Weekend Review, Galway Stay Perfect & Attendance Debate

Breifne Earley and Aaron Clarke return to look back on another busy weekend of action across the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland Women’s Premier Division, with storylines emerging at every level of the game.

The episode opens with a look at the Women’s Development League (6:52), where Athlone Town’s approach of fielding a number of first team players in their second tier fixtures so far comes under discussion, raising questions about development versus competitiveness.

Attention then turns to the Women’s U17 League (10:56), where Mayo’s remarkable 11–1 win over Sligo Rovers prompts a conversation about academy structures and what it could mean for the Bit O’ Red at underage level.

In the Women’s Premier Division, Bohemians made a fast start against Cork City (16:00), with two early goals from Ciara Maher coming from pinpoint Sarah McKevitt corners. Savannah Kane added a late third, but Cork will feel they left opportunities behind, including two missed chances from captain Eva Mangan.

Peamount United spoiled the reunion in Tallaght Stadium with a 2–0 win over Shamrock Rovers (27:44), as goals from Sophie Byrne and Sorcha Melia secured the result. The panel take a closer look at Byrne’s opener, which may have taken a decisive deflection.

Galway United maintained their perfect start with a 2–1 win over Sligo Rovers (37:42). Sydney Stephens had given Sligo the lead early on, but two Ceola Bergin penalties, one in each half, turned the game. The match also saw an unusual moment as Niamh Farrelly accidentally collided with the referee, knocking him to the ground during play (46:55).

Wexford and Shelbourne shared the points in an entertaining 1–1 draw (48:27). A flowing Shelbourne move involving Aoibheann Clancy, Aoife Kelly and Becky Watkins set up Damico for the opener, before Ciara Rossiter quickly equalised. Shelbourne will feel aggrieved not to have been awarded a penalty just before the break.

Athlone Town edged past DLR Waves with a 1–0 win (56:19), courtesy of a freak own goal. Despite dominating large spells, Athlone again struggled to convert chances, while DLR will point to missed opportunities that could have changed the outcome.

Treaty United secured bragging rights in the Munster derby with a 3–0 win over Waterford (60:12). Ciara Breslin struck twice, with Kate Jones adding a late header, as Madison McGuane and Katie Lawlee impressed throughout. Waterford created chances but were unable to find a way past Katherine Hess.

The episode concludes with a full review of the latest fixtures and standings across the Women’s Premier Division (64:55), the Women’s Development League (66:22) and the Women’s U17 League (67:16), before the lads discuss the issue of attendances across the league and the challenges facing clubs in growing matchday crowds (68:50).