Gargan leaves Rovers for a Shels return with Dodd also rejoining the Reds

Jess Gargan (left) and Mia Dodd

Jess Gargan (left) and Mia Dodd Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (left) and Conor Ryan

Women’s Premier Division runners up from 2023 Shelbourne have boosted their squad for the new season with both Jess Gargan and Mia Dodd making a return to Tolka Park.

Last year Gargan was one of the six signings from Shelbourne that Shamrock Rovers made ahead of the season as the Tallaght based club made a return to the top flight of the women’s club game. The 26-year-old was ever present in the league for the Hoops who finished third behind Shels.

The two time capped Ireland international began her career with Peamount United and had a spell in the US before signing for Shels in 2019 and now makes a return to the club.

Her new manager Eoin Wearen, speaking to the Shels X account, said: “From the moment I spoke with her, I knew how much she missed the club and the dressing room and could tell she was excited by the project and what we are building here.

“She is one of the top defenders in the country and knows what it takes to win and be successful in this league.”

For Mia Dodd it is also a return to Tolka Park having debuted in the WNL with Shels back in 2019 having come through the u17 and u19. She spent a season with DLR Waves where she won the club’s player of the year award, before playing last year with Bohemians.

Dodd started all but one of Bohs' league and cup matches in 2023, racking up six goals in 24 appearances. 

“I appreciate the opportunity to be part of this new chapter with the team,” said Dodd on the Shels X account. “I’m personally excited for this new challenge.

“It’s a nice feeling of familiarity to be back at Shels where I developed and I’m excited to show how I have progressed as a player and I hope, as part of the team, I can continue to bring silverware back to Tolka.”



About Macdara Ferris

Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile