Cork City Women’s veteran Ciara McNamara is preparing for another season in the Women’s League of Ireland as the Rebel Army look to build on last year’s results and move up the table in 2026.
McNamara is one of the most experienced players in the City squad, having made her senior debut for the club in 2014. With optimism growing around the group under new management, the defender is committed to helping City improve on last season and push for a higher league finish.
The Cork native was part of the Cork City side that won the Women’s FAI Cup in 2017, defeating DLR Waves at the Aviva Stadium. City begin their 2026 campaign on March 14th against a Shamrock Rovers side that has strengthened significantly during the off-season, with the match taking place at Turner’s Cross.
The Beginning of McNamara’s Career
McNamara began her football journey playing indoor football with the boys at Rathpeacon National School before joining her first club, St Mary’s AFC.
“My football career began with playing indoors with the lads in Rathpeacon National School,” she said. “I was the only girl there, which didn’t bother me at all, and in fairness, the lads saw me no different.”
At the age of 12, McNamara moved to Wilton United’s girls’ side before spells with Hollyhill and eventually making the move to Cork City.
A Manchester United supporter, McNamara also spoke about the influence of fellow Cork native Roy Keane on her football upbringing.
“I admired Keane’s no-nonsense, just go and do the business attitude,” she said, crediting her father for educating her on Keane’s career and contribution to Manchester United.
Career Highlight at Cork City
When asked about the standout moment of her career, McNamara had no hesitation in pointing to the 2017 FAI Cup triumph.
“2017, 100%. It is the highlight of my career and to be honest I’m not sure it will ever be topped,” she said.
“Making it to the FAI Cup final and playing in the home of Irish football, the Aviva Stadium, is one thing, but going on to win it as captain is one of the proudest moments of my career.”
Many City supporters will remember the occasion, which came ahead of the men’s FAI Cup final later that year, where Cork City also lifted the trophy with victory over Dundalk.
Ambitions for the 2026 Season
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, McNamara sees 2026 as a fresh start under new management, with Barry Ryan taking charge of the side.
“This season is a fresh start for us all with the new management team first and foremost,” she said. “It’s about, as a player, showing them what you are about and what you bring to the team.”
The experienced defender admitted her ambitions are simple.
“I want to play as much as possible, and it’s as simple as this, we need to get further up the table.”
McNamara also praised Cork City’s academy structure, highlighting its importance to the senior squad in recent years.
“The academy system at City speaks for itself when you look at the quality of players that have come into our senior squad over the last five years,” she said. “Eva Mangan, Heidi Mackin and Clodagh Fitzgerald alone have been hugely important to us.”
“Credit has to go to everyone working within the academy structure. The main thing now is to hold on to these players for as long as we can.”
When asked to name a player to watch in the Women’s League of Ireland this season, McNamara pointed to a young teammate.
Cork City defender Zoe Finnerty made her senior breakthrough last season, featuring 21 times at right-back. McNamara believes the youngster has the potential to shine in 2026 against strong opposition across the league.
The Growth of the Women’s Game in Ireland
Discussing the league as a whole, McNamara believes the women’s game in Ireland is moving in the right direction.
“The changes in the league have been massive,” she said. “TG4 have been superb in showing games over the last couple of years and that has massively increased the number of eyes on the league.”
While acknowledging there is still work to be done, she remains optimistic.
“Undoubtedly there is still quite a bit to go in terms of players’ wages and contracts, but this will take time.”