League Preview: Cork City -v- Galway

CORK CITY

Cork City begin their 2022 Women’s National League campaign when they host Galway WFC at Turner’s Cross on Saturday evening (kick-off 5pm).

Paul Farrell’s side will be looking to kick-stat their campaign with a win as they seek to improve on their eighth-place finish in 2021.

The Rebels have retained key members of last year’s squad including Ciara McNamara, Becky Cassin, Christina Dring and goalkeeper Abby McCarthy.

They have also added the promising Aoife Cronin, from Treaty United as well as promising Galway duo Hannah Walsh and Aoibhín Donnelly ahead of the new season.

The former Tribeswomen could have a chance to face their former club on Saturday afternoon should Farrell name them in his starting eleven.

Recent form isn’t in Cork’s favour coming into Saturday with Galway going unbeaten against them last season, with the Rebels losing the last two games in a row, it would be a massive boost should Farrell’s side nick a win on Saturday.

GALWAY

Saturday marks Alan Murphy’s first competitive fixture in charge of the Tribeswomen as he begins life in the WNL with Galway WFC.

Murphy takes the reigns with an impressive record coaching at underage level, along with two years in charge of Galway United’s senior team – before he was replaced by John Caulfield midway through the 2020 season.

The Mayo native has managed to hold on to key players for Galway during the off-season with Republic of Ireland internationals Savannah McCarthy and Julie-Ann Russell signed up for 2022.

Also at his disposal are five of the most recent Republic of Ireland under 19 squad with Kate Slevin, Shauna Brennan, Therese Kinnevey and Nicole McNamara all returning for this season with Jenna Slattery joining from Treaty United.

With a fifth place finish last season, the Tribeswomen were probably disappointed at times with their form in 2021 and they will be looking for an improved showing in 2022.

It was November last year when they ran riot against Peamount United, winning 5-2 and denying the Dublin side the WNL title and if they can bring performances like their last game of the 2021 season into Saturday – they should definitely be feared by the Rebels.

Referee: Sean Grant

MATCH STATS

Galway are unbeaten in three games against Cork City – they last lost to the Rebels in December 2020.

This is Alan Murphy’s first WNL game as manager of Galway WFC.

Murphy follows in the footsteps of three other managers who have had stints as manager of both Galway United and Galway WFC, Don O’Riordan, Billy Cleary and Stephen Lally.

PREDICTION

Cork City 0–1 Galway