After completing her move from Crystal Palace, Abbie Larkin is “buzzing” while Tara O’Hanlon signs with Manchester City.
The Women’s Super League team Manchester City has acquired Republic of Ireland defender Tara O’Hanlon from Irish champions Peamount United.
With a contract that will extend until the summer of 2027, the 18-year-old Dubliner, who contributed to Peamount’s victory in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division last season, has signed on.
O’Hanlon made her debut against the United States in a friendly last April, and she has now won two senior caps for Ireland.
She is joining Manchester City, who is presently ranked second in the WSL, on deadline day, and O’Hanlon stated on the team website that she was prepared to advance to the top level.
“I’m really excited to be here at City, and I’m buzzing to get started,” she stated.
“After leading Peamount to a league victory, I thought I was prepared to try my hand at the WSL.
Since I’m still young, maybe I can contribute over the next few months by working hard.
I’ll work hard to try to gain a spot on the squad.”
Earlier, the adaptable 18-year-old forward from Glasgow City, Abbie Larkin, became the most recent Ireland international to sign for Crystal Palace.
Larkin’s move to the south London side comes after that of her Girls in Green teammate and fellow 2023 Women’s World Cup squad member, Izzy Atkinson, who also recently joined the club, along with goalkeeper Hayley Nolan.
Larkin, a native of Ringsend, began her career at Shelbourne before joining the recently reestablished Shamrock Rovers for the 2023 SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division season.
In February, she earned her maiden senior Irish cap at the age of 16.
She moved overseas halfway through the previous season when she signed with Glasgow City, the 16-time champions of the Women’s Scottish Premier League.
She will compete in the English second-tier women’s championship after moving to Crystal Palace.
Larkin signed a contract that will keep her there until 2026, and on the club’s website, she expressed excitement about continuing to grow.
“I’m absolutely buzzing, and I can’t wait to get started with the girls,” she stated.
“Playing English football is my dream, and the facilities are amazing.
As I become more comfortable with the club and get to know the girls, I want to concentrate on my football, have fun, and hopefully improve as a player.”
The Eagles’ desire to add Larkin to their forward choices was highlighted by her potential, according to head coach Laura Kaminski of Palace.
“We’re delighted to welcome Abbie, a player of enormous talent and potential, to Crystal Palace,” she stated.
“We feel that she will be an excellent addition to our existing forward options, and we look forward to working with her to further her and the team’s exciting development.”
Megan Campbell was also in motion on this hectic day for Irish internationals on the WSL deadline day.
The 30-year-old’s contract at Premier League Everton expired, and she joined the lower-division London City Lionesses.
The versatile player from Drogheda, who has 47 caps for Ireland but was injured and missed the World Cup last year, was happy to be heading to a new location.
“I’m quite a physical defender, and I like to be on the ball,” she stated.
“I enjoy being in control and being a part of a successful team. On defense, I speak up a lot and tackle opponents firmly.
“Joining London City is a new challenge, with new surroundings and new team-mates, but I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.”
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