The mark of a top player is when they deliver their best performance as the spotlight burns its brightest on the biggest stage. That is what Emma Doherty has done in her debut season in the SSE Airtricity Women's National League.

It is also why she has been selected as the SSE Airtricity WNL Player of the Month for June / July 2022. She has been exceptional all season, but particularly effective in the last two months.

In TG4's first live broadcast this year, it was the Donegal native who seized the opportunity to shine as she scored twice for Sligo in the 3-2 victory over champions Shelbourne.

The 18-year-old has scored nine League goals so far, while her overall play has helped Sligo reached the quarter-finals of the EVOKE.ie FAI Women's Cup and become a force to be reckoned with.

Doherty wins the WNL Award at the same time that Sligo Rovers frontman Aidan Keena collects the SSE Airtricity Soccer Writers' Ireland Award for July. This is a first for the one club to win both the women's and men's prizes.

Leanne Sheill, SSE Airtricity Marketing Manager, said: “Congratulations to Emma Doherty on being named the SSE Airtricity Women’s National League Player of the Month for June/July. She has been central to Sligo Rovers’ success so far this year and has a bright future ahead.

"We would also like to congratulate Sligo Rovers on being the first club to win the Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards in the same month with Aidan Keena picking up the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers’ Ireland Player of the Month for July. What an incredible achievement and it’s a testament to all the hard work that happens both on and off the pitch at Sligo Rovers."

The Republic of Ireland Women's Under-19 international recently received a first call-up to the Home-Based Training Sessions, run by WNT Manager Vera Pauw and her staff, at the FAI National Training Centre.

The future looks bright for the composed finisher, but right now she's lighting things up with her goals and committed displays for The Bit O'Red. It's exciting to think that there is more to come from her.

2022 SSE Airtricity Women's National League Player of the Month Winners
March | Stephanie Roche (Peamount United)
April | Laurie Ryan (Athlone Town)
May | Jess Ziu (Shelbourne)
June / July | Emma Doherty (Sligo Rovers)