A history of Irish clubs in the Women's Champions League

Since the introduction of the Women’s National League in 2011, the side who is crowned league champions has gained a place in the Coveted UEFA Women’s Champions League. With the 2015/16 draw on June 25, Extratime.ie has examined how the Irish clubs have fared over the previous four seasons.
 

In 2011/12 Peamount United represented Ireland in the women’s Champions League and they qualified for the last 32 after they finished second in their qualifying group in Slovenia after recovering from an opening day defeat to Rayo Vallecano before victories against Krka and Parnu JK.
 

In the round of 32 the Peas were drawn against French giants Paris Saint Germain, but the Dublin sided exited the competition after suffering defeat in both legs, 2-0 and 3-0 respectively.
 

In 2012/13 Peamount were again Ireland’s representatives in the competition, but unfortunately they could not advance beyond the qualifying despite winning two of their three fixtures in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
 

2013/14 saw Raheny United crowned Women’s National League Champions for the first time and the North Dublin sides reward was a trip to Hungary, but unfortunately for the Pandas they suffered defeat in their opening two fixtures before they recorded a victory against Northern Irish side Crusaders Strikers in their final game after goals from Mary Waldron and Noelle Murray.
 

The 2014/15 saw Raheny United again represent Ireland in Europe’s premier women’s competition and their prize for a second league crown was a trip to Romania. Unlike all previous games the Pandas started the campaign off with a victory in their opening fixture against the hosts Olimpia Cluj.
 

Two days late Cork native, Clare Shine scored a brace to ensur that Raheny recorded back to back victories. Despite knowing a point against Hibernians would secure their passage into the round of 32, Raheny got off to the worst possible start when they conceded after just fifteen minutes.
 

Despite suffering an early setback in front of just 45 people, Casey McQuillan side kept their composure and goals from Catherine Cronin and Clare Shine ensured they finished the qualifying campaign with three victories from three fixtures.
 

Raheny’s reward for securing top spot in group 2 was a last 32 tie against Bristol Academy of England, in the first league Raheny suffered a 4-0 defeat in front of over 1,200 fans at Richmond Park.
 

Despite heading into the second leg of their last 32 with a 4-0 deficit the Dublin side showed great fighting spirit before eventually losing out 2-1 at Ashton Gate.