Peamount United have secured the signing of FIFA Puskas Award nominee Steph Roche for the 2022 season.
The 55-times-capped Irish international will line out with the Greenogue side for another season after turning down interest from elsewhere in the league.
Roche had been in demand in the off-season with both DLR Waves and Bohemians making enquiries about her availability ahead of the new season.
The Shankhill native has opted to stick with the club with which she’s enjoyed great success in recent years, including a league and cup double in 2020.
Roche, who was nominated for FIFA's 2014 Puskas Award for the outstanding strike of the year after netting a stunning volley against Wexford Youths, has struggled with injuries.
She finished second in the final vote, behind Colombia's James Rodriguez's stunning strike in the World Cup against Uruguay and Robin van Persi
The 32-year-old has seen her gametime limited in the last 12 months after competing in RTÉ’s gruelling Ultimate Hell Week delayed her pre-season.
And some troublesome knocks limited her involvement during 2021, though she did manage nine league goals in 26 games, including five in five games in September and October.
Peas missed out on a third successive title on the final day as they fell to a 5-2 defeat at home to Galway, allowing Shelbourne to lift the league trophy.
Manager James O’Callaghan expressed his satisfaction at retaining one of the league’s greatest-ever strikers for another season.
“Steph done the Hell and Back, which kind of took it out of her last season,” O’Callaghan tells Dublin Live.
“I think she was a bit drained from that and I think she had a few injuries as well last season, which didn't help.
“In pre-season, she's working really hard and hopefully we get to see the best out of her this season.”
Roche will return to a squad who, despite losing Megan Smyth-Lynch to Shels and keeper Naoisha McAloon to pro football in Durham, have a settled look.
Winger Jetta Berrill has returned to the club following a stint with DLR Waves, as has Grace Murray, while Ireland under-19 striker Erin McLaughlin has joined from Sion Swifts.
Peamount kick off their season against the league’s newest side, Sligo Rovers, in Greenogue on Saturday afternoon.
