Last night, Irish international Tara O’Hanlon completed her transfer to Women’s Super League highflyers Manchester City, signing from Peamount United for what’s reported to be a three and a half year deal.
While playing with the Peas, O'Hanlon was technically a free agent, given the club hadn't opted to pursue the option of professional contracts that were introduced by the FAI for the Women's Premier Division at the start of last season.
That said though, the 18 year old and her family did have an interesting request in terms of paying tribute to her former club upon her departure.
According to the Irish Independent, the O'Hanlon's insisted that Peamount would receive some sort of compensation for their role in the development of the teenager and this idea was raised early on in the negotiations with the WSL side.
City agreed to make a one off payment to the Peamount when O'Hanlon makes her competitive debut, in a gesture of good will.
It's also understood that there are no plans for the young left back to be sent on loan, and instead will become a valued first team player by the Manchester outfit.
The 18 year old left back had also garnered interest from rivals Manchester United, who she’s believed to trialled with in August of last year.
Currently Manchester City sit in second place of the WSL table under manager Gareth Taylor, with former Ireland international Alan Mahon also involved in the coaching staff there.
🚨Understand Manchester City are set to sign 18-year-old Republic of Ireland international Tara O’Hanlon on a 3.5 year contract. Medical passed and personal terms agreed. Joins from League of Ireland champions Peamount United. Has had plenty of interest so a coup for City.
— Kathryn Batte (@KathrynBatte) January 30, 2024
O’Hanlon, who can play both on the left or centrally, collected her first two senior international caps during the USA double header in April 2023.
Those appearances came on the back of some stellar displays with Peamount, who later went on to become WPD champions in November.
The Dublin teenager just narrowly missed out on selection for Vera Pauw’s World Cup squad in the summer, making the cut for the original training group but falling short at the final hurdle come the official squad naming in late June.
After trialling with various clubs, she picked up a hamstring injury that saw her miss the latter half of the season, although having been cleared by City's medical team, it would appear that that injury doesn't seem to be a persisting one.
The news now means that the reigning WPD champions will now be without O’Hanlon come the kick off of the 2024 season on March 9th.
They were however amongst those to send various well wishes to the player last night on social media.
"Everyone at Peamount United would like to wish Tara O’Hanlon the very best of luck as she joins Manchester City in the Women’s Super League! Tara has been an exceptional player for the Peas over a number of years and we wish her well with this exciting new chapter in England," they said.
Everyone at Peamount United would like to wish Tara O’Hanlon the very best of luck as she joins Manchester City in the Women’s Super League! Tara has been an exceptional player for the Peas over a number of years and we wish her well with this exciting new chapter in England 🤝 pic.twitter.com/Zj6C2mGzhg
— Peamount United Women (@PeamountWomen) January 31, 2024
O'Hanlon herself also took to social media to pay tribute to her former club.
"As a new chapter begins for me, the previous must close and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Peamount United," she said.
"Thank you to James and all his staff for the belief you have shown in me since my first training session as a 15-year-old kid.
You have helped me grow into the young woman I am today, who is being given the opportunity to achieve her dream, I cannot thank you enough for the faith you've shown in me."
She also took the time to show her gratitude towards various people that have helped her along her journey too.
"I want to thank in particular Cian, for all the 1 on 1 sessions we've done, you have been with me since the start of my journey at Peamount and I am very grateful to you. I also want to thank Alban who brought me to the club and started my journey to where l am today," she said.
"I would also like to thank Katie, Elaine, Dennis, Linda and every single volunteer and fan for everything they do for everyone at Peamount and their continued support throughout my time there. You are the most amazing club and I will always be a fan.
"Finally, I would like to thank all of my former teammates, you have always encouraged me and pushed me to be my best. I love you all and will forever be grateful for getting to know each of you. Massive thanks to Karen, who has been an amazing captain and friend to me, and to Erin who has been by my side since our first season together, thank you for everything, I have not only found a friend in you but a sister too.
My time at Peamount has come to an end but I will always support the club, and I wish you all the best for the future."
She also took the time to express her delight to sign with her new club Manchester City, describing that it's always been a "childhood dream" to play in the WSL.
"Thank you to my family and friends who have been my rock throughout all of this especially my parents who have sacrificed so much to help me get here," she said.
"Finally I want to thank the entire team at Gen Z Football for the constant support throughout my injury these past few months and the hard work behind the scenes to make this happen," she added.
Karen Duggan talks Tara O’Hanlon 's transfer to Manchester City
Speaking about the Tara O'Hanlon transfer with Off The Ball’s COYGIG Pod, Peamount United captain Karen Duggan says that the move “has been coming for a long time.”
“From the second Tara broke in to the senior team you knew she was destined for great things,” Duggan says.
“It was just a matter of where she would end up and obviously Manchester City is that place and what an opportunity that is.
“I think it’s a place where young players can get an opportunity to break in…she has this six months to get over any homesickness or anything like that that might creep up and she can really focus on getting ready for breaking in to that squad next year
“I think it’s an absolutely brilliant move for her and I fully expect that Tara will go from strength to strength because she’s the most exciting prospect to come out of this country in a very long time.”
🗣 "For me she's the most exciting prospect to come out of this country in a very long time."
⚽ @KarenDuggan91 is *very* excited by reports of Peamount's Tara O'Hanlon joining Manchester City. #CadburySupporterAndAHalf | @CadburyIreland pic.twitter.com/wpPYdl5ViX— Off The Ball (@offtheball) January 30, 2024
