After an eventful international break in Ireland, the Women’s Premier Division returned last weekend in full force. Here's a round-up of what went on.
A Scoreless Dublin Derby
By far the most talked about match was a showdown between two rival Dublin sides. This was when Shelbourne FC welcomed arch rivals Shamrock Rovers to Tolka Park on Saturday.
Even though a remarkable show of talent was displayed on the pitch throughout the game, the result was a 0-0 scoreless draw. However, this is not to say that there weren’t changes. Indeed, at 24 minutes in, a handball by Shels midfielder Jess Gargan saw a penalty awarded to Rovers. Taken by veteran footballer Aine O’Gorman, her kick was saved by Shelbourne keeper Amanda McQuillan.
🗞️ Our take as the Hoops are held to a scoreless draw at Tolka Park 👇
— Shamrock Rovers Women (@RoversWomen) April 14, 2024
Galway Crush Bohs
The most one-sided result of the weekend was a 4-0 win by Galway against Bohemians at Eamonn Deacy Park. The visiting team had little time to get adjusted to the game when the first point was scored just ten minutes into the match. Out of all the goals scored, one near the half hour mark stood out. This was goal 25 yards out by Galway’s Linsey McKee, who capitalised on a pass by Therese Kinnevey.
Due to this big result, Galway have been catapulted to the top of the WPD league table above Athlone. They are four wins from four and five points clear of Athlone Town in second place.
TABLE | SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division
Galway remain on top with Athlone climbing to 2nd 🙌#WLOI | #LOITV | @SportTG4 pic.twitter.com/GkUkAJWxFj— LOI Women (@LoiWomen) April 13, 2024
Athlone Stands Strong Against Peas
The current WFAI victors Athlone maintained their prowess on the pitch as they went head to head with Peas at home. Even though Peamount achieved the first point of the day with a penalty scored by Ellen Dolan, Athlone bounced back with a goal whipped in from the penalty area by Casey Howe. Howe then set the scene for Athlone’s subsequent goal when her shot rebounded off the crossbar before being kicked in by Maddie Gibson and off of the Peamount goalkeeper's hand. Two more goals would come for Athlone and as such, they claim second place in the WPD league table below Galway.
What a performance from Athlone’s Casey Howe last night! 🤩#WLOI | #ATHPEA pic.twitter.com/1wf8iYBkLj
— LOI Women (@LoiWomen) April 14, 2024
