Méabh De Burca: Women's Premier Division can piggy back even more on Republic of Ireland WNT's success

Former Republic of Ireland international Méabh De Búrca is hopeful that the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division can grow exponentially in the slipstream of the national team's continued progress.

The 2024 season will get underway on Saturday with Peamount United looking to defend their title in the face of what is expected to be a stiff challenge led by rivals including Shelbourne, Shamrock Rovers, Wexford Youths and reigning FAI Women's Cup winners Athlone Town.

It comes at a time when Irish women's football has been on the crest of a wave, following last year's maiden World Cup appearance and the smooth progression to League A of the Nations League which has resulted in blockbuster Euro 2025 qualifiers this year.

Speaking on the RTÉ Soccer Podcast, De Burca is optimistic that the reflected glow from international advancement will spread the limelight onto the domestic game.

"We can probably piggy back even more on the national team's success and the limelight that's on them now," said the Galway native.

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De Burca previewed the main contenders club by club on the podcast. Watch above or listen below.

"It is difficult when there aren't players in the league necassarily being called up every time to the squad.

"There are the few girls now at Peamount getting a late call-up to the last squad and it is important because they definitely do bring more limelight and spotlight to the team and when girls can see them on TV with the national team, then they want to go and watch them at