Women’s Top Division – 2025/26: Early Season Review & Key Team I
September 16, 2025
The Women’s Top Division is now several weeks into the 2025/26 campaign, and the quality of competition has been evident from the outset. With 11 sides competing for the Leinster crown, the season has already produced high-intensity matches, strong individual displays, and no shortage of early talking points.
The opening rounds have given a clear picture of the depth across the division, with each side showing signs of progress. Below, we take a closer look at five clubs who have already made an impression in the opening weeks.
Avoca Women’s
Avoca began the season on the back of an outstanding 2024/25 campaign in which they secured the Division 1 title, the Irish Hockey Trophy, and a runners-up finish in the Jackie Potter Cup. Their early-season performances have reflected the same high standards that defined last year’s success.
The squad is led by new captain Zoë Watterson, with continuity in the coaching set-up through Kieran Bolger (head coach), Jonathan Cole (assistant coach), and manager Grainne Ladd. New signings Sophie Meir, Lara Grehan, and Elisha Terry have already added depth to a group that combines established experience with younger energy.
Monkstown HC
Monkstown entered the campaign looking to build on last year’s strong progress, and their opening matches have highlighted both the quality within the squad and the potential for further growth.
New arrivals Ciara Moroney (UCD) and Sophie Naughton (Naas) have strengthened the group, offsetting the departure of Lily Grace (UCD). The team also continues to benefit from a developing core of younger players, with Julie Potter Cogan, Izzey Kealy, Olivia Brady, and Charlotte O’Neill featuring prominently in the early fixtures.
Kilkenny HC
Kilkenny Ladies 1s have opened their season in Leinster Division 1A alongside EY2 qualifiers, facing strong competition from familiar rivals. The first weeks have underlined the blend of youth and experience within the squad.
Emerging talents Poppy Williams, Sarah Richardson, and Lucy Simms – all of whom represented Leinster South U18s this year – have featured well, while the return of Aisling McGrath and Sophia O’Shea has brought further depth following their time at college level. The squad is anchored by experienced figures such as Sinead Connery, Clair Phelan, and Anna May Whelan, who continue to provide stability across the pitch.
YMCA HC
YMCA Ladies 1s entered the 2025/26 season buoyed by last year’s double success in the Challenge A League and Challenge Cup.
Seven new players from college hockey have been added to the group, integrating into a squad led by captain Charly Flavin and vice-captain Maisie Reid. Guidance continues under head coach Sara Quill and manager Deirdre Culbert, ensuring regularity in preparation and approach. Notable contributions have also come from younger players, including Isabelle Carroll-Breen (Ireland U16) and Julia Dick (Leinster U18).
Glenanne HC
For Glenanne, 2025/26 represents a new phase of development, supported by a refreshed coaching team of Andy Sparshott, Fiona Walsh, and Graham Shaw. The return to St. Mark’s has also provided a welcome boost, giving the squad a home base after a long wait.
The side retains a solid core of experienced players, with Kate O’Connor, Aoife McCarthy, Audrey Westlake, and Ciara Vincent central to their structure. Young players Flourish Olufemi and Caoimhe O’Donoghue – both of whom featured for Leinster at Interprovincial level – have also been integrated into the squad during the early rounds.
As the season continues, the Women’s Top Division has already delivered competitive, high-quality hockey, with teams demonstrating both individual talent and collective progress. The coming weeks promise further opportunities for sides to build on their early momentum. Stay tuned for part 2
This Week’s Fixtures
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