Emma Hansberry: 'It’s an honour to get the chance to play for Sligo Rovers'

Emma Hansberry in action for Wexford Youths.

Emma Hansberry in action for Wexford Youths. Credit: Laszlo Geczo (ETPhotos)

Sligo Rovers have unveiled Republic of Ireland international Emma Hansberry as their first ever signing to their Women’s National League senior team.

Sligo native Hansberry has had a decorated career in the Women’s National League, as well as earning caps for the Republic of Ireland.

Hansberry previously played for Castlebar Celtic in the inaugural 2011/12 season of the Women’s National League.

During her stint in Mayo, she was named in the WNL Team of the Season and picked up the Young Player of the Year award in 2012. She was also named as the Republic of Ireland’s under-19 Player of the Year that same season.

In 2013, Hansberry starred for Castlebar Celtic as they narrowly lost 3-2 to Raheny United in the FAI Women’s Cup Final in the Aviva Stadium. Having joined Wexford Youths the following season, Hansberry enjoyed a successful spell, winning the WNL on three occasions and the FAI Women’s Cup twice, as well as playing in the Champions League.

Following a spell coaching with Sligo IT and Sligo Rovers’ underage women’s teams, she returns to the Showgrounds to don the Bit O’Red for her hometown club as they venture into women’s senior football.

“It’s an honour to get the chance to play for Sligo Rovers,” Hansberry said, speaking to the club’s website.

“I knew one day Sligo Rovers would have a team in the WNL, but I didn’t think it would come around this quickly. It’s going to be a pleasure to line out for Sligo Rovers this season and credit to everyone for making it happen.”

“When I was growing up, there wasn’t the same opportunities. For girls to be able to play at such a high level and to have national league at senior and underage level, I don’t think the players know how lucky they are to have it.

“It’s so much more enjoyable to be a part of it. The standard is higher, there is bigger depth of clubs and there is a pathway. For our girls in Sligo they had to travel elsewhere for years to other clubs before the underage leagues came in.



“It’s changed now and it makes me very happy to see it and even more to part of it. You’re going to have girls wanting to come to Sligo Rovers in the next few years rather than wanting to leave.

“When I was playing in my early days I had to travel to Wexford for four hours each way on a matchday just to play a game. Now we will have girls wanting to play in Sligo, move to Sligo, study in Sligo in the IT and play for Sligo Rovers.”

In conjunction with Hansberry committing to the Bit O’Red, Sligo Rovers have also announced that those who have purchased a season ticket for the upcoming 2022 season will also be granted free admission into all WNL games in the Showgrounds this season.

“The interest is going to skyrocket in the next few years. The support we’ve had so far for the team from the club has been amazing.”

With Rovers looking to promote Academy players to the Women’s Senior setup, Hansberry will be seen as one of the squad’s senior players, but that in itself is a challenge she is relishing.

“At 27 I’ll probably be one of the oldest girls,” she said.



“No matter what age you are, every single player will bring different qualities. Everyone contributes in a different way. I’ve played in the league previously for a few years.

“I hope I can bring some experience to the younger girls – especially to those stepping up from the Under-17s or Under-19s – because I do know myself how daunting it can be playing against or with players who are so much older than you.

“I’ll try my hardest to help them along the way. On the flipside I will learn a lot from them because they are so technical and skilful. Their fitness levels are through the roof. They’ll benefit me as much as I benefit them.”

With more signings to be announced by the club in due course, as well as manager Steve Feeney finalising his backroom team, it’s a very busy period in the North-West.

A friendly against Mayo side Conn Rangers has been announced for January 22nd in the Showgrounds, which will be Sligo Rovers’ first ever senior women’s game. The Bit O’Red faithful will be hoping for a win in their very first game, as Sligo Rovers prepare to participate in the Women’s National League this season for the very first time.

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