Easter weekend was full of twists and turns for the League of Ireland’s Women’s Premier Division.
The extended holiday was filled with two ties, victorious visiting sides and a debut appearance for a 15-year-old midfielder.
Shels Face Athlone for the First Time Since WFAI Loss
Shelbourne met last year’s WFAI winners Athlone for the first time since November when the two teams went head to head for the title at Tallaght Stadium. Playing away from home at Athlone Town’s home ground, the tables were turned.
Indeed, Shels were the ones putting the hosts under pressure after a goal by Noelle Murray put the Dublin side ahead 1-0. This was to be temporary, as Maddie Gibson’s goal in the 92nd minute of the match sealed the draw.
A New Face For Rovers
Irish U17 international Ella Kelly, a 15-year-old midfielder previously part of the Shamrock Rovers U17, side made her first appearance for the senior team against Treaty United. This marks a pivotal moment in Kelly’s career as the youngster makes the transition to senior football.
Tallaght took the lead early on into the match with ex-Ireland veteran Áine O’Gorman scoring in the first minute marking her 201st league goal.
🗣️ ''The basics let us down on the day, obviously just go back to the training ground and we'll have to take the point''
The skipper reflects on yesterday's draw in Tallaght 👇 pic.twitter.com/3bhu6NvlaA— Shamrock Rovers Women (@RoversWomen) March 31, 2024
“Look, it was a tough game and their physicality shone through”, O'Gorman said on the outcome of the match. On her early goal she added:
“Yeah look it was obviously good to get off to a nice start. It’s something we practised on the training ground and that’s nice when it comes together but obviously there’s still another 89 plus minutes to play.”
A McLaughlin Surprise
Much like O’Gorman’s early strike, Peamount’s Erin McLaughlin scored the sole goal against Wexford after converting a late penalty in the 86th minute.
Back to our best! 👊🟢⚫️ pic.twitter.com/fIqdnnigG2
— Peamount United Women (@PeamountWomen) March 30, 2024
The Donegal-native has had a significant few months making appearances with Ireland’s national team for their Nations League Campaign as well as a set of international friendlies. McLaughlin's week would get even better when she was called into the Ireland squad for Friday's game against France.
Outside of this, Galway United took down Sligo 3-2, and Cork City got their first win of the season with a 1-0 score against Bohs at Dalymount Park.
The LOI Women’s Premier Division will be taking time out of the league for the Women’s 2025 Euro Qualifiers resuming matches on April 13.
During this time Ireland is set to face group A counterparts England, France and Sweden.
