Shamrock Rovers secure Budden, O'Leary, and Kelly with new deals for the upcoming season

Amanda Budden, Lia O’Leary, and Aoife Kelly have each penned new deals with Rovers Women, any glimpse of Richmond Road now well and truly eclipsed by the polygon that is The Square.

“The standards, I’ve never seen anything like it,” Corkonian Budden stated on joining The Hoops last year, following their return to the league after an eight-year hiatus.

“It’s not even comparable to any other team. Collie’s standards are so high. Even if you do play well and beat a good team, so what? Get on to the next one.”

The twenty-nine-year-old does not position herself between the sticks to merely take part, having helped former teams secure the FAI Women's Under 14 National Cup (playing outfield), the 2017 FAI Women's Cup, while scooping a brace of League titles in her two years with the Reds, including a league and Cup double in 2021 and 2022 under Shels royalty, Noel King.

Budden's tenacity and blinkered desire to win showed in her willingness to risk a domestic atmosphere that only the splash of a boiling kettle could thaw, following her superb last-minute penalty parry back in April against housemate Karen Duggan when Rovers faced off against rivals Peamount.

Speaking to the Club in recent days, Amanda discussed the new challenges that she will look to grab with both gloves: “I am excited to re-sign for Shamrock Rovers for next season. We laid some solid foundations last year and we’ve proved our potential. We’re looking to push on and become more competitive in the new season.”

Reflecting on his no. 1’s decision to remain in Tallaght, Head Coach Collie O'Neill added: “I am thrilled to have Amanda back with us. Her contributions last season were monumental in critical moments and she undoubtedly stands as one of the best goalkeepers in the league.”

Kinsealy native Lia O’Leary, whose wingmanship and lightning-fast pace rival that of Lauren Hemp at City, her throughput no doubt a nod to her predilection for the athletic track (she has competed across 1500m, 800m, and 200 meters), will shoot into her second season with the Hoops having made 25 appearances across all competitions in 2023, hitting the back of the net 6 times.

It should come as no surprise that The Hoops have sought to retain the teen sensation.

Rumor has it that the U19 International was temporarily grounded at the tail end of 2023 for fear of setting off the metal detectors at Dublin Airport, so laden down was she with a daisy chain of gongs following an explosive debut season in Tallaght.

Speaking after The Hoops had clinched a deal with the future star, O’Neill stated: “I am delighted Lia has committed her future to the club. She is undoubtedly one of the best young talents around. Her attacking flair, agility, and goal-scoring instincts cause sleepless nights for defenders.”

On her decision to stay in Dublin 24, Lia said: “I’m delighted to be re-signing for Shamrock Rovers. I really enjoyed my first season and there’s a great atmosphere within the club. Last year the girls and staff really helped me push on and get the best out of myself and we’re looking to push on again collectively this year to build on last season.”

Technical phenom Aoife Kelly has also struck a new deal with Rovers.

The Irish U19 international made an impression during her debut season at Tallaght Stadium after signing from Shelbourne and was voted as the Supporter’s Player of the Year following a number of standout performances in the center of the park.

Rovers' Head of Women’s Football, Jason Carey, has gone on record describing Kelly as "a really intelligent player and an excellent passer of the ball,” highlighting that her technical ability will add another shade of green to the squad as Rovers develop and hone a distinctive style of play.

Speaking after locking down her new deal, Aoife said: “I’m very happy to re-sign for Shamrock Rovers. I really enjoyed last season and I am looking forward to helping the team progress during 2024.”