Shauna Brennan of Athlone Town (left) celebrates with Roisin Molloy and Madison Gibson (right( after scoring her side's goal during the Sports Direct Women's FAI Cup semi-final versus Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds. Photo: Sportsfile, courtesy of the FAI.

Athlone to face familiar foes in third straight final

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As expected, Athlone Town booked their place in a third successive Women's FAI Cup final by defeating Sligo Rovers in their semi-final today (Sunday).

Table toppers Athlone went into the game as warm favourites against a Sligo team which has failed to win a league game all season. However, Tommy Hewitt's charges made Athlone earn their victory at The Showgrounds, with Shauna Brennan scoring the all-important goal in a 1-0 win for Ciarán Kilduff's side.

On 32 minutes, a Madison Gibson corner wasn't fully cleared and the ball landed to Brennan inside the penalty area. Her shot took a deflection off a Sligo defender and ended up in the back of the net.

Athlone will meet Shelbourne for the third straight year in the decider, with Shels winning in 2022 and Athlone claiming victory on penalties last year.

The 2024 Sports Direct Women's FAI Cup final will take on Sunday, October 20 in Tallaght Stadium.

In their semi-final on Saturday, Shelbourne proved much too strong for Cork City as they recorded a 5-0 triumph at Tolka Park with Noelle Murray scoring twice.

The Reds took the lead on 35 minutes through striker Kate Mooney before Murray converted a penalty to send the home team in at the break with a 2-0 lead.

Eoin Wearen's side increased their advantage within a minute of the restart as Murray got her second and further goals from Christie Gray and Megan Smyth-Lynch sealed the win.

Kieran Galvin
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