The President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, with FAI President's Cup representatives Laurie Ryan of Athlone Town and Karen Duggan of Peamount United at Áras an Uachtaráin. Athlone host Peamount in the President's Cup game tomorrow (Saturday). Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.

Athlone Town invites local clubs to President's Cup clash with Peamount on Saturday

Adrian Cusack

Published: Fri 1 Mar 2024, 4:06 PM

Last updated: Fri 1 Mar 2024, 5:19 PM

The Athlone Town women's team begin their 2024 campaign with the visit of Peamount United for the President's Cup tomorrow (Saturday, March 2) at 5pm.

Ciaran Kilduff's side are the reigning FAI Cup holders and are taking on league champions Peamount in the annual curtain-raiser to the new season.

Athlone are also the reigning President's Cup champions, having defeated Shelbourne on penalties in the fixture last year.

President Michael D Higgins was in Lissywollen for the President's Cup game last year, but won't be able to attend on this occasion, having been hospitalised yesterday (Thursday) after feeling unwell.

Speaking to athlonetownafc.ie ahead of this weekend's game, manager Kilduff said: "It's great to have the work done. We've had a first pre-season as a group and it's great to have this game to look forward to.

"The girls are looking forward to it, but we are coming up against a great side. (Peamount) had the league wrapped up really early last year and they will be really up for it too."

Athlone have some injury concerns to contend with, as Chloe Singleton, Madison Gibson and Jenaya Robertson are all doubtful for tomorrow having missed training last week. In addition, Ciara Glackin has been ruled out for another week or two.

Athlone Town today extended an invitation to local clubs to attend Saturday's game, offering complimentary tickets to players and coaches.

"Athlone Town AFC are delighted to offer free tickets for any underage teams, including tickets for 2 coaches per team," stated the club in a social media post.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for young players to experience the thrill of a live game and see their heroes in action.

"Please email Secretary@athlonetownafc.ie with the details of your team and the number of tickets you require. We advise you to act promptly, as tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The tickets will be emailed to the coach to distribute."

The Athlone Town men's team, having drawn away to Cobh last Friday are in the opposite end of the country tonight, facing Finn Harps in Ballybofey (kick-off: 7.45pm).

The women's team, meanwhile, begin their league campaign next Saturday night, March 9, at home to Galway United (kick-off: 7.30pm).

The Athlone Town women's squad for 2024 is as follows: Katie Keane, Ciara Glackin, Amy Mahon, Julia Gawalkiewicz, Kellie Brennan, Kayleigh Shine, Shauna Brennan, Jesi Rossman, Kate Slevin, Ciara O'Neill, Chloe Singleton, Kerry Brown, Laurie Ryan (C), Jenaya Robertson, Abby Carchio, Gillian Keenan, Casey Howe, Roisin Molloy, Madison Gibson, Antea Guvo, Hazel Donegan.