Kelly Brady joins Crystal Palace

Former Athlone Town striker Kelly Brady has joined Crystal Palace.

Athlone Town FC said that Brady had accepted an offer to join Crystal Palace in WSL2 following the expiration of her contract with Athlone Town AFC.

“Kelly joined us for the 2025 season and along with winning the double, she won a plethora of individual awards and rightly earned herself a move to play in England.

“Although we're sad to see her go, we're excited to support her football journey from afar and see her continue to represent Ireland in the future.

“She has been a superstar for Athlone Town AFC and she will be greatly missed by players, staff and supporters alike,” the club said.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace said Brady was joining on an 18-month deal, running until the summer of 2027.

It said she would be eligible to face Sheffield United on Monday evening.

Manager Jo Potter said: "Kelly is an exciting young talent, and we are very happy to have her here at Palace.

"She's coming off a great season, and her goalscoring ability is going to be a huge asset for us."

Speaking on her move to Palace, Brady said: "It feels surreal to be here, I can't wait to be involved in the great things the girls have been doing this season."

Kelly Brady was instrumental in Athlone Town’s famous double-winning season. And as well as the team honours of SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division and Sports Direct Women’s FAI Cup, Kelly Brady finished her debut season in the league by winning the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division Golden Boot Award and Player of the Year Award, the PFAI Women's Player of the Year 2025 and the Soccer Writers Ireland 2025 Women's Personality of the Year Award,