Ennis Women are preparing for a demanding second season in the Energia All-Ireland League with a major boost to their coaching team. Ireland international Edel McMahon has joined as defence coach, adding elite experience and a strong local connection to an ambitious Clare club.
After an encouraging debut campaign that produced six wins and a draw, Ennis are targeting further progress in the new Women’s Division 1B. Their opening challenge comes away to Cooke in Belfast, a fixture that will immediately test the club’s growing ambitions.
Edel McMahon adds top-level knowledge to Ennis
McMahon’s arrival is significant for Ennis rugby. The Kilmihil native has played at the highest level, earning 36 Ireland caps after developing through Galwegians and Connacht before moving to English rugby.
Her playing career was interrupted by surgery on both knees following last year’s Rugby World Cup. While she works towards a return to international rugby, McMahon is also beginning to build her coaching experience with Ennis.
Her role will focus mainly on forwards and defence, areas where her technical understanding and experience should prove especially valuable. Head coach Gareth O’Hanlon believes her involvement gives players another high-quality source of guidance.
“When someone of Edel’s experience wants to be part of the programme, it is obviously something you’re going to be really excited about,” O’Hanlon said.
McMahon’s availability will depend on her own rehabilitation and playing commitments, but Ennis are determined to support her Ireland ambitions while benefiting from her input whenever possible.
A role model for Clare’s next generation
The appointment also creates a powerful link between Ennis’s senior team and its developing players. Many of the club’s younger members grew up watching McMahon represent Ireland, making her presence at training particularly meaningful.
One player who could benefit directly is 19-year-old back rower Sally Kelly. She made eight All-Ireland League appearances last season before impressing with Ireland Under-21s and helping Munster retain the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship.
Ennis are also continuing to invest in their wider support structure. Alex Simpson remains involved as forwards coach, Chloe Morey returns as strength and conditioning coach, while John Kelly continues as team manager. Michelle Caulfield has joined as mental performance coach.
Together, the coaching group reflects a clear effort to develop players physically, technically and mentally rather than relying solely on recruitment.
New signings strengthen the squad
Ennis have added an international dimension to their playing group, with Philippines representative Takiah-Lani Buchanan and Samoa touch rugby captain Caitlyn Ah Fook among the newcomers.
Teenage prop Ella Buckley is another player attracting attention after moving from Ballincollig and receiving a Munster senior call-up during the summer. Ireland Under-18 international Abi Kelly has also stepped up from the Ennis underage pathway.
The club’s approach combines experienced recruits with a deliberate route for local players into senior rugby. A second women’s team this season should provide additional match opportunities and help newer players adapt to the game.
Ennis face early test in new Division 1B
Ennis finished seventh in last season’s 10-team league, but the new two-tier structure brings a fresh challenge. Division 1B includes Munster rivals Ballincollig, newly promoted MU Barnhall and Enniskillen, alongside other competitive clubs.
The opening trip to Cooke is an uncompromising start. Ennis will then host Barnhall, four-time Energia Junior Cup champions, in their first home fixture.
O’Hanlon is taking a measured approach. The priority is to improve week by week, avoid looking too far ahead and build on the lessons learned during the club’s first season in the Energia All-Ireland League.
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What comes next for Ennis?
Ennis enter the new campaign with an upgraded coaching team, a deeper squad and a clearer development pathway for young players. McMahon’s return to rugby through coaching adds further interest, particularly as she continues her own recovery and hopes to represent Ireland again.
The first trip to Cooke will offer an early indication of how far Ennis have progressed. For a club focused on steady growth, the result will matter, but so too will the performance, resilience and development shown across the season.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
