McAloon makes Durham switch

Ratoath's Naoisha McAloon has signed with FA Women’s Championship side Durham Women.

The 22-year-old was a key part of the Peamount United side which won the FAI Women’s National League in 2019 and 2020.

“I’m delighted – it’s a great club to be a part of and I’m really looking forward to getting going and being part of the team,” said McAloon.

“The standards are so high and the expectations from everyone are really high as well.

“It’s a demanding environment which is really good, and I’ve really enjoyed myself so far. Durham are always up there, so I’d love to help as much as I can and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”

22-year-old McAloon has spent the past six years with Peamount, having come through the ranks at Castleknock Celtic, winning two Women’s National Leagues and an FAI Cup.

Recent seasons have seen McAloon share the number one jersey with former Ireland international Niamh Reid-Burke but she was preferred for the 6-0 2020 FAI Cup final win over Cork City.

She was also handed the shirt by Peas boss James O’Callaghan for the two recent Champions League campaigns, which saw the Newcastle side edged out by Glasgow City and Serbia’s Spartak Subotica.

She has also been involved alongside Shelbourne’s Amanda Budden and DLR Waves’ Eve Badana in Vera Pauw’s home-based international training camps in recent months.

McAloon was also Ireland's netminder at the 2019 World University Games in Naples, Italy, as Ireland finished fourth after topping their group with wins over Brazil and South Korea.

Her next challenge will be to compete with establish number one Megan Borthwick and Brooke Mackain for the goalkeeper’s shirt at Maiden Castle.

Lee Sanders’ side led the Championship for much of the first half of the season but three losses in their last four games see them trail Liverpool by two points with a game extra played.

McAloon may come into contention for the first game back after the winter break, pending international clearance, as Durham make the long trip south to face Lewes on Sunday.

McAloon, who was recently trained with Vera Pauw’s senior Ireland side, will be eligible for Durham once international clearance is obtained.

“I am delighted to welcome Naoisha to Durham and believe we have signed an excellent goalkeeper who will only improve working under Stephen (Brass) our goalkeeping coach and alongside the other ‘keepers at the club,” manager Lee Sanders said.

“She’s had a great education and successful league and cup seasons with Peamount United – and of course the honour of being around the Irish national squad, which is all hugely positive for her and hopefully will be a huge benefit to us all at the club.”