Tuesday Blue

This week’s Tuesday Blue is Méadhbh Doherty - now a mainstay in our Women’s Premier Division team. The centre back from Kilkenny is in her third season with Waterford now having joined the Under-17s from Evergreen in 2024. After impressing in the academy, she made her League of Ireland debut for the first team on her 17th birthday last August when she came on as a substitute against Bohemians. 

By September, she made her first start and was denied a headed equaliser against Wexford (clearly over the line) at the end of the month. Into October and she scored her first senior goal - in her sixth consecutive start - to spark the great comeback win over Treaty United. She was also a key factor in winning the Shield with the Under-19s that month in Oriel Park. 

Waterford have added strength to the squad for this season, but one massive loss was Lauren Walsh who was outstanding last year before being snapped up by Wexford. There didn’t need to be any doubt as to who would replace her as Méadhbh stepped into the role with full confidence. Her potential is immeasurable given the intelligence she plays with and the natural timing of her tackling. We might see her in a green jersey in years to come. 

Doherty was my choice for Player of the Match on Saturday as the Blues maintained a first clean sheet against the four-time league-winners Wexford. She was in full command of the centre of defence and never seems fazed by any challenge. She put in a magnificent clearing tackle eleven minutes in that set the tone for a team performance where no quarter would be given. While Waterford were disappointed not to win the game, they laid down a marker for the season ahead and Méadhbh will be at the heart of it.