Madie Gibson departs Athlone
Madison Gibson has announced her departure from Athlone Town.
The American has been arguably the most influential figure in Athlone's dominance of women's football in Ireland in recent years.
Gibson has been an ever present over the last four and a half seasons during which Athlone secured three successive league titles and five FAI Women's Cup final appearances in a row.
Gibson revealed the news on her social media yesterday.
She said: "After 4 and a half years, the time has come for me to say goodbye.
"I want to thank all the supporters who have stood behind us throughout my time here. Your support has meant more than you will ever know. To the people of the town, thank you for welcoming me with open arms, making me feel at home and treating me like one of your own. You made Athlone feel like home, and I will always be grateful for that.
"To my teammates, thank you for everything. For the memories, the laughs, the hard times, and the good times. I’ve made friendships here that will last long beyond football, and that’s something will forever be thankful for.
"To the core group of the Athlone women’s team. 5 cup finals. 4 presidents cup. 3 league titles in a row. 8 trophies. You have forever changed women’s football and no one can take that away from you.
"I’ve given absolutely everything I have to this club and I hope that when I look back on my time here, I can say I’ve left the club in a better place than when I first arrived in 2022.
"I leave with a heavy heart, but also with immense pride and gratitude for everything these past 4 and a half years have given me.
"Thank you to everyone who has played a part in my journey here. You have made this chapter of my life truly special, and one I will never forget."
The left-footed wide player joined Athlone in the middle of the 2022 campaign, and has racked up both team and individual honours in the intervening years. She has league medals with Athlone in 2024, 2025 and 2026 and FAI Women's Cup winners medals in 2023 and 2025.
She was also named in the PFAI Women's Team of the Year for 2023, 2024 and 2025.