Pearl Slattery savours the rise of Women's National League

Pearl Slattery is a veteran of the women's game in Ireland but even she has to stop to acknowledge the progress made in recent times.

Today's SSE Airtricity League launch saw all three divisions feature at a media event; the Premier Division, First Division and Women’s National League.

Standing alongside some of the biggest names in the game is a place Slattery feels is right.

"The potential around the world of the women’s game is massive. Ireland has shown, through the sponsorship of our national team and pay deal, what can happen. Hopefully that can lead to down into the league.

"TG4 covering the game and SSE Airtricity sponsoring and even today (being at a joint event), we’ve never done this in my eight or nine years in the league. Hopefully now we can keep it going."

Winning the league title with Shelbourne was not just a moment of joy for Slattery, but also the league.

The incredible drama on the final day of the season as Peamount United pipped by Wexford brought the Women’s National League to a new audience on TG4.

The excitement of that has kept Slattery’s hunger as strong as ever.

"I feel good. Every year I probably say it’s my last year but I feel good. I’m 32 now and the younger girls keep us all young. We’re in our fourth week of pre-season. We’re really enjoying it.

"After last season, I can’t wait for the new year. All of that drama and the enjoyment of winning makes you want to keep going and keeping yourself in good knick.

"That was the best night of my career. I watched the game back and the way it was covered was like the Premier League.

"I think that ending of the season shows the potential, quality and drama that comes from the Women’s National League.

"This is what the league is about. I don’t think you’ll ever