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Irish Football (Soccer), womens national league

Women’s Football Blast: It All Begins Again

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Last year throughout the second half of the Women’s National League we started posting our regular feature covering Irish women’s football at home and internationally.

This season the aim is to make the Women’s Football Blast a regular feature on our site. Each week we’ll have a look at things domestically in the Women’s Premier Division and Cup competitions, as well as the international sides, Irish players abroad, and highlighting other content produced with a focus on Irish women’s football.

This week we are looking back at the President’s Cup, and looking ahead to the start of the League.

First things first, a recent Post to Post Sport return…

PEIL AND BACK

After a hiatus of over a year and a half we recently relaunched our Irish football podcast. This we uploaded a bumper preview of the 2023 League of Ireland women’s season. Ciarán was joined by Dave, Jessica, and Eileen to look ahead to the huge year in Irish football. The trio of pundits gave their thoughts on the league going semipro, who will be in the title race, and which players could make a bolt for the international squad before or after the World Cup.

All episodes of Peil and Back and any other podcasts we do go up on Spotify and Anchor.

Our new Spotify page looks like this:

We will no longer be uploading things to the old one. Look out for the white Anchor logo on the top right of our logo.

You can listen to our 2023 Women’s LOI Preview on Spotify at the link, and don’t forget to subscribe!

Don’t Forget To Subscribe

We also upload to Anchor which is Spotifys podcasting site. You can listen on Anchor for free with no sign-up required!

LISTEN ON ANCHOR HERE

We’ve also done a look ahead to the men’s League of Ireland season which is available on the same podcast cahanels.

Our aim is to have weekly episodes of Peil and Back from April throughout the Irish football season. Keep an eye on our social media for updates and please subscribe to our channel!

Athlone Town Win President’s Cup

What an opener we had to the season. It may be something of a preseason affair, but the President’s Cup didn’t disappoint. It looked for all the world like Shelbourne had the game comfortably won after two early goals, only for Athlone to drag the game to penalties. 
The game finished 2-2 with Athlone winning 5-4 on penalties.

The cup final between the sides last season had its share of controversy and there were two contentious moments in the game, both of which occurred in each teams second goal. While Athlone were denied a goal back in Tallaght in November for a disputable offside call, their equalizer involved a handball. This was after Shelbourne’s second goal came from a penalty that was open to question. 
Another similarity from the cup decider was Shels managing the first half better, however this time Athlone found their way back in to the game.
Noelle Murray scored the first for Shels, and what will surely be the first of many for her. The league champions were then awarded a penalty after Siobhan Kileen’s cross hit off the arm of Shauna Brennan. It was 2-0 with hardly 15 minutes gone. Athlone got one back through Muireann Devaney against the run of play shortly after the Midland’s sides goalkeeper Nyla Peterkin made a super save. Roisin Molloy got the equalizer in the second half to send the game to penalties. Ciara Glackin had come on as a the sub goalkeeper for Athlone and made two saves in the shootout to ensure Athlone picked up their first ever piece of major silverware.
For the arguable nature of Shelbourne’s penalty and Athlone’s equalizer, the issue is consistency, or in this case, the lack of. Shelbourne were awarded a penalty for the ball striking a defenders arm. The arm in question was in a natural position and there wasn’t anything they could really have done about it. But if the ruling for the year is that if the ball hits a hand or arm at all then it’s a handball, that’s fair enough. That makes the awarding of Athlone’s second goal dubious, because the ball clearly struck an attackers arm. Both instances had no intention to control the ball with the arm, so either both are handballs are neither are handballs. That’s where the issue lies, the application of the law which saw a clear discrepancy in decisions. 
It was a thrilling game, and Athlone ensured they will be in the title race discussion for at least the opening parts of the season.

A New Era For The League

As Eileen rightly pointed out on this weeks episode of Peil and Back, the league has long been similar to a semi-professional environment. Players train as a team and individually throughout the week while holding down employment and education. The difference s now there is money involved, at least in most clubs. On the one hand it’s great to see players being compensated for their efforts, but there is a genuine concern that this is all happening a bit fast. We’re not too far removed from the league seeing three dominant clubs hammer the rest weekly, with the aforementioned rest occasionally dropping out of the league. Last season saw the most exciting title race in the leagues history, and it would be a shame to lose the competitiveness of the league, which has increased over the last number of seasons, due to financial imbalance. The FAI will need to step in and ensure teams have the necessary funding to compete and field teams, they are after all our national football association, and though they have long neglected their duties they should be backing domestic football in both the men’s and women’s systems. Surely the money that’s paid for ice-sculptures of the past should be pumped into our domestic leagues from senior to grassroots levels.
While we are entering a new era, it’s important not to forget the work that has been done in the past decade by clubs, coaches, volunteers, and players to keep the league going. It’s fashionable now to support women’s football, but we’re only six years removed from the women’s national side having to go on strike. It’s important in coverage of the league we don’t act like Irish women’s football was invented last year, there were decades of struggle long before there was a league in it’s current guise. Players like Katie McCabe, Denise O’Sullivan, Louise Quinn, Áine O’Gorman and more all came through the domestic league to represent Ireland. If we want continued success and for Irish women’s football to grow beyond the World Cup, we need the support the national team is getting to be more than lip service and bandwagons. Many females players and coaches in football had to suffer to get Irish women’s football where it is, and we should not forget the struggles of the past and become ignorant of the continued support the domestic game needs.

The Season Ahead

With 11 teams taking part in the league one side will be idle each game. There is also the new addition of the League Cup which leads into a lengthy break while the World Cup takes place.
The title race last year involved four teams who will all contend this year too by the looks of things. Shelbourne go in as double winners, Wexford Youths came close to winning the league last season, Athlone Town surprised everyone by coming second, and Peamount United, despite some writing them off, are still a quality side. Add into that a returning Shamrock Rovers, absent from the league for some time, now back in the women’s game having made big moves in the transfer market.
Shamrock Rovers are the big name and the casual onlookers favourites to take the title, but in reality it won’t be straight forward. They’ve but together a strong team, but it’s a team full of players that haven’t played together. It may take them until midseason to really gel, and by then there’s a break. They have a quality goalkeeper in Amanda Budden, and proven goalscorers in Stephanie Zambra and Áine O’Gorman, one of last seasons revelations in Jessica Hennessy, and further quality in Alannah McEvoy, Abbie Larkin, and Savannah McCarthy. That’s a Women’s National League fantasy football team that would get a lot of points, but it remains to be seen if those players will clock as a team, and whether the amounts of money involved get in the way of a good atmosphere.
Wexford Youths are our favourites for the league. They were good last season, and they’ve added to their team well with one of the best defenders in the league Louise Corrigan, one of last seasons top scorers in Emily Corbet, and a returning legend in Rianna Jarrett. They have managed to keep together much of last years team too. Maeve Williams had something of a breakout year in goal last season and will continue to improve, Kylie Murphy can go back to her preferred midfield role, and Ellen Molloy is set to return from injury. There are so many goals in this team, and they are bound to win something this year.
Shelbourne, Peamount, and Athlone have all lost big names who helped them in their quest last season. One takeaway from the President’s Cup game was who will fill in at number 9 for Athlone, with numerous players having a go in that role. Shelbourne looked like world beaters in the first half of last weekends game and pressed very well, but were second best in the second half. Those who write Peamount off are doing so at their peril.
As for the other six sides, it’s hard to know who finishes where. Bohs have signed wisely and Cork City looked a significantly improved team in the latter part of last season. DLR Waves are relying heavily on youth this year having seen an exodus of players. Galway United are under a new identity and may see a fresh set of eyes on them. Sligo will be looking to build on a decent first season, whereas Treaty United will have a chip on their shoulder having not won a game last term.

Fixtures This Week

Women’s Premier Division
Saturday 4th March

Shelbourne vs Cork City
14:00, Tolka Park

Galway United vs Wexford Youths
14:00, Eamonn Deacey Park

Sligo Rovers vs Shamrock Rovers
17:00, The Showgrounds

Treaty United vs Bohemians
17:00, Market’s Field

Athlone Town vs Peamount United
19:00, Athlone Town Stadium

Athlone Town vs Peamount overs an early season title 6-pointer. The champions host a resurgent Cork City side. Bohemians go to a Treaty side looking for a first win in over a year, we have a Rovers derby, and Wexford go to a revamped Galway.

Ireland on the Road
to the World Cup

Ireland played out a good draw against China PR in Marbella, Spain. Louise Quinn was exceptional as usual. There wee nervy moments but also promising signs for Ireland. It’s hard to read into a first friendly of the year but it’s good that the players have had a camp together.

There are four more friendlies scheduled ahead of the World Cup opener against Australia in July. Ireland will play USA twice away from home, and France and Zambia in Tallaght.

Results

Thursday 23rd February
Ireland 0-0 China PR

Fixtures

Saturday 8th April
USA vs Ireland

Tuesday 11th April
USA vs Ireland

Thursday 22nd June
Ireland vs Zambia

Thursday 6th July
Ireland vs France

Elsewhere

Since moving on from Shelbourne Ireland international Jamie Finn has been doing well at Birmingham City. She recently played her 150th senior match.

Jamie is a cool-headed defensive player who does well in a holding midfielder role or as a centre-back. She’ll no doubt be in the Ireland squad in Australia come the Summer. Finn is adept at winning the ball back and screening the defense, and will play a key role for Ireland going forward.

Last month on the other side of the Atlantic, Ireland’s superstar Denise O’Sullivan was named as captain for her club NC Courage. Congratulations to an incredible player.

Around the Web!

Here’s some content on Irish women’s football from some of our buddies.

The Other 3 Amigos is a dedicated Cork City podcast, with a regular episode on the women’s side called Las Damas, featuring Eileen who you would have heard on the latest episode of Peil and Back.

Visit TOTAP.ie for all their links and content

The WNL Show is an outlet dedicated purely to Irish women’s football, so naturally they’ve been busy in recent weeks.

Follow @theWNLShow to keep up with their content

Before you go

All season we will be raising money for Ireland’s National Autism Charity As I Am. Visit our Charity Fundraiser Page and follow our progress and read up on our challenges. Every single donation goes a long way.

Follow @PostToPostSport on Twitter and Instagram for all our updates!

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Irish Football (Soccer), Women's International, womens national league

Women’s Football Blast – September 14th

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It’s a Thursday Women’s Football Blast this week, we’ll be back to our regular Wednesday slot next week.

At Home

The Women’s National League returned after the international break with five games bringing in 20 goals.

Women’s National League Results – Saturday 10th September

Sligo Rovers 2-5 Galway

Goals: McGrory 8′ (1-0), Erickson 10′ (1-1), McGrory 16′ (2-1), Brennan 38′ (2-2), Reynolds 50′ (2-3), Singleton 62′ (2-4), Slattery 70′(2-5)

DLR Waves 1-1 Athlone Town

Goals: Mooney 39′ (1-0), Gibson 77′ (1-1)

Treaty United 0-4 Bohemians

Goals: Doyle 41′ (0-1), Brophy 49′ (0-2), Brophy 55′ (0-3), Prior 69′ (0-4)

Wexford Youths 5-1 Cork City

Goals: Dring 10′ (0-1), Clancy P 39′ (1-1), Clancy P 54′ (2-1), Rossiter 67′ (3-1), Molloy 79′ (4-1), Murphy 83′ (5-1)

Shelbourne 0-1 Peamount United

Goals: Roche 75′ (0-1)

As It Stands

With five games to go the big takeaway is the change in league leaders.

Wexford Move Top

Last week we said the title race is between a two to four horse race. It’s certainly four now with Shelbourne dropping points but Wexford are clear frontrunners. The lead is one point, but form wise this Wexford side look unstoppable.

As the title race takes another turn, here’s the thoughts of a good friend of Post to Post Sport, Wexford Youths and Wexford FC media officer Ronan McCarthy:

Last year’s WNL took a shock turn in the final weekend live on TG4, when Peamount’s defeat at home to Galway handed the title over to Shelbourne after their win against the Youths. Looking at the final four games of this season, absolutely anything is possible once again. The early season form of Shelbourne was the strongest in WNL history – with 12 straight wins with 12 straight cleansheets. It looked for all the world like Shelbourne would not be stopped, as they moved 10 points clear of their nearest rivals. Surely a procession for the final few months. Far from it. After the departures of Jess Ziu and Saoirse Noonan mid-season, Shelbourne’s form has looked far more human. Wexford Youths have clung on to Shelbourne’s coat-tails for dear life for much of this season, but are now hitting imperious form of their own, and they have now moved themselves to league leaders by a single point. Some amazing weeks ahead for WNL fans, with all eyes certainly on Ferrycarrig Park on the final day 29th October as the Youths play host to Shelbourne. A title-decider for the ages.

Ronan McCarthy (@RonanTheGreek)

A legend of the league Kylie Murphy had a landmark to celebrate, reaching 100 club goals. Considering a lot of them were from midfield it’s a very impressive stat. The 100 includes a Champions League hat trick, which not a lot of Irish players can boast.

A proud moment for Kylie, up there with calling teammate Ciara Rossiter “a bit of a whingebag (in training)” on our podcast once. Multiple Wexford Youths players have backed-up this assertion.

Galway Set To Depart

On Sunday just after 18:00 Galway WFC released the following statement:

At a time where the women’s game is growing in Ireland it’s not the news we would hope for. Galway is a big region to not have a team. Particularly with the expansion of the league to two tiers expected by 2025, it’s not a good sign to have a side drop out.

Attention turned quickly to Galway United, who have since released a statement saying they are looking at the possibility of taking over the women’s side.

The statement is a bit vague. There is talk that every men’s League of Ireland side have to be linked in with a women’s side. But it’s important that those links aren’t fast-tracked. One thing we don’t need in the WNL is teams coming in for a short stint and dropping out. If Galway United do take over it’s important it’s done in the right way with academy structures. There needs to be sustainability there rather than just a quick fix.

With talk of the league going semi-professional it’s not a good sign to have Galway talking about struggling to make it to the end of the season. Hopefully this gets cleared up and we still have Galway in the league next season. I’s a bit messy right now but there’s too much talent between all age levels in Galway women’s football to not have a senior team.

Optimistically we can hope that Galway United come in and we have a well run club with underage structures. We don’t need lip service to the women’s game, we need real commitment to growing the women’s game.

Baffling

While Wexford beat Cork in convincing fashion in the end, there was a major turning point in the first half. Cork had taken the lead and were holding their own before the ref gave a penalty for, well, not a whole lot really.

It’s a head scratching decision that really doesn’t reflect well on the league. While standards of officiating have improved this season (foul throws are being called at least), it let’s down the league when we are talking about refereeing decisions like this.

Watching it again it’s still hard to believe this was given. Minimal.

Bohs Summer Recruits Turning Heads

Niamh Prior and Rachel Doyle got on the scoresheet for Bohemians over the weekend (admittedly Doyle’s shot took a generous deflection but it’s what we call a Doyleginho special). Both players joined from Waves over the Summer in search of more game time.

Prior and Doyle have shown they are well worth a starting place with their performances over the last while, particularly in attack. Rachel Doyle has long been one of the most talented midfielders in the league with exceptional vision. Niamh Prior is a versatile player who is now getting the chance to shine in a more attack-minded wide role. Both players are proving to be big assets to their new club and will help Bohs in their quest to finish the league in strong fashion. Interestingly, their next game is against their former side DLR Waves, who fellow Bohs stars Ciara Maher and Katie Burdis also played for last season.

Cup Semi-Finals Approach

For four clubs this weekend offers a last chance for four clubs to build momentum for the FAI Cup semi-finals.

FAI Cup Semi-Finals -September 24th

Shelbourne vs Bohemians, Tolka Park, K/O 14:00

Athlone Town vs Wexford Youths, Athlone Town Stadium, K/O 16:30

Tolka park should be packed for this Dublin Derby a Shels and Boohs season ticket holders will be allowed in for free. That’s a great initiative that should contribute to an amazing atmosphere.

Three of the teams in that line-up are in the title race. Athlone Town are six points of 1st spot in the league but may feel that the cup is a better chance of silverware. Bohemians have proven to be formidable this season, and this is their defining game. Athlone and Bohs appearing in a cup final just three seasons into their spells in the WNL would be an incredible achievement and a statement of intent. If neutrals are looking at this game they may be hoping that we see both sides in the final for a guaranteed underdog winner.

It wouldn’t be unreasonable to think Shels or Wexford could be preoccupied, but neither will overlook their cup games. There’s only two chances for silverware since the League Cup hasn’t been played for a 3rd consecutive season, this is an important game for both these sides.

Up Next

Athlone will know they need to beat Shelbourne to stay in the title race, anything less than three points and the gap will be too much to make up. Cork host Galway in an emotional week for the away side, Cork will be looking to build on recent improved performances. Peamount can’t afford to drop points against Sligo as they try to keep pace with the top two. DLR Waves will be aiming to keep their unbeaten run going and distance themselves from Bohs in a Dublin derby. Wexford have momentum on their side as they host bottom side Treaty.

Saturday 17th September Fixtures

Athlone Town vs Shelbourne

Athlone Town Stadum / 16:30

Cork City vs Galway

Turners Cross / 17:00

Peamount United vs Sligo Rovers

PRL Park / 17:00

Bohemians vs DLR Waves

Dalymount Park / 18:00

Wexford Youths vs Treaty United

Ferrycarrig Park / 18:00

Remember you can watch every game that is not on TG4 live on LOITV.ie for free with sign-up.

Cailín in Green

Ireland have been drawn to play the winners of the tie between Scotland and Austria in the play-off second leg. The game will be away from home.

It’s a difficult draw as the Scots and Austrians are both ranked higher and have major tournament appearances to their name. In the World Rankings Ireland sit 26th, Scotland are 23rd, while Austria are 20th. Scotland would probably be the preferred draw with it being a shorter trip. Austria were impressive in the Euros over the Summer.

One of the best stories in this team is Chloe Mustaki. The left wingback has had an emotional year, making her Ireland debut after battling cancer and serious injury.

We spoke with Chloe about Ireland making the play-offs, how competitive the squad is, and her move from Shelbourne to Bristol City.

We all dream of a team of Mustaki’s

As Chloe mentioned there’s plenty of football to be played before the play-off on October 11th with the English domestic season kicking off this weekend after a delayed start.

Around the Web

Read up our report of the latest round of WNL games on ImpetusFootball.Org.

Make sure you have a look at this weeks WNL Wrap:

On Sunday Cathal Dennehy wrote up a piece for the Independent on Ireland international Savannah McCarthy. Cathal spoke with Savannah about representing the Travelling Community and recovering from injury. You can read it here.

FinalWhistle.ie had one of Ireland’s best defenders, Louise Quinn, on their podcasts.

Make sure you follow @TheWNLShow on Twitter for all things Irish women’s football.

One Last Thing…

Make sure you follow @PostToPostSport on Twitter and PostToPostSport on Instagram.

And if you’ve enjoyed any of our stuff please take a look at our fundraiser for Ireland’s National Autism Charity. You can read up on the different challenges we’ve done and why we chose to raise money for As I Am. The link to donate is on our charity fundraiser page, all donations are greatly appreciated and every little bit goes a long way.

The Women’s Football Blast will be back next Wednesday with all the Irish women’s football content you can handle.