Kilduff resigns after Athlone fall to heavy defeat in cup decider
Ciarán Kilduff has stepped down from his role as head coach of the Athlone Town women’s team.
The decision was announced last night (Sunday) after Athlone were hammered 6-1 by Shelbourne in the Sports Direct Women's FAI Cup final at Tallaght Stadium earlier in the day.
Having guided Athlone to FAI Cup success last season, Kilduff led the team to their first Women's Premier Division title this season.
Speaking about his decision, Kilduff said: “It has been an absolute honour to work with such talented players and dedicated staff. Winning the Premier Division title with this team is something I will cherish forever. However, after much reflection, I feel this is the right moment for me to step away.
"I informed the club of my decision after the game. I am extremely proud of what we have achieved, and I would like to thank the club, players, and supporters for their incredible support throughout my time here,” added the Kildare native.
Athlone Town AFC expressed its gratitude to Kilduff in helping deliver a historic Premier Division title to the club and wished him "every success in his future endeavours".
The club will begin the search for a new head coach in the coming weeks.
In yesterday afternoon's FAI Cup final, Shelbourne crushed Athlone with a first-half blitz. Kate Mooney and Noelle Murray scored two each, with Jess Gargan and Leah Doyle also on target before Brenda Ebika Tabe pulled one back for Athlone.
This was the third straight year that the two teams faced off in this showpiece event with one win apiece going into this encounter. Athlone won last year's final on penalties but after Mooney opened the scoring on seven minutes, the Dublin outfit always looked likely victors on this occasion.
Athlone were hoping to become double champions after winning the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division, but they had no answer once Shels hit top gear. The absence of team captain Laurie Ryan through injury was a significant blow to Athlone's hopes.
In front of a crowd of 3,811, Eoin Wearen's side dominated from the start. Mooney nicked in ahead of goalkeeper Katie Keane to get things going before Murray converted a penalty and Gargan volleyed in from close range - all inside the opening half hour.
Player of the Match award winner Murray pulled the strings in attack and got her second goal just before the interval after Mooney had also scored again. Doyle's goal brought the scoreline to an incredible 6-0, before Ebika Tabe scored a consolation goal for Athlone before half-time.
There were no goals in the second half but Shelbourne's third FAI Cup success was already assured as Athlone's double hopes were ended in comprehensive fashion.
Shelbourne: Amanda McQuillan; Jess Gargan, Pearl Slattery, Keeva Keenan; Christie Gray, Maggie Pierce, Alex Kavanagh, Roma McLaughlin, Leah Doyle; Noelle Murray, Kate Mooney. Subs: Hannah Healy for Gray (71 mins), Rachel Graham for Kavanagh (71), Jemma Quinn for Murray (79), Megan Smyth-Lynch for Mooney (79), Rebecca Devereux for McLaughlin (85).
Athlone Town: Katie Keane; Ciara O'Neill, Kayleigh Shine, Jesi Rossman, Shauna Brennan; Roisin Molloy, Kate Slevin; Hazel Donegan, Kellie Brennan, Madison Gibson; Brenda Ebika Tabe. Subs: Emily Burke for O'Neill (46 mins), Isabel Ryan for Molloy (83), Maeve Wollmer for Donegan (83), Taylor Anderson for Slevin (89).
Referee: Daniel Murphy.