Ireland international Roma McLaughlin returns to Tolka Park: ‘I think there is real potential in this team’

Shelbourne have secured the signing of senior Ireland international Roma McLaughlin for the upcoming season.

Last season she played her club football in Denmmakr with Fortuna Hjørring

The 25-year-old player previously played at Tolka Park after making beginning her career with Peamount United.

She subsequently made the move to Connecticut University where she won four Northeast Conference (NEC) titles and was named as the NEC midfielder of the year twice and was selected for the All-America on two occasions.

Roma McLaughlin said: "I’m very excited to be coming back to Shels. I’m familiar with a lot of the girls from my last time at Tolka Park and it’s a really great group of people. I think there is real potential in this team and with the new coaching staff coming in.”

She has won 11 senior international caps for the Republic of Ireland with her last cap coming in St. Louis in Ireland’s 1-0 scoreless draw against the USA last April. She wasn’t part of the Ireland squad that subsequently travelled to the World Cup in Australia.

The Donegal woman now joins a squad who finished runners up to champions Peamount United last season, having won the title in 2021 and 2022.

Shels boss Eoin Wearen said: “We are delighted to get Roma over the line after having several conversations with her over the past few weeks.

"She indicated her desire to come back to Shels and be part of the exciting project we are building and will be a key player for us this season.

“Her ability on the ball, combined with her winning mentality and game intelligence, makes her one of the top midfielders to come out of Ireland in recent years.

"Having already represented the WNT on 11 occasions, Roma will bring a wealth of experience and undoubted quality to an already extremely talented squad.”

Alannah McEvoy makes Bohs switch from Shamrock Rovers - Bohs boss Ken Kiernan on McEvoy: ‘Her movement as an attacking player is unrivalled in the league’ https://t.co/N0xod2lvbppic.twitter.com/HwTN2M3DEW

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) January 29, 2024