Kilmaine’s Kelsey Munroe signs for Sligo Rovers

SLIGO Rovers have announced the signing of Kilmaine native Kelsey Munroe for their 2024 League of Ireland Women’s Premier Division campaign. 

The ex-Republic of Ireland Under-15 and Under-19 international makes the move from Athlone town to reunite with the club she joined in 2018 when she was part of their first ever Women’s Under-18 team. 

She spent two years with Galway United before signing for Athlone Town under Tommy Hewitt, who is how at the helm of Sligo Rover’s women’s side. 

In 2022, the 21-year-old missed just three games for Athlone, enjoying a great season as the Midlanders, who finished as runners-up in both the cup and the league.

“I think there’s big things coming for Sligo Rovers,” Munroe said.

“There’s some great new signings coming in, and the girls who have been there the last couple of years, there’s great potential in this time. I think it could be an exciting year.

“I never left on bad terms or anything, I was just exploring my career to see what comes next. I was in college in Athlone so playing for Athlone worked out for me, always had Sligo in the back of my mind. It’s a great club with great people around. I knew I’d come back here sometime and this is the year.

Tommy Hewitt added: “Kelsey came into me at Athlone and for two, two and a half seasons she was excellent. She’d be the first to admit that at the start she struggled with injuries but once she got up she played a massive part in the league as we came runners up and got to the cup final. She was a consistent performer and then last year with injuries and other things Kelsey stepped away to get herself right.

“I had always intended to reach out to her but when I did it was almost by accident, and then we got chatting and the Sligo Rovers connection for Kelsey was big. She’s hungry to get back into the game. That’s what I was looking for here, players that are hungry.

“I know what Kelsey can bring. Kelsey is a confidence player, she’s very good on the pitch. She’s experienced, she can read the game. I’m hoping, as is Kelsey, that she really kicks on this season,” Hewitt added.