Athlone Town hold Galway United as title celebrations wait

Women Premier Division Champs Athlone Town held Galway United to a thrilling 0‑0 stalemate, the decisive moment arriving when American defender Jade Rehberger blocked Madie Gibson’s volley on the line, preserving the clean sheet as the home side prepared to celebrate a historic third consecutive title.

Agg's bold six‑player overhaul

Lily Agg, the Irish international manager, entered the match knowing her side had already retained the title a week earlier without kicking a ball, thanks to Wexford’s win over Galway United. Unhappy after her first defeat in the FAI Cup final to Shelbourne, Agg made six changes to the line‑up that started the showpiece, refusing to let celebration distract from a response she demanded.

First half: tight defensive duel

The encounter began with fireworks on and off the pitch as both sides produced a cup‑tie atmosphere. Emma Doherty chased her 12th league goal while Lucy‑Jayne Grant hovered on the brink of her first Northern Ireland call‑up, yet neither keeper was seriously tested. The home side’s best chance came just before half‑time when Jade Rehberger, handling league top‑scorer Dana Scheriff, forced a save, and a later volley from skipper Madie Gibson was denied by Rehberger’s blocked line‑clearance.

Second half: chances erupt

Both teams opened up after the break, with Gibson’s corner curling onto the post after Amanda McQuillan’s fingertip deflection. Emma Mooney smashed a left‑footed effort against the post, and Roisin Molloy’s pinpoint cross to Alexis Strickland was ruled out for off‑side. Goalkeeper Courtney Maguire kept the clean sheet intact, denying Eve Doessen from close range with cat‑like reflexes.

The final whistle sparked chants of “Stand up, for the Champions” as the defenders and keepers claimed moral victories. Despite the draw, Athlone Town celebrated their third straight Women’s Premier Division title, while Galway United continued their push for second place and a coveted European spot.

Line‑ups saw Athlone Town field Courtney Maguire; Emma Mooney, Kellie Brennan, Sofia Stovold, Shauna Brennan (sub Michaela Hand 71’); Melissa O’Kane (Hazel Donegan 85’), Kerryanne Brown (Noelle Murray 71’); Roisin Molloy, Alexis Strickland, Madie Gibson (Izzy Ryan 80’); Dana Scheriff. Galway United started Amanda McQuillan; Lucy‑Jayne Grant, Jade Rehberger, Ella Raimondi (Ava Mullins 38’), Aoibheann Costello; Isabella Beletic, Niamh Farrelly, Eve Doessen, Aislinn Meaney (Emily Fitzgerald 71’), Cara Griffin, Emma Doherty (Aoibhin Donnelly 85’). The match was refereed by Daryl Carolan.