Former Wexford 'keeper Maeve Williams becomes Blues first ever signing

New Blues Women’s manager, Gary Hunt has made former Wexford goalkeeper, Maeve Williams their first ever signing. Williams had been first choice ‘keeper at Ferrycarrig for many years but had fallen down the pecking order last season when Jayne Merren was signed and made the No. 1 jersey her own. Speaking on her social media pages about leaving Wexford, Maeve, who has been a student at SETU Carlow for the past number of years said, 

"Difficult to find the words for this one but my time at Ferrycarrig Park has come to an end. This club has given me everything and for that I will be forever grateful. Thank you for every opportunity and all the support you’ve given me.” The signing will come as no surprise to many, who were predicting the move when she left Wexford. Maeve’s accolades speak for themselves, 70 caps, three Women’s FAI Cup medals and an SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier League winners medal. 22 year old Maeve played underage soccer with Ferrybank in Waterford and manager, Gary Hunt says he’s delighted to bring her home. 

“I am delighted to have Maeve on board for our inaugural season in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division. Maeve has had to play elsewhere over the years to recognise her dream at playing at the highest level in the country, and it was a no-brainer to bring her home and showcase her ability to all the Blues fans. Playing for the club she has supported all her life is something that motivates Maeve to be the best she can be, and I have no doubt she will give her all for the club. Having known Maeve for many years, I am looking forward to seeing her take this opportunity with both hands.” Speaking on Waterford’s club website, Williams says she’s happy to be back home. 

“I’m absolutely delighted to be here and privileged to be able to represent the club I’ve grown up supporting. To be a part of Waterford’s first-ever senior women’s team means a lot to me, and I’m looking forward to a competitive season with the Blues.” 

Young defender, Danielle Griffin became the second signing. Danielle played underage football with Ferrybank and Bohemians Waterford before moving to the Wexford academy. In 2023, Danielle came home to Waterford and was part of their U19’s squad.

Speaking to the Waterford website, Hunt said it will set an example to all the young girls in the academy. 

“Danielle joins us following spending time in our academy, but she was someone who I wanted to be part of this group based on the standards she sets herself on & off the pitch. This will be infectious for all the younger girls who get an opportunity to step up this season, and I know Danielle will not let the team down no matter what is asked of her. Another local player who has a great connection with local football here in Waterford and it will be great to see her realise her dream of playing for her home club on a national level.”

Jess Lawler also makes the step up to senior football this season. The versatile player from Kildare started her League of Ireland journey as part of the inaugural Peamount United U17’s team in 2018 and then made the move to Carlow-Kilkenny FC before moving south to Wexford where she became a key part of their U19’s team and eventually made the step up to play senior Football, often coming off the bench. She made 19 appearances for Wexford’s senior team in 2023 but found opportunities harder to come by in 2024, making just 5 appearances before making the move over to the RSC to feature in their U19’s team. Her manager says her versatility and experience will be her biggest asset. 

“Having made the move to our under 19s last summer alongside Mia, Jess also contributed massively to the improved success within the side and will now step into our senior team where she will no doubt play a key role, especially with her versatility to play in a range of positions, something we have discussed already. Her experience in the League with Wexford will no doubt help the group and I am sure she will be a great addition & success for the Blues.”

Mia Lenihan is the fourth to put pen to paper for the Blues, the hometown girl having made the move home last summer from Wexford, alongside Jess. Mia also began her career with Carlow-Kilkenny FC before making the move south. She also made the step up to senior soccer with Wexford, making 16 appearances all in all for Wexford. Hunt says he's happy to have the home town girl back at the club. 

“I’m delighted to have Mia signed up for the upcoming season. She is another local talent who has played for other underage clubs around the region before her return to the Blues last summer where she and others helped bring our WU19s to a strong finish in the league. Having known & coached Mia in her younger days with our local league, I am delighted to see her still pushing herself to play at the highest level and now she will do that for her hometown club in 2025 and beyond.”