Lia O’Leary signs for Bristol City

The Republic of Ireland Women U19 captain Lia O’Leary experiences Ashton Gate Stadium for the first time.

Bristol City FC Women today announced the signing of Republic of Ireland U19 captain, Lia O’Leary, on a two-and-a-half year contract.

The 18-year-old leaves Shamrock Rovers at the expiry of her contract after starting over 40 games in the League of Ireland during the past two seasons. In 2023, O’Leary was named the League’s Young Player of the Season and was amongst the league leaders in progressive carries and crosses.

The attacking left-back is already making her mark at international level, starting every game for Republic of Ireland at last summer’s UEFA U19 Women’s European Championships. In recent months, O’Leary has also been named captain as the team embark on their latest qualification campaign.

O’Leary joins the Robins as they seek an immediate return to the Women’s Super League, with the team currently joint-top of the Women’s Championship after the first half of the season. In recent years, the Club have been very successful in terms of their youth development, playing a foundational role in the rise of Lauren Hemp, Aggie Beever-Jones, Grace Clinton and Naomi Layzell.

On joining the group, O’Leary said: “I’m really excited, I’ve been in training with the girls a few times and I’m just looking forward to getting going properly. I think the ambition of the club is really good, they’re looking for promotion and in-form at the moment.”

Congratulations, Lia!

Thank you to Stephen Bent at Reliance Sports Management for the support.