Waterford FC are delighted to announce Leah O’Donoghue as our first new signing of the off-season, as we build up to next week’s kick-off to the 2026 SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division.
The tenacious midfielder makes the step up to League of Ireland level having impressed for Benfica in the Waterford Ladies League.
O’Donoghue, a 24-year old central midfielder, has made her name for Benfica along with the Waterford Women’s Angela Hearst side that won the competition in 2025, where O’Donoghue played a crucial role for the Waterford side in their 5-1 win over Wexford at the RSC last September.
Leah was also part of the squad that fell to a narrow defeat in the 2024 final, as she became a key figure in the Waterford Ladies League.
Whilst showcasing her ability at club level, O’Donoghue has also impressed at college level, where she is the current captain of the SETU Waterford Women’s side – most recently captaining the side in their 5-2 win over TUS Midwest Women last week.
Now with her hometown club for 2026, O’Donoghue spoke of her delight to sign for the Blues, saying:
“I’m buzzing to have signed for Waterford FC this season. I’m delighted to be able to represent my hometown club in the League of Ireland. I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into the season now with the girl starting next Saturday at the RSC.”
Blues Head Coach Gary Hunt is delighted to welcome O’Donoghue to the Blues for 2026, mentioning:
“I have known Leah for a long time and have seen her in action all the way through her development years and into senior football with Benfica also. She has worked hard and I feel she is ready to make this step to League of Ireland and it is something she is massively motivated to do. Most recently her performances in college football against League of Ireland & Academy Players has backed this up.
Having been in the group for all of pre-season she has connected with the squad really well and I am looking forward to working with her to get her up to the speed of this league.
Leah will bring a great tenacity to the side and she will compliment many of the young talents already coming through the club. I am sure Leah will take this challenge on with great enthusiasm and it is a brilliant opportunity to show others that there are chances for players who perform locally and want to make that jump.”
