Laura Heffernan lands DLR Waves manage role

DLR Waves have appointed Laura Heffernan as their new manager following the departure of Graham Kelly to St Patrick's Athletic’s coaching team.

Heffernan is currently the only female participant on the UEFA Pro Licence course in Ireland.

She led the DLR Under-19 side to the league title last year.

Given Sue Ronan and Eileen Gleeson are the only female coaches to have ever completed the Pro Licence course, the former Shelbourne Under-17 manager is seen as having a prominent future in the game.

Kelly, meanwhile, is departing to form part of Jon Daly’s backroom in Inchicore following five years as Waves boss.

A DLR statement read: "DLR Waves would like to announce that first-team manager Mr Graham Kelly has ended his contract with immediate effect, to take up a new position with St Patrick’s Athletic.

"The management committee would like to thank Graham for all his hard work since he took up the role and the great strides the club has made in the last five years.

"We wish him well in his new challenge and we are sure he will be a great success. The committee were also unanimous in appointing his successor Laura Heffernan.

"Laura is one of the most successful managers in the women’s game in Ireland and we have full confidence the club will continue to progress under her guidance.

"We are delighted that Laura has accepted this position and wish her and her coaching team the best for the remainder of the season."

The Women’s Premier Division featured only male managers prior to the appointment of Heffernan.

Kelly has established Waves as a mid-table side in the league in recent seasons. They are currently eighth in the division with 10 matches played.

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