In August 2020, Athlone Town played their first senior League of Ireland game. However, a year later, they have already won their first SSE Airtricity Premier Division championship. Last Saturday, they secured the title on home ground with a 2-0 victory over Bohemians. The victory proves that Athlone Town is in getting to the top of the Irish women’s football league.
Even with one match remaining, they were three points ahead of Shelbourne, who had a 3-0 triumph over the former champions, Peamount United, earlier that day. A superior previous performance against Shelbourne ensures Athlone Town will maintain its lead in the upcoming weekend.
While the match started with a bit of anxiety, two goals within nine minutes by Madie Gibson and Kellie Brennan settled the team’s nerves. Gibson scored her fifth goal in five games by intercepting a bad pass from Bohs goalkeeper Rachael Kelly and scoring. Brennan followed close behind, taking advantage of Brenda Ebika Tabe’s hard work on the left wing to make space for a shot and score.
Despite persistent defending from Bohs, which included goal-saving efforts from Sarah Power and Tiegan Ruddy and a series of saves by goalkeeper Kelly, Athlone might have increased their lead further. Tabe nearly accomplished this with a header that hit the crossbar in the second half.
Finally, Athlone’s successful run marks a significant achievement for the team’s leader, Ciarán Kilduff. In his 16 months as a coach, he has guided the team to win their first ever FAI Cup last November and now their inaugural league title.
In March, it would have been difficult to perceive the potential success of Athlone, given their five-point drop in the opening trio of matches that included a 2-0 home loss to Galway United. However, they have managed to shift their fortunes spectacularly, claiming victories in 14 out of the subsequent 16 matches. The only setbacks being a loss to Peamount and a draw against Shamrock Rovers.
The team now has a legitimate chance of a double-winning season. This is evident as they face Shelbourne in the FAI Cup final for the third consecutive year, coming up in two weeks. As of now, they are basking in their extraordinary success, while also setting their sights on a potential double triumph at the Tallaght Stadium.