Athlone Town trio cleared to play after work permit issue
Three Athlone Town players were not allowed to play in the Women’s Premier Division opening round fixture at home to Wexford last Saturday as they were awaiting valid work permits.
However, the three players - Madison Gibson, Natalie McNally and Katherine Sullivan - have been cleared to play in Athlone’s next game against Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium this Saturday (kick-off 5pm).
A statement from a FAI spokesperson said: “Three Athlone Town players, Natalie McNally, Maddie Gibson and Katherine Sullivan, who are registered for the 2025 League of Ireland season, were unable to play in Saturday’s SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division fixture against Wexford as they were awaiting valid work permits.
“These have now been received and they will be able to play in their next fixture. One further player, Megan Plaschko, received her permit on time and was able to play in the Wexford fixture.”
From the United States of America, Gibson has been a key figure for Athlone in recent years, with the New Jersey native helping the club to win the FAI Cup and the Women’s Premier Division title over the past two seasons. In addition, Gibson has received a number of personal accolades due to her impressive displays.
Natalie McNally and Katherine Sullivan are new recruits to the Athlone Town squad and are also from the USA.
The aforementioned Megan Plaschko played in goals against Wexford as Athlone look to fill the void left by the departure of the highly rated Katie Keane, who is now with Shamrock Rovers.
“Athlone Town have signed four players on professional contracts that require work permits. So far, we have received one permit and are still awaiting the remaining three to be issued,” Athlone Town AFC secretary David Dully told ‘The Irish Times’ earlier this week.
“Contrary to some reports, the FAI is not refusing to register the players. Registration can only be completed once the necessary work permits are in place, and the FAI have supported the club’s application process.
“Last season we required a work permit for Brenda Tabe and it took months to complete the process before we could finalise her registration and she could play for the club. We are hopeful that this application process will be complete this week,” Dully added.
Despite the absence of the players not permitted to feature, Athlone defeated Wexford on a 2-0 scoreline with another American, Kelly Brady, scoring her first goal for the club, which followed the visitors conceding an own goal (see report in this week's Westmeath Independent).