We are delighted to announce that Aoife O’Brien has been appointed manager of our U17 Women’s National League team in 2022. With this historic appointment, the 23-year-old Glanmire native becomes the first female in Cobh Ramblers history to coach at a National Level for the club.

Cobh Ramblers Chairman Bill O’Leary:
“We are thrilled that Aoife has agreed to join our team. She is someone who is young, innovative, and ambitious. Tellingly Aoife has also been recognised by the FAI for her coaching ability at this age group, as well as Gaynor Cup and playing experience. In many ways she compliments the skillset we have with Darren and other coaches within our setup.”

Introduced to coaching when completing the FAI/ETB course in Carrigaline in 2019, Aoife was named Student of the Year within the course. From there, Aoife progressed in her coaching badges and recently completed her UEFA B License in September 2021. Aoife’s coaching journey began with the Cork City Girls’ Academy before progressing onto the U13 Gaynor Cup team. More recently she has been hugely involved with the Springfield
Ramblers schoolgirls academy, coaching teams at U11, U12 and U17 levels.
Aoife has also progressed onto managing the U15 Gaynor Cup squad this season and more recently has been appointed to the FAI WU17 coaching staff. Aoife also played for the Ramblers Women’s first team in 2021, finishing the season as our top goalscorer in the CWSSL Premier Division.

Cobh Ramblers WU17 Manager, Aoife O’Brien:
“It’s fantastic to get the role and I’m super excited to start. Woman’s football is on the rise especially here in Cobh, where the growth in the game has been phenomenal. It’s just that extra special that this has also come in Ramblers centenary year. The club are doing fantastic things both on and off the pitch. I’ve seen firsthand the support for the women’s game here in Cobh while playing for the club and I hope that continues with this WNL U17 team and that everyone gets behind them. It’ll be especially great to have a local derby with Cork City also now on the Women’s front”.

Open trials for the Cobh Ramblers Women’s Under 17 Team will be held this Monday 20th December from 7.00-8.30p.m at Stephen Ireland Astroturf facility at Oldchurch Park. Parents/guardians of any interested players are asked to fill in the below declaration of interest form: https://forms.gle/8VZv1AZoziuEEZUh9

Finally we are delighted to confirm that Belvelly Castle will once again sponsor the Women’s section of Cobh Ramblers FC for the 2022 season. We wish to thank Garry and Anne Wilson for their continued support of women’s football in Cobh

Speaking on behalf of Belvelly Castle, Jonathan Lee:
“We are delighted to be able to sponsor the first ever women’s national league team at Cobh Ramblers FC, we wish Aoife and all the team the very best of luck and look forward to a successful season.”