Ella Kelly: Number 11, Following Lia O'Leary’s Legacy and Paving Her Own Path Forward

Credit: Patrick Kehoe

Ella Kelly - what a player.

Senior debut at 15 ✅

WLOI youngest ever goal-scorer ✅

Ireland Under 17 international captain ✅

RELENTLESS energy ✅

Since stepping onto the senior stage on March 30th 2024 against Treaty United, the former Under 17s Shamrock Rovers Academy double winner has surged from strength to strength.

Kelly speaks about the 2025 campaign

Securing 929 minutes of senior football across 2024 & 2025, Kelly's spirited performances have earned the Tallaght Community School student a regular place in Collie O'Neills starting eleven.

Credit: Patrick Kehoe

On March 29th at Eamonn Deacy Park , Ella’s blistering pace and unyielding drive left the Tribeswomen absolutely scrambled, while her relentless press, fearless dribbles and seamless link-up with Keelin Comiskey generated a whirlwind of lilac in Greenogue against Peamount United.

Workrate v Galway United

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Workrate v Galway United:

Much like our former number 11, Lia O'Leary, Kelly is a dynamo on the left wing.

Charging with explosive speed, right arm swinging as she breezes past defenders, Kelly delivers inviting crosses that plant defenders on the back foot.

She also likes to drift into midfield, battling toe to toe with the opposition.

Rewarded for her efforts this campaign, Ella netted her first senior goal of 2025 on April 26th at Tallaght Stadium, belting a stunning strike home against DLR Waves in the All Island Cup

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Kelly's strike v DLR

Her electrifying performance saw her receive the nod for Player of the Match honors.

Kelly clearly likes scoring against the Belfield Belles 🌊and netted her first against Laura Heffernans side last April in the same competition 👇💫

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Kelly's first goal for the senior squad

Recently named Women’s Under 16 International Player of the Year, Kelly has secured an in-house nod for Player of the Month for April.

At sixteen, her nomination alongside seasoned pros like Ruesha Littlejohn (you may have heard of her?) is testament to her talent and work ethic.

Credit: Patrick Kehoe

Amongst a peppering of young talent in this years Hoops squad, Kelly is one of a number breakthrough Academy players.

Their entrance showcases not only the talent that the Dublin 24 club produce, but the quality of the coaching staff that play a key role in shaping and moulding the young players within their ranks.

Kelly's former Academy coaches: Keith Coffey (right) and Terry Gleeson (left)

Balancing school, club, and international football with remarkable composure, Kelly stands tall against seasoned players every Saturday, proving beyond doubt that she belongs at the top level.

Ella Kelly is not just a rising star—she’s helping to define the next generation of Irish football.

The teenage talent will no doubt play a pivotal role this weekend as Rovers look to bounce back from a 3-2 loss at home to Wexford in the SSE Women's Premier Division against The Waves.

Kick-off: 3PM

Location: The UCD Bowl