Áine O'Gorman targeting next step for rising Shamrock Rovers after matching 'realistic expectations' in 2023

Áine O'Gorman feels Shamrock Rovers are ready to challenge for honours in the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division this season after a 2023 season in which they quickly found their feet.

The Hoops' women's senior team ended a nine-year hiatus by returning to the league ahead of last season.

Despite the high-profile signings of O'Gorman, Stephanie Roche and Abbie Larkin among others, manager Collie O'Neill had suggested that last season would come too soon to win the league at the first attempt.

They ultimately finished third, seven points behind champions Peamount United, but this time round, ex-Republic of Ireland international O'Gorman is confident that Rovers can make another step forward.

"We had to be realistic about our expectations last year and we're just hoping to build on that with a new team culture and trying to set new standards," she told RTÉ Sport's Dave Kelly ahead of the 2024 season, which will see them kick off their campaign at DLR Waves on Saturday.

"Just going back, it was the first year in the league for Shamrock Rovers for a long time so it was just establishing ourselves back in and I think (we were) happy enough with where we finished but this year we'll look to go further, push on and hopefully pick up some trophies."

O'Gorman sees her former club Peamount as title favourites, although she expects the challenge to the Dubliners' crown to come from many quarters.

"We know they're stacked full of quality obviously, won the league last year, playing in Europe this year," she said.

"I think Athlone will be a team to watch as well, Shelbourne strengthening their squad, Wexford as well, so I think it could be one of the most exciting league title (races)."

The 34-year-old will have more time on her hands to