Captain Kelly and vice-captain Donnelly re-sign for Bohemians
Rachael Kelly and Fiona Donnelly Credit: Bohemians FC
Bohemians have announced the re-signing of captain Rachael Kelly and vice-captain Fiona Donnelly for the 2024 season.
Women's first-team manager Ken Kiernan expressed his satisfaction with their decision.
“I'm delighted that both Rachael and Fiona have committed to the club for next season," he said.
Kiernan emphasised the significant roles both players have in the team, with Kelly being hailed as the best goalkeeper in the league and Donnelly as the best central midfielder in her role.
“I have tied in with Rachael and Fiona over the past week and we held our first training session together as a squad on Sunday.
“Rachael and Fiona are both unbelievable people with unbelievable ability. Rachael is the best goalkeeper in the league and for me, Fiona, is the best central midfielder in the role that she plays.
“We want to help players like that here to achieve their goals. We want to see them achieve collectively, but also individually, pushing into international squads and achieving success with the club.”
Kelly, 22, who transferred from Shelbourne in 2022, shared her enthusiasm about the club's direction under Kiernan.
“It's an exciting time for the club... To be captain of such a big club is a great feeling, and having Fiona by my side makes it ten times easier. I couldn't wait to get in and get the papers signed and start again,” she remarked.
Donnelly, 25, joining from DLR Waves in 2023, also expressed her eagerness for the new season.
“It's great to be part of such a huge club. I'm excited to be beside Rachael again and can't wait to get going,” Donnelly stated.
“Ultimately we would like to win silverware. We had a really good start to last season and if we could start like that again we could be in a great position.”
