DLR Waves revived as UCD pull out of the Women's National League

Confusion reigns in the Women’s National League but one thing that’s certain is that UCD Waves is no more after the university withdrew its association with the club after four-and-a-half years.

The club will once more enter the Women’s National League and under-17 National League as DLR Waves, the name under which it played from its foundation in 2012 to 2014.

There was no announcement made by either UCD or DLR Waves, nor the League nor the FAI, however the club’s social media accounts have been changed to DLR Waves.

The latest iteration of the club have, however, confirmed on Twitter that Graham Kelly will be manager for the new season.

DLR Waves merged with UCD LFC ahead of the 2014-15 Women’s National League season, and the status of the latter club following the college’s withdrawal is currently unclear.

The club’s license was put out to tender by the council and has been taken on by a South Dublin consortium.

This grouping will take over operation of the club with financial support from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

Manager Noel Kealy, who guided Waves to the FAI Cup final in 2017 when they were beaten 1-0 by Cork City, has withdrawn from the club with immediate effect.

DLR Waves have appointed Kelly, the experienced former St Joseph’s Boys and Bray Wanderers coach, as manager for the 2019 season.

Kelly worked with Waves’ under-17 side towards the conclusion of the inaugural National League season in 2018.

Paul Murphy, who managed the under-17s to a semi-final finish in the league last season, will continue in his role in 2019.

“The standard in the Women’s National League is at an all-time high,” Kelly told the DLR Waves media team.

“I look forward to working with the squad and trying to build on the fantastic work that has been done over the past few seasons.

“The squad will be a mix of experienced and young players and we will look to play an exciting brand of football, as is the DLR Waves philosophy.”