ahead.

With only five sides in Division 1 last season, one of the quintet was left kicking their heels every third week, however thanks to the work of Development Officer Kathryn Rough and her team, there’s a much tidier look to this year’s programme.

Strabane have entered a Second XI into Division 2 for the new season while St Johnston have also joined the ranks, meaning that by promoting last year’s winners Bonds Glen, there are now two leagues of six teams.

Action gets under way on Monday night, 15 May with the newly-promoted Bee Gees straight in at the deep end with a trip to reigning champions, Bready.

Eglinton and Coleraine both really impressed last year- the Bannsiders improving leaps and bounds since Stephen McCartney brought his charges into the league in 2021. Kia McCartney’s recently awarded full Ireland contract is testament to the development going on, not just at Coleraine, but in the region generally.

The villagers have been excellent too- both Zara Craig and Jenni Jackson coming to the attention of the Ireland Development selectors in the past 12 months while Alice McLaughlin and Arianna McKenna enjoyed superb campaigns in 2021.

These two sides meet on opening night while Strabane will host cup holders Fox Lodge in the third game.

All eyes will again be on the Foxes and Bready, two teams who have been so dominant since this competition began, and both will surely be right up there again.

The full league programme for Division 1 as below- (Division 2 and cup draws to follow).