Netball Super League | Caroline O’Hanlon leaves Manchester Thunder

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 16: Caroline O'Hanlon of Manchester Thunder catches the ball during the Vitality Netball Superleague spring showdown round 13 match between Manchester Thunder and Strathclyde Sirens at Resorts World Arena on April 16, 2022 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott/Getty Images for England Netball)

Caroline O’Hanlon will not be returning to Manchester Thunder for the 2023 Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) season, the club have confirmed.

After five successful seasons with the Manchester outfit, the Northern Ireland international has departed Belle Vue following the conclusion of the 2022 campaign.

O’Hanlon – who also plays GAA – first signed with Thunder in 2017 and went onto lift the Superleague title with the club both in 2019 and 2022 respectively.

The mid-courter’s creativity and work ethic has made her a stable in Head Coach Karen Greig’s side over the years. O’Hanlon finished joint-ninth for feeds last term with 303 in 22 games.

O’Hanlon said: “It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce that I will be leaving Manchester Thunder and will not be wearing the yellow dress in the 2023 season. I have loved my time in Manchester and would like to thank everyone that has contributed to that.”

The 37-year-old is currently preparing to lead her country at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and has a wealth of international experience, featuring at three Netball World Cups and two Commonwealth Games to date.

Manchester Thunder Head Coach, Karen Greig, said: “Caroline has been a real stalwart for us for the past five seasons and has been an integral part in successes in that time.

“She is a fantastic athlete both on and off the court. A huge thanks to Caroline for her commitment and I wish her every success in the upcoming Commonwealth Games.”

O’Hanlon is the fourth player to leave the champions during the off-season with Joyce Mvula joining Central Pulse, Laura Malcolm joining Trident Homes Tactix and Eleanor Cardwell joining Adelaide Thunderbirds.

You can follow all the transfer news at it happens here or take a look at the 2023 squads, incomings and departures here.

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