The President of Ireland Catherine Connolly receives FAI President's Cup representatives Athlone Town's Maddie Gibson, left, and Shelbourne's Rachel Graham at Áras an Uachtaráin in Dublin, in advance of the fixture to be played in the Athlone Town Stadium this Sunday, March 8, at 2pm. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.

Catherine Connolly to miss President's Cup fixture in Athlone

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President of Ireland Catherine Connolly will not be in attendance at the Women's President's Cup fixture between Athlone Town and Shelbourne in Lissywollen on Sunday afternoon.

Áras an Uactaráin has confirmed that "due to a pre-existing commitment" the President would not be present at what has become the traditional curtain-raising fixture to the women's premier division season.

Athlone Town will be hoping to regain the President's Cup from Shelbourne on Sunday and set the tone for their season to come.

John Sullivan's charges achieved a historic Premier Division and FAI Cup double in 2025 and will be hoping that such high-flying form can continue in 2026.

Sunday's hosts will be without last season’s SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division Player of the Year and top scorer, Kelly Brady, who moved to Crystal Palace in the close season.

However, the team have retained the bulk of the squad that delivered the league and cup double, while bolstering it with new additions.

Former Shelbourne stalwart Noelle Murray, Dana Sheriff and Courtney Maguire have been added to the squad, alongside two signings from Shamrock Rovers in Melissa O’Kane and Aimee Neal.

Athlone won the first two editions of the Women’s President’s Cup, while Shelbourne claimed the trophy last year at Tolka Park.

Athlone have appeared in all editions of the Women’s President’s Cup since 2023.

Athlone start the defence of their Premier Division title with a trip to the Showgrounds to play Sligo Rovers on Saturday, March 14, at 5pm.

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