This week on the League of Ireland Women’s Podcast, Breifne Earley and Aaron Clarke unpack a busy few days in Irish women's football — from European playoffs to the FAI Cup Semi-Final clash with Leinster Rugby, and a full round of League action with major title implications.
🗣️ Talking Points:
🇪🇺 Athlone’s European Dream: Not Over Yet
Despite falling 3-1 to Breidablik in Iceland, Athlone Town aren’t done with Europe just yet. They now face a playoff for a place in the inaugural UEFA Women’s Europa League – can they bounce back?
📉 FAI Layoffs & Player Pathway Concerns
News of staff layoffs at the FAI has raised alarm bells – and with whispers of a restructure to U23/U18 in the women’s underage leagues, questions linger as the recent academy report suggested U15 as the best entry point. Are we moving in the wrong direction?
🏟️ Cup Semi-Final vs Rugby: Scheduling Tensions
A scheduling controversy brews as the FAI Women’s Cup Semi-Final (7:35pm) is set to go ahead in Tallaght on the same day as Leinster Rugby’s fixture at 3pm in the same venue. Could this impact crowd, coverage or atmosphere?
⚽ Weekend Results:
A cracking round of League fixtures saw title races tighten and stories emerge across the country:
🔴 Athlone Town 2–1 Shelbourne
A huge blow in Shels' title charge as the champions took all three points and breathe fresh life into the race.
🟣 Cork City 0–2 Peamount United
A composed Peas performance to keep their chase alive.
💚 Sligo Rovers 1–4 Shamrock Rovers
Ruthless finishing helps Rovers steady the ship in style.
🔵 Galway United 2–1 Bohemians
Amanda Smith’s stoppage-time screamer completes a thrilling turnaround in Eamonn Deacy Park.
🟡 DLR Waves 4–2 Waterford
A six-goal thriller sees DLR grab a rare but vital win.
⚫ Wexford 0–1 Treaty United
Katie Lawlee’s moment of magic earns Treaty a massive away result.
