Blow for women as Gleeson joins rivals

THE FALL-OUT from a tumultuous season at Wexford Youths Women has continued into 2018, with the announcement that former Irish international Jess Gleeson has signed for north Dublin outfit Shelbourne.

The Waterford native started out the 2017 season in the holding spot in the Youths midfield before being drafted back into her natural position in the heart of the defence.

However, the situation caused problems in the Wexford dressing-room and eventually proved to be just one broken cog in a damaged wheel that eventually stopped spinning.

Gleeson’s situation and loyalty to then-manager Laura Heffernan always meant it was going to be impossible for her to remain once the title-winning boss was ousted by an upset core group of players at the end of last season.

The question then turned to where would she end up, with local choices like Kilkenny, Cork and Limerick ruled out by the fact that they aren’t realistic title challengers.

With U.C.D. decimated by defections, only Youths’ big rivals Shelbourne and pre-season title favorites Peamount were realistic destinations for the talented performer, who is a sister of Waterford hurling star Austin Gleeson. The Tolka Park club won the race.

Gleeson won’t have to wait long to get back to familiar surroundings, as Shelbourne kick-off their league season in Ferrycarrig Park against the reigning champions from Wexford Youths this Sunday at 2 p.m.

Our photograph (right) shows Jess Gleeson in action for Wexford Youths Women last season against her new club, Shelbourne.