Kilkenny United start building for 2019 as Coombes and McManus sign back up

Kilkenny United have moved quickly ahead of the 2019 Women’s National League season to secure two of their most promising performers.

Goalkeeper Niamh Coombes and striker Carla McManus have agreed to sign on for another year after breakthrough seasons at the Watershed.

Defender Shauna Martin has also committed to returning for another season as the Leinster club look to improve on last season's last-place finish.

18-year-old McManus was part of the Republic of Ireland under-19 side that competed in qualification for the European Championships this year, scoring once.

The Roscommon native, who signed for Kilkenny from Peamount United at the beginning of the season, scored five goals in the league campaign.

Ballyfermot native Coombes, who has represented Ireland up to under-15 level, made 23 appearances in all competitions last season after also joining the club from Peamount.

“[I’m] looking forward to the season ahead having progressed my fitness and sharpness at Women’s National League standard last season,” McManus told the club’s media team.

“I feel we can build on last year with new players coming in. [There’s] a lot of potential this year to compete with the biggest teams in the league.”

Coombes added: “[I’m] looking forward to my second season with the club.

“With new players expected in, we will look to progress even further this year and continue the momentum we gained towards the end of the season.

“We have a really young squad with fantastic ability. I can’t wait to get started.”