Chloe Singleton: Outstanding Achievement finalist
Chloe Singleton was a key figure on the Athlone Town team which won the 2023 Women’s FAI Cup, and she has played a central role as the club chase a league and cup double this season.
Singleton was chosen for the player of the match award thanks to her impressive display in Athlone’s penalty shootout victory over Shelbourne in last year’s FAI Cup final at Tallaght Stadium.
The vice-captain of the team, Athlone native Chloe finished the dramatic final wearing the captain’s armband after injury forced off regular skipper Laurie Ryan.
It was a sweet and historic victory for Athlone Town, who reversed the result of the previous year’s final to lift the Women’s FAI Cup for the first time.
Singleton’s arrival from Galway United was a major boost for Athlone ahead of the 2023 season and the midlanders ended the season with silverware.
Athlone Town are currently top of the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division table as Ciarán Kilduff’s charges look to add the league title to last year’s cup success. Indeed, Athlone have their sights set on double glory, having qualified for the Women’s FAI Cup final for the third year in a row.
An attacker midfielder, Singleton’s ability to create chances and score goals has made her an influential presence in the Athlone team, and she was one of six nominees for the Women’s Premier Division Player of the Month for June.
A native of Monksland, Chloe has played in the Women’s National League for several years at this stage. The former Bealnamulla player has been capped at international level for the Ireland under-19 team and has trained with the Ireland senior squad.
A past pupil of Coláiste Chiaráin in Athlone, Chloe is a graduate of the University of Galway.
Singleton sustained a serious ankle injury in a league match away to Shelbourne last month. Although Athlone claimed a vital win over their title rivals in that game, the injury to Chloe overshadowed the victory and left her facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
But whatever happens between now and the end of the season, the contribution of Chloe Singleton to the Athlone cause certainly won’t be forgotten.
The other Outstanding Achievement finalists are Eileen Kenny and Ben O'Carroll.
The Westmeath Independent Community & Sports Awards 2024 takes place at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel today (Thursday).
The Outstanding Achievement category at the Westmeath Independent Community & Sports Awards 2024 is sponsored by DPD.