‘Blown away by the support’ as Achill Rovers women’s team is set to make history

By Caoimhín Rowland

It’s a big moment for football on Achill Island. A historic one, in fact.

For the first time ever, Achill Rovers will field a senior women’s team in the Mayo Women’s Football League, a significant step for the club, but, more importantly, for the sport in this part of the country.

They make their debut this evening (Friday) when they play Crossmolina away in the opening game of Division 2 of the league.

At the launch of the league in Umbro Park, Milebush, Lorraine McHugh, tasked with leading the side into uncharted territory, was brimming with excitement as league launched its largest ever offering of clubs. “We’ve been blown away by the support,” she says, “from players who approached us and the committee at the club who have shown great enthusiasm. It’s been brilliant.”

McHugh’s involvement started at underage level, lending a hand with the Under 12s and Under 14s. But this, the formation of a senior team, was an opportunity that wasn’t necessarily on the cards until late last year.

“It wasn’t something that had been in the works for a long time,” she admits. “Before Christmas, a few people approached me to see if I’d take it on. We put it out to the girls, and the response was massive.”

That surge of interest has proven just how much appetite there is for women’s football on the island. For many players, it’s the first time they’ve had the chance to compete at any level, some having gone years without playing since Under 12s while others never had the opportunity at all.

“A lot of girls haven’t played since they were 12 or 13. We’ve also got players who’ve never played before but are eager to learn. Things like Covid got in the way, some were away, but now they’re ready to throw themselves into this challenge.”

And they’ll have no shortage of inspiration. Joining McHugh on the coaching ticket are Patrick Francis Gallagher and Marie Gallagher, the latter a former Ireland international with 20 caps and six goals to her name, a serious coup for one of three new clubs in the Mayo Women’s League 2025 edition.

“She’ll be an important role model for the players,” McHugh says. “To have someone of that experience involved is huge.”

The countdown is on to Achill Rovers’ first-ever senior women’s match, a baptism of fire away to Crossmolina AFC in Abbeytown.

But they won’t be alone in taking their first steps in the league.

Achill Rovers are one of three clubs making their senior women’s debut this season, joined by Fahy Rovers and Glenhest Rovers - even further proof of the game’s growth in Mayo.

With 14 teams across three divisions, the league is thriving, and today (April 11) marks the start of the largest ever Mayo Women’s League campaign.