Sorensen joins staff as Women FAI Cup final looms

Rachel Graham and former Republic of Ireland teammate Méabh De Búrca are back with Raf Diallo, preparing for Sunday’s Club Orange Women FAI Cup final between Shelbourne and Athlone Town, while Brian Sorensen signs on to Carla Ward’s Girls in Green staff.

League form shapes the final

Saturday’s SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division saw Athlone Town take a big step toward the league title, whereas Shelbourne slipped up at home to Shamrock Rovers. The league race remains tight, with rising power Galway United also eyeing the season’s outcome.

Players look ahead

Graham, heading into her 11th cup final, joins De Búrca – a 2007 winner – to preview the decider and discuss the competition’s timing and status. Both stress the importance of the Women’s FAI Cup as a showcase for the sport.

Sorensen’s new role

Shortly before his confirmation as Ireland assistant manager for the upcoming World Cup play‑offs, Sorensen’s credentials were praised by De Búrca, highlighting his former Everton managerial experience.

The appointment sees Sorensen working under Ward, whose “Girls in Green” moniker reflects the national team’s nickname. Their combined expertise is expected to benefit both the national set‑up and the club environment.

With the final set for Sunday, the contrast between Athlone Town’s title charge and Shelbourne’s recent league stumble underscores the unpredictable nature of the Women’s FAI Cup.