Wexford FC Women vs Athlone Town by wexfordfc

OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF THE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S LEAGUES

A MESSAGE TO

HUGH STRONG THE FANS

I would like to welcome the League leaders

Athlone to Ferrycarrig tonight.

Ciaran has done a fantastic job at the club, they are in touching distance of the title and into the Cup Final too.

In fact they are the last team to beat us in the League.

May 11th was the last time we were beaten in a League game - over 4 months ago!

An incredible achievement.

We don't have the budget or the strength in depth that some clubs possess but we have done incredibly well in an ultra competitive League. We have faced difficulties both on and off the pitch throughout the season but still have managed to remain unbeaten for so long.

Massive strides have been made since the start of the season to make us able to be in and around the top four.

Massive strides have also been made within the League too, players are now regularly heading to England and further afield to become full time professionals, managers with the Women’s League are now getting multi-year contracts.

Maybe the next step is to be able to keep some of the best players at home!!

I hope everyone gets right behind the players tonight. We will need every advantage. We will need to be at our very best and to have good fortune if we are to get anything out of tonight's game and keep the longest unbeaten run in the League intact.

Hugh.

BIG MATCH PREVIEW

Athlone look to keep their Title hopes on track with a ﬁfth successive League win over Wexford

Athlone arrive at Ferrycarrig Park in super form, six wins on the bounce (in all competitions) and after securing their third successive Cup Final date with a win at the Showgrounds on Sunday. Ciaran Kilduff’s team will defend their Cup win from last year with Shelbourne their opponents once again in November. By then they may have captured their first League title - they currently top the Women’s Premier Division table by two points over their nearest challengers (Galway and Shels) but have a game in hand. That game in hand is tonight at Ferrycarrig so an absolutely massive three points up for grabs.

A win for the Town tonight would put them at a huge advantage - five points clear with just three rounds of League games to go. Defeat won’t lose them the League tonight but they may head into a title decider on October 12th when they travel to Eamonn Deacy Park to take on Galway.

Athlone, Galway and Shelbourne all have tough run ins over the next three weeks.

After tonight, Athlone host Shamrock Rovers and then Bohemians before that final game away to Galway. Galway are at home to Shelbourne on Saturday, then travel to Treaty before hosting Athlone.

Shelbourne are away to Galway, then host Peamount United before a final day trip to Shamrock Rovers.

What a finish to the season in store - another nail bitter to rival any that has come before.

Of course Wexford would love to be in there but a slow start to the campaign scuppered any hopes of a fifth League title. Attention will instead be on a strong finish in these final four games with an eye to the 2025 season where the sights will be set once again on a title challenge.

The Women’s Premier Division has never been stronger - Athlone, Shelbourne and Galway have been a step above the rest. Peamount, Shamrock Rovers and Wexford, after frustrating campaigns, will be back in contention next year no doubt.

Treaty United, Cork City and Bohemians have made big strides this year and will be even stronger in 2025. DLR and Sligo have promising young squads, their very good Cup runs gives them hope for next year. And we will have Waterford FC enter the fray for the first time in 2025. Exciting times to be a WPD follower.

But who will be the defending champions when it all kicks off again next March?

Athlone are in the driving seat at the moment. They kicked off 2023 in ominous fashion, winning their second Presidents Cup. A week later though they opened their League campaign with a home defeat to Galway. They reacted brilliantly to that opening day loss with an eleven game unbeaten run (all competitions).

They suffered their second League defeat away to Peamount in July (Karen Duggan breaking their hearts with a late winner) but another good run followed - six wins from six going into todays game.

After the 2023 FAI Cup win, this years title challenge has felt like a natural progression for Athlone. In the space of two seasons they have added three trophies to the cabinet (two President’s Cups to go along with that FAI Cup Final win). Injuries to Chloe Singleton and the departure of Casey Howe (to Nottingham Forest) could have put a dent on their hunt for the League but they now have strength in depth in their squad.

They won the pre-season race to bring in exciting attacker Kerryanne Brown while Cameroonian striker Brenda Tabe has proven to be an instant success on her arrival in the summer - five goals in seven appearances. Americans Maddie Gibson and Jesi Rossman continue to excel in attack and defence while captain Laurie Ryan cements everything together in midfield.

They had a disappointing 2023 season (ending the League in fifth) but they have shown enormous strength in character this year - their comeback win over Shelbourne at Tolka last month a prime example (Tabe scoring the winner). A League and Cup double is agonisingly close for tonights visitors to Ferrycarrig Park.

This is the second and final meeting between the teams this year, Athlone coming out on top back in May. It was their fourth successive League win over Wexford. The Slaneysiders last win over the midlanders was two years ago, Orlaith Conlon and Ellen Molloy on the scoresheet in a 2-1 victory at Ferrycarrig, Rosiin Molloy scoring for Athlone. Wexford have lost the last five meetings between the teams - four in the League and a Cup Semi-Final defeat. Interestingly there has never been a drawn game between the sides.

There has been a huge swing in results over the past two years. Athlone joined the League in 2020 and Wexford won the first seven contests between the teams. Athlone’s first victory over Wexford came at the end of the 2022 season, an emphatic 3-0 FAI Cup Semi-Final win at Lissywollen, Maddie Gibson scoring a hat-trick. Athlone’s first League win over Wexford came just a week later - again at the Athlone Town Stadium. Wexford were top of the League (with four games left to play) going into that trip to the midlands in 2022 and when Aoibheann Clancy struck from the penalty spot it looked like another win was on the cards in their march for a fifth League title. But Athlone had other ideas, Kellie Brennan equalising and Gillian Keenan fired in a late winner to take the points and it was another massive win for the midlanders. Wexford eventually lost out to Shelbourne in a League decider at Ferrycarrig on the last day of the season of course - Athlone jumping above them and finishing runners up. Those defeats for Wexford were tough to take - unfortunately for Wexford fans they have yet to avenge those heart breaking losses - Ciaran Kilduff’s side coming out on top at Ferrycarrig for the first time last year in front of the TG4 cameras and again victorious in the return fixture in November.

Both sides have lost big players this season - Ellen Molloy and Casey Howe heading to England and both also have injury concerns going into the game tonight - Chloe Singleton, Rianna Jarrett possibly unavailable for selection. Not ideal timing for either manager but that hasn’t affected form with Wexford ten games unbeaten (six wins and four draws) in the League and Athlone winning eight of their last nine games (all comps).

For Athlone tonight is a massive opportunity to repeat their recent dominance over Wexford and put one hand on their first League title. Wexford will look to end their campaign strongly with an eye on next season - a victory over the title challengers a great way to help kickstart a new era for the Slaneysiders.

ATHLONE TOWN 1-0 WEXFORD FC

Wexford travelled to Athlone on match day six on the back of their first League win of the season (against Sligo). The hosts were placed third in the table just three points off leaders Galway (the Slaneysiders 8th) and they got off to a better start. As the half wore on the home team put Wexford under serious pressure, their best chance falling to Shauna Brennan who almost opened the scoring in the 38th minute. Wexford started to press forward more often in the second half but were restricted to efforts from distance, Ciara Rossiter and Ellen Molloy coming close. The Town responded and eventually broke the deadlock in the 70th minute, Chloe Singleton with a composed right foot finish inside the box. Shortly after, Athlone should have doubled their lead when Maddie Gibson had the goal at her mercy but the American fired her shoot over the bar. Despite some

Athlone Town Stadium | 11th May 2024

Wexford FC Women: Merren, Russell, Doherty, Conlon,

Galway United: Keane, Brennan, Shine, Rossman, S Brennan, Slevin, Ryan (c), Singleton, Molloy (Brown 71’), Howe (Keenan 85’), Gibson Subs Not Used: Mahon, I Ryan, Guvo, Phillips, Murphy O’Connor, Donegan, O’Neill

PLAYER PROFILE

Position

Favourite Wexford FC Women’s player

Favourite International Player

Most Memorable game you’ve played in

Favourite TV Show

Favourite singer/band

Fav song you are listening to right now

Favourite Pre-Match song

Best taste in music

Best dancer

Who is first to training

Who is last to leaving training

Most skilful player

Quickest player

Who is always on Instagram

Best goal you’ve ever seen

Best goal you’ve ever scored

Who makes you laugh the most

Favourite food

Where is your dream holiday

Most famous person you’ve ever met

Three words to describe yourself

Who has helped / inspire you the most

All of them

Virgil Van Dijk

International debut v England

Friends

SZA

‘Make Up’

‘Light it Up’

Maeve

Teegan

Eddie

Aoibheann

Àine

Alyssa

Any of Nics goals in training last Thursday

So many, can’t decide

Ceola and Nicole

Xmas dinner

Bali

Jazzy

Tall - Hungry - Long legs

My Mam

FUTURE VISION FOR WEXFORD FC

Plans for the clubs new state of the art stadium were revealed at a special presentation at Ferrycarrig last week. Wexford FC has been working with the FAI, Wexford County Council and Wexford Football League with the aim to move the club’s home base from Ferrycarrig to a new modern 6,000 capacity stadium in Wexford town. The ambitious plan would also see two all weather pitches with temporary seating for 1,500 built alongside a clubhouse which would include a cafe, club shop, press room, multiple changing rooms, physio room, ticket office etc. Function rooms, bar and a restaurant are also planned.

The club have secured lands to the rear of the Min Ryan Park in Killeen which will fit in with the new South East Technological University (SETU) campus. There has of course been an excellent relationship between the club and SETU for a number of years with the Women’s and Men’s teams training in the Carlow college.

The planned route for the M11 motorway extension through Ferrycarrig means Wexford’s plans will be largely dependant on the pace of that particular project but club CEO Tony Doyle is hopeful that the clubhouse. two all weather floodlit pitches and temporary stand will be operational in Wexford town for Spring 2027.

Doyle is excited about this new vision for the the club and the move closer to the town: “We’re still just a little bit too far out there in Ferrycarrig. We need to get into the heart of the big town. If you’re in Enniscorthy or Gorey, you can hop on a bus or train down. You can have something to eat or have a few drinks in the facility at the match and then get the bus back. It’s going to be a real game changer.”

The aim is to provide a high level sporting facility not just for Wexford FC, but for clubs and organisations right across the community:

“We took the view that we would go for a community-based model. This is not just for Wexford FC. There’s 56 clubs, including women, in the Wexford junior league. They’ll all have access. We’ve got 11 schools signed up for licence; we have our own down syndrome team; our wheelchair football team.”

“Then in the pavilion we can also have the likes of yoga classes, table tennis, fitness classes. This is part of an overall SETU development too, so you’re going to have a gym, swimming pool, the works.”

“We need the message to go out clearly – we’re taking a different approach here. We are a community club and we’re here for everyone.”

Tony continues: “We need to be in a situation where we’re giving something back to the clubs."

A lot of work has has been done to build new bridges with the Wexford Football League, there was a disjoint between Wexford FC and junior football clubs in the county previously:

"We’ve formed a football alliance in Wexford. That’s never been done before. We’ve formed a company –Wexford Football Alliance – and that entity will be what drives all facilities going forward, whether that’s an all-weather pitch in New Ross or facilities for Wexford FC. Given the fact that we’ve the biggest junior league in the country outside of Dublin, the facilities in Wexford have been horrendous.”

"We’re talking multiple sports here as well. We don’t want this to be pigeon-holed as just about football. If GAA or rugby or anyone else want to use this facility for training, they’re more than welcome. You can’t be selective when you’re talking about community.”

While the club awaits the decision of the Department of Sport on funding for Phase One, games will continue to be played at Ferrycarrig Park. Phase Two is a little further down the road so to speak with work on the new motorway project not scheduled to begin for a couple of years yet.

Wexford FC CEO Tony Doyle

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

AROUND THE CLUB

A proud moment for Niamh White and Molly Kirwan who lined out for the Ireland U16 team in their International Friendly game against Wales in Dublin this week. The girls in green won 4-3 in a terrific game at the NTC.

Leah McGrath and Lily-Anne O’Meara are on international duty this week with the Ireland U17 team as they continue their prep for UEFA EURO Qualifiers at the end of October.

Our Wexford FC DS squad are training for their upcoming League of Ireland tournament at the National Arena next month and we are all really looking forward to a great day of football and fun. Nicola dropped into their session last week to say hello and make a special presentation to Alan who was celebrating his birthday. Nicola is Alan’s favourite player.

A big thanks to all the girls from St Leonard’s FC who were our mascots and ballgirls for our last home game!

GALLERY A SHARE OF THE SPOILS AT TURNERS CROSS

A NEW CHAPTER FOR ELLEN

It’s been a few weeks since we said our goodbyes to Ellen as she starts a new chapter in her life with Sheffield United. An exceptional player, lovely person and a fantastic role model we are thrilled to see her hard work and dedication rewarded with this new exciting opportunity playing professionally in the UK.

Ellen joined Wexford Youths Women FC from Thomastown United in the summer of 2019 and made her Wexford senior debut on 8th August 2020, scoring a brace in a win over Bohemians at Ferrycarrig Park Ellen hit the ground running in the League of Ireland that year and picked up the Player of the Month Award for August and was named Women’s National League Young Player of the Year at the end of her debut season. She also made her Ireland senior debut that year against Ukraine, aged just 16 at the time

Another successful season for Ellen followed in 2021, winning the FAI Women’s Cup when Wexford defeated Shelbourne in the Final and she was named on the Women’s National League Team of the Year.

After scoring 16 League goals in the 2022 season Ellen was again named on the WNL Team of the Year. Unfortunately Ellen suffered an ACL injury during the League run in that season which saw her out of action for a year but she came back stronger than ever at the end of the 2023 campaign. Ellen played 90 games for us, scoring 47 goals, an incredible record for a midfielder. And the quality of those goals! Simply a magical one of a kind player who was an absolute joy and to watch. We were so lucky to have her on our team.

Ellen made her FA Women’s Championship debut for Sheffield on September 8th and played her first home game for the Blades at Bramall Lane last week. She’s back at the Lane on October 3rd, Sunderland the opponents.

WELCOME ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone Town have made huge strides since entering the Women’s National League in 2020 where they ended the shortened season in 7th spot. The following season they finished seventh again. 2022 was the breakout year for the midlanders when they just fell short on winning their first League title, the title decided on the final day with Athlone as runners up, just two points behind the champions. They had a mixed season in the League last year, ending up in fifth spot but still seven points ahead of seventh placed Wexford.

They ended 2023 with silverware however, winning their first FAI Cup, defeating Shelbourne in the Final.

They are back to excellent League form this season, losing just twice in the League. With four rounds of games to go, they are two points clear at the top with a game in hand on their rivals.

On Sunday, Athlone booked a spot in their third successive FAI Cup Final with a 1-0 win over Sligo Rovers.

ATHLONE FORM GUIDE

W W W W W

(Last 5 games in all competitions)

7 Gillian Keenan

11 Laurie Ryan

6 Kate Slevin

2 Kellie Brennan

8 Chloe Singleton

17 Madison Gibson

13 Ciara Glackin

23 Abbuy Carchio

10 Kerryanne Brown

3 Kayleigh Shine

30 Amy Mahon

22 Ciara O’Neill

12 Jenaya Robertson14 Roisin Mollloy

19 Mary Phillips21 Hazel Donegan

5 Jesi Rossman

4 Shauna Brennan

18 Antea Guvo

ACADEMY ROUND UP

Great to see some of our Academy players getting the call up to the international team with Molly Kirwan, Niamh White, Leah McGrath and LilyAnne O’Meara all in action in recent friendly games for Ireland. All the girls played their part in a busy weekend of LOI Academy action last week where both our U17 and U19 teams scored late goals to secure some well deserved points in Tier One.

On Saturday our U17 girls travelled to Dublin to play Bohemians at the Oscar Traynor Centre. Bohs had the upper hand winning the last three games

between the sides and it looked like it was going to be four out of four when they opened the scoring in the fifth minute. But the girls didn’t let their heads drop and they worked super hard to get back into the game, coming close on a number of occasions before finally getting their deserved equaliser in the 85th minute, Lily-Anne with a brilliant left foot finish. A very good performance and point on the board - they host Shelbourne at Ferrycarrig this Saturday at 3pm.

More late drama on Sunday where our U19 team welcomed reigning league champions Shamrock Rovers to Ferrycarrig. An open even first half ended scoreless but the Hoops started the better in the second half and had a number of good chances to open the scoring but Nicole Nix made some super stops to keep us in the game. As 90 mins approached Róisín Joyce was introduced into the game (the promising young midfielder has had a fantastic season with our U17s and this was her first ever appearance for the 19s) and she proved to be the match winner with a composed left foot finish in the 95th minute of the game!

What a weekend for Róisín who was the player of the match for our U17s against Bohs the day before. Our U19 team also host Shels at Ferrycarrig this coming Sunday with a 3pm kick off.