Athlone Town's Madison Gibson, left and Kayleigh Shine celebrate winning the 2025 SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division league title after victory Cork City at Turner's Cross. Photo: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Five Athlone Town players on Team of the Year

Kieran Galvin

Published: Fri 31 Oct 2025, 8:25 AM

Last updated: Fri 31 Oct 2025, 8:43 AM

The accolades keep coming for the all-conquering Athlone Town women with five players selected on the 2025 PFA Ireland Women's Premier Division Team of the Year.

Athlone retained the Women's Premier Division title and went on to complete the double by winning the Women's FAI Cup earlier this month, so it's hardly surprising to see such strong representation on the team. The midlanders also enjoyed an exciting European adventure, winning three games in the Champions League qualifiers.

The five Athlone players are goalkeeper Megan Plaschko, defender Kayleigh Shine, midfielder Hannah Waesch, winger Madison Gibson and striker Kelly Brady. Four of the five players selected were born in the United States of America, with local star Kayleigh Shine the exception.

The top scorer in the Women's Premier Division this season, Brady was chosen for two Player of the Month awards in 2025 (April and October). Brady scored a hat-trick in Athlone's victory over Bohemians in the FAI Cup final was called up to train with the Ireland squad ahead of the recent games against Belgium.

Waesch, who is from Texas and also holds German citizenship, has been outstanding at midfield and she picked up the Player of the Month award for September.

Congratulating Kayleigh Shine on her award, Athlone Town said the Drum native has been “rock solid all season” and that's a view that nobody could argue with.

Madison Gibson has caused opposing defences huge problems all season with her ability to create chances from the wing, in addition to her own scoring threat from set pieces and open play.

Goalkeeper Megan Plaschko has been impressive in filling the void left by the departure of Katie Keane at the end of last season.

The PFAI Team of the Year was voted for by the players and the remainder of the team is made up of players from Peamount United, Shamrock Rovers, Galway United, Wexford, Treaty United and Shelbourne, who finished as runners-up to Athlone in the Premier Division title race.

PFAI Women's Premier Division Team of the Year: Megan Plaschko (Athlone Town), Mary Phillips (Peamount United), Maria Reynolds (Shamrock Rovers), Kayleigh Shine (Athlone Town), Aoibheann Costello (Galway United), Ellen Molloy (Wexford), Hannah Waesch (Athlone Town), Isabella Flocchini (Treaty United), Mackenzie Anthony (Shelbourne), Kelly Brady (Athlone Town), Madison Gibson (Athlone Town).