Former Athlone Town captain Laurie Ryan has been appointed the new manager of SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division side Treaty United.
The 31-year-old Clare woman was a brilliant skipper for Athlone, who she joined from Lifford Ladies in 2021. Ryan led the midlanders to the FAI Women’s Cup in 2023 and first ever league title in 2024.
She stepped away from the game this year, and gave birth to son Jack four months ago.
A lecturer in the Department of Sport and Health at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), she's already made an impact as a coach, guiding the TUS Women’s Soccer Team to victory in the Intervarsities Shield in 2023 and the Intervarsities Cup in 2024, the first in the university’s history.
Ryan has also previously captained Clare ladies Gaelic football team.
"I'm delighted to be here and to get this opportunity to manage at the top level of women’s football in the country," she said.
"I’m looking forward to getting started and having the chance to work with a group of really talented players."
Treaty United CEO Ciara McCormack added: "We’re thrilled to welcome Laurie to Treaty United. She represents everything we value at the club: leadership, professionalism, and a deep connection to the Mid-West region.
"Her track record as a captain, coach, and educator makes her an ideal fit to guide our women’s programme into an exciting new chapter."
Ryan will officially take charge of the side when preparations begin for the 2026 season.
In late September, Sean Russell departed as head coach. Eighth-placed Treaty finish their campaign on Saturday when they face Waterford away at the RSC.
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