Russell hopes teenage duo will spark Shelbourne after Club Orange Cup

Shelbourne manager Seán Russell said he is over the moon after his youthful side dismantled double‑chasing Athlone Town in the Club Orange FAI Cup final on Sunday, hoping the performance will catapult the teenagers into Republic of Ireland recognition for the national team.

Teenage stars ignite

Halle Harcourt, 16, and Maeve Wollmer, 18, both found the net as the Reds toppled Lily Agg's freshly crowned SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division champions. The match was effectively decided by half‑time when Shelbourne raced to a three‑goal lead. Harcourt's pace and movement tormented the Athlone defence, while Wollmer proved equally effective on the left, linking with Isabella Flocchini and Alex Kavanagh to create numerous chances.

Russell said the display was “everything we would have hoped for” and praised the composure and game intelligence the youngsters showed after a hard two‑week spell. He added that the presence of Republic of Ireland head coach Carla Ward in the stands meant the players were being judged on moments like this. As an ex‑Treaty United boss, Russell believes the under‑age camps will now have a clear example of talent to follow.

Veterans lift the side

Alex Kavanagh, who scored a stunning free‑kick, was named player of the match for her superb midfield work. Pearl Slattery, the captain, marked her tenth FAI Cup final appearance with a composed performance at the back. Russell lauded Kavanagh, calling her “overlooked” despite her consistency, and described her as an “incredible player” with fantastic character.

United face a talent vacuum as JJ Gabriel seeks European exit

He also spoke highly of Slattery, noting that her personality and care for teammates make the dressing‑room environment easier for the manager. “To have a captain like Pearl who genuinely looks out for everyone is amazing,” Russell said, adding that she never seeks the spotlight herself. The veteran’s influence, he believes, underpins the young side’s confidence.

European hopes remain

Shelbourne’s league campaign may have slipped out of the title race, but for the first time second place guarantees a European berth. With fixtures remaining against Waterford, Athlone and Galway, the Reds still have “one more step to do”, Russell asserted. He stressed that the club is “disappointed” not to have challenged for the league but remains focused on securing continental football.

“We want European football and we want to give the fans that,” Russell declared, emphasizing that the season is not over yet. He concluded that the team will enjoy the cup triumph but will keep pushing for the remaining objectives. The manager’s optimism suggests Shelbourne will aim to translate cup success into a European qualification.