Athlone Town's superb women's team kick off league campaign this weekend
SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division Preview
by Kevin O'Neill
Having already captured a first trophy of the Irish women's soccer season last weekend by beating Shelbourne in the President's Cup, Athlone Town senior women's team begin the quest to retain the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division title this weekend when travelling to The Showgrounds to take on Sligo Rovers (5pm, LOITV).
At time of writing (Thursday, March 12) the all-conquering Athlone squad was preparing for an official civic reception from Westmeath County Council, to be held on Thursday evening in Athlone's council chambers, as a mark of respect for their wonderful on-field achievements last season.
John Sullivan's side won both the league and Women's FAI Cup, as well as making its mark on the European stage with glowing performances in the UEFA Women's Champions League and Europa League.
Dana Scheriff scored the only goal of the game as Athlone defeated Shelbourne at the Athlone Town Stadium last Sunday, securing further silverware for the club's thriving women's team . And they will no doubt have their hearts set on winning a third successive Premier Division title, as it would be the first ever for an Irish women's club team to pull off such an achievement.
Athlone will be hoping for a repeat of their league results against Sligo last season when they twice defeated the westerners by four goals. The strength of the Athlone squad was there for all to see in last Sunday's President's Cup victory over Shelbourne, as substitute Scheriff showed her goalscoring prowess on her return to the club after spells in Switzerland, USA and Czechia - see separate article here
The fact that Athlone could call on her from the substitutes' bench, to replace promising local attacker Hazel Donegan, suggests the Town might just have enough firepower to cope with the departure of last season's goalscorer supreme Kelly Brady, who joined the English side Crystal Palace.
In the wide areas, Madison Gibson and Roisin Molloy will no doubt continue to star for Athlone and the introduction, as substitutes, of Isabel Ryan and Alexis Strickland (against Shelbourne) again suggests Athlone might actually be in a stronger overall position this season.
It was also noteworthy last Sunday that Athlone really got a better grip on proceedings when local star Chloe Singleton was introduced as an attacking midfielder at half-time. Monksland native Singleton sustained a horrific ankle injury in August 2024 that kept her out of the majority of last season but last weekend's dominant performance suggested she is now well over her injury woes and ready to contribute significantly for the 2026 campaign.
Her fellow midfielders Hannah Waesch and 16 year-old Emma Mooney also stood out for Athlone last weekend, while debutant goalkeeper Courtney Maguire dealt capably with anything that came her way. With the same back four still intact from last season, including Drum native Kayleigh Shine, Maguire or Athlone's other senior 'keeper Maria Matthiou - who was on international duty with Cyprus last weekend - will be expected to be part of a very solid defensive unit.
Gavin Hughes was recently appointed manager of the Sligo women’s team following a spell in charge of the Bohemians U19 side. He replaces the former Athlone own men's player Steve Feeney. There has been a large turnover in playing personnel at Sligo following a tenth-placed finish (in the 12-team league).
They havev added former Bohemians underage players Abby Rooney and Kelsey McQuillan, while former academy player Emma Duffy returned after a spell with Galway Utd. They have also recruited six overseas players with Sydney Stephens, Manu Baptista Filipe, Cara Jordan, Natalie Yoo, Ella Karolak and Sabrina Hillyer arriving from the US. Ava Hallinan, who have signed their first professional contracts with the Bit O'Red are among other additions to the group.
Following Saturday's league opener, Athlone women will return to Athlone Town Stadium to host DLR Waves on Saturday, March 21 (7.30pm).