From Underdogs to Dalymount Park, Ciara Smith signs for the Gypsies

Ciara Smith has put pen to paper for Bohemians, having caught the attention of those in the upper echelons at Dalymount Park following her impressive appearance on TG4s show ‘Underdogs.’

One look into Smith’s credentials reveals that the talented defender was awarded Managers Player of The Year and Club Persons Player of The Year for her now former club Terenure Rangers, having helped her club side lift the FAI Women's Amateur Cup at Eamonn Deacy Park in July of last year - a crucial block by the defender kick starting Rangers 6-1 dismantling of Bonagee United.

Lifting silverware was not to be the only highlight of Smith's year.

Oa crisp night in Galway, she received the nod as Player of the Match, having impressed both on and off the pitch for the Underdogs in their narrow 1-0 defeat against WNL side Galway United.

Smith, who’s mother characterises as “determined” and “strong”, credits football as her “anchor” throughout her time in secondary school and will undoubtedly look to make an impression in her first WNL season at Dalymount.

Welcoming Ciara to Dalymount Park, manager Ken Kiernan said: “We are delighted that Ciara agreed to sign. We got to track her most recently while taking part in the TG4 documentary, which culminated in a game in Eamonn Deacy Park against Galway.

“Ciara received the Player of the Match award after that game but what stood out other than her ability on the pitch was her character off it.”

“She has settled straight into the group, her attitude to learning and improving is excellent and she is another player whose athleticism and fitness is immense.”

“She is a brilliant defender who reads the game so well and is brilliant in 1v1s and aerial duels. She has a great range of passing and will be a leader within the group this season.”