Treaty United's Katie Lawlee showing her class at start of 2024 season

IT'S BEEN a busy 2024 for Katie Lawlee so far and it's only going to get busier for the teenager as Treaty United women's side attempt to maintain their unbeaten record in the league so far as they face Sligo Rovers at home this Saturday.

Dominic Foley's side have started the SSE Airtricity women's league with a win over DRL Waves and a draw against Shamrock Rovers so far in the league, with Lawlee starting all three of the fixtures.

Katie’s year started with a call up to the Irish Women's U17 squad for their UEFA Women's Under-17 European Championship Group B qualification games. Katie is no stranger to Republic of Ireland squads and in recognition of her experience and leadership skills, Head Coach, James Scott, appointed Katie as captain for the side. And Katie, lead from the front, quite literally, scoring and captaining the squad to top the group with 7-1 and 3-0 victories and earn promotion to the UEFA Group A league for the 2024/25 season.

With promotion assured, it was back to the bread and butter of club football for Katie as she joined Dominic Foley’s new look Treaty United squad for their last couple of pre-season friendlies. And when it came to the opening League game of the season, the manager gave the 16-year old the vote of confidence by selecting her to lead the line against DLR Waves in the Markets Field.

The teenager repaid his confidence with a goal mid-way through the game, scoring her first senior goal while also setting up Treaty United's second goal to give them the 2-0 win. 

Treaty United’s second league game of the season was a visit to Tallaght Stadium to take on Shamrock Rovers. Treaty fell behind very early in to a strike from Irish international Aine O’Gornan. Gradually, however, Dominic Foley’s side played their way back into the game and were on level terms by the 20th minute.

Some great pressing by the Treaty side saw them recover possession deep inside the Shamrock Rovers half and Delana Friesen was put through on goal. She unselfishly side-footed a pass into Katie Lawlee’s path and Katie slotted home her second of the season from 12 yards.

Another Treaty teenager, Hannah Saidi, put Treaty ahead before the interval. A second half equaliser saw the game finish in a 2-2 draw as Treaty maintained their unbeaten start to the season across all competitions.

Katie’s exploits over the opening games of the season saw her nominated for Women’s Premier Division Player of the Month for March, alongside team-mate Delana Friesen.