Wexford Youths striker Rianna Jarrett named Women's National League Player of the Year

Rianna Jarrett has been named Women’s National League Player of the Year as the striker’s 27 goals steered Wexford Youths to a domestic league and cup treble.

The Wexford native was presented with the honour at the annual Continental Tyres/Women’s National League awards in Ballsbridge, Dublin on Friday night.

Jarrett was denied a share of the golden boot by Amber Barrett’s final-day hat-trick but has enjoyed untold team success as Youths retained the league while winning the FAI Cup and WNL Shield.

She missed the final two games of the league season after breaking a bone in her foot on international duty, but she surprisingly returned for the final as Youths edged out Peamount United 1-0.

The 24-year-old gained herself a place in Wexford sporting infamy when she gave her side the lead in their Champions League tie with Ajax in Belfast in August, a game Wexford lost 4-1.

Her performances regained her a place in the Republic of Ireland side after suffering the third of three anterior cruciate ligament tears on her debut against Italy in Cyprus in 2016.#

"It has been a fantastic season for me personally but also for the whole team," Jarrett told the league's website.

!To win the League, Cup and Shield is an outstanding achievement and this is a special group of players to play with.

"I had to work incredibly hard to get back from the injuries I've suffered over the years and to have a moment like this makes it all worth it.



"I've been able to fight back into the Women's National Team this year and I really feel like I've been able to reach a new level this season.

"I wouldn't be here without all of my team-mates at Wexford Youths and of course, my family and friends who've always supported me."

UCD Waves goalkeeper Erica Turner was named Young Player of the Year, while Shelbourne’s Emily Whelan was named under-17 Player of the Year.