Donnelly appointed Drogheda United Women’s Under-17 manager

With Drogheda United entering into the Under-17 Women’s National League in 2023, the club have announced the appointment of Brian Donnelly as manager.

Donnelly previously coached with Albion Rovers, Shelbourne, Drogheda United and more recently Dundalk where he focused on the Uner-17 and Under-19 sides.

Laura Donovan, who was appointed Head of Women’s Football in Drogheda in June, was delighted to secure the services of Donnelly.

“When I was asked to become Head of Women's Football and was tasked with recruiting a manager for the Women's U17 National League team, there was one person that I really wanted as the manager and that was Brian Donnelly,” Donnelly explained.  

“I have known Brian a long time and know how he operates as a manager. Brian is a highly experienced coach, a UEFA A licence holder but more importantly, he's a great person who values and respects his players.

“He is the type of manager that every player wants to do well for and I have no doubt that he will create a positive, enjoyable atmosphere within the team. The players will learn so much from his vast experience.

“He is a coach who knows how to get the best out of players and will do a great job of developing the young girls in the squad. I'm very excited about working with Brian for the coming season and he will be an integral part of making Drogheda United's women's teams a success in the coming years,” Donovan concluded.

When offered the role, Donnelly believed it was a great way to continue to grow the women’s game in Louth.

“I helped implement the Louth Schoolgirls League, which has been a huge success, so when Drogheda United offered me the role of manager of the Women's U17 team I felt it was great opportunity to help further grow the women's game and give local players the opportunity to play in the national league.”