Being the team to beat gives Glentoran fresh impetus: Jenna McKearney

As Glentoran Women battle to retain the Women’s Premiership crown and win a fourth title in five seasons, Jenna McKearney, who has progressed to become a key cog in the Glens machine during their era of success, is expecting the next four months to throw up new tests, for various reasons.

Glentoran know what it is like to be the team that everyone else wants to beat, but the development of the League, improving squads and new teams all pose a threat unlike what they have experienced in previous campaigns.

The newest of those comes against a Lisburn Rangers side that has made a flying start to their first season as a top-flight club, sweeping everything before they as they have stormed to four consecutive League wins and a place in the League Cup Final.

Now, something has to give, as two of the three leading teams – Cliftonville Ladies, too, boast a 100 per cent record – face off knowing that somebody’s perfect start will come to an end,

“When we were the challengers last season, it gave us a focus for what we wanted to do, which was to get the League back again,” said McKearney.

“This year, we want to retain it, which is a different kind of focus and a different kind of motivation – and a big motivation for us.

“It is going to be another challenge for us against Lisburn Rangers.

“I didn’t know much about them before, I just saw that they were coming through the Leagues consecutively and they seemed to be a really good young team, so it will be a good test.

“It is early in the season, so it’s hard to tell how long teams can compete, but the League has become more competitive over the last few seasons, with new teams, others strengthening, and everyone has provided a different set of challenges for us in each game, and overall, the quality has improved, too.”

Although the 2024 season is still in its infancy with less than a quarter of the campaign played, the margin for error for any team with title ambitions already looks to be minimal.

In the 2023 season, the Glens went unbeaten in winning the title with a game to spare, and already McKearney is sensing that a repeat of that run might be needed, which means every game and every point is crucial.

“It is early on, so it’s hard to tell, but potentially, we will have to repeat last season, which is why it is important that we are focused on each game,” said the 23-year-old.

“We keep our standards high because even in training, we demand more of each other.

“I think bringing in some new players this season and making the squad a bit bigger has raised standards because there is more competition for places, and we are all challenging each other, which keeps everybody focused.”

It will be a special night for Lisburn Rangers when they welcome the champions, as the match marks their first home game as a Premiership club – albeit at what is a temporary home at Crewe Park, home of Glenavy-based Crewe United.