Shelbourne's efficiency crushes Athlone Town's double hopes in the Club Orange Women’s FAI Cup

Shelbourne produced a brilliantly efficient performance to win the Club Orange Women’s FAI Cup, ending Athlone Town’s hopes of completing a league‑and‑cup double‑double. The final at Tallaght Stadium saw the Shels claim three first‑half goals before Athlone’s late consolation proved insufficient.

First‑half dominance

Shelbourne opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Halle Harcourt, who turned sixteen in June, tapped in a rebound after goalkeeper Maria Matthaiou saved a free‑kick. Alex Kavanagh then controlled the midfield, dictating play and setting up the second goal. Within the 15th minute, Kavanagh’s free‑kick curled over the wall and into the net, giving Shelbourne a two‑goal lead.

Six minutes later, Harcourt linked with Maeve Wollmer, whose run past two defenders culminated in a finish that made it three‑nil. The trio’s movement left Athlone’s three‑player back line exposed, and the crowd at Tallaght Stadium reacted with a roar.

Athlone’s fight back

Despite the deficit, Athlone Town, crowned league champions the previous night after Galway United were beaten by Wexford, pressed for a reply. Hannah Waesch struck a fine goal in the second half, but it arrived too late to change the momentum.

Midway through the second period, Athlone created chances: Isabel Ryan’s pass to Alex Strickland forced a quality save from Shelbourne keeper Mya Sanchez, and a cross from Kayleigh Shine was missed by Strickland, the ball ending up at Sanchez’s feet.

Later, Dana Scheriff’s point‑blank effort was blocked by Sanchez, while Nia Hannon smothered the rebound. Kerryanne Brown’s long‑range shot was clawed onto the bar by the same keeper, underscoring Shelbourne’s defensive resilience.

Closing moments and aftermath

In the final minute, Waesch’s lovely finish gave Athlone a consolation goal, but Shelbourne held on to seal the cup, adding another piece of silver to their season. The match was played in mild autumn sunshine with a light breeze, and pre‑match fanfare was tinged by a ‘Stop The Game’ banner referencing events in Debrecen.

Coach Sean Russell’s substitutions, including bringing on Rebecca Watkins for Harcourt, helped Shelbourne maintain control as the clock wound down. With the victory, Shelbourne prevented Athlone Town from becoming the first side since Raheny United in 2013‑14 to achieve a double‑double.