Wexford FC Women vs Galway United

v GALWAY UNITED Saturday, 7th September

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

HUGH STRONG A MESSAGE TO THE FANS I would like to welcome everyone back to Ferrycarrig .

We are on a great run lately.

The last league game we lost was on the 11th May. It’s nearly four months since we lost a league game – that’s eight games unbeaten – six wins and two draws.

That’s an incredible achievement from the girls.

I am very aware that could come to an end at any time, and I don’t want to tempt faith by mentioning it but it truly is something that the girls should get a lot of credit for.

EVERY team is capable of beating each other, we seen that last weekend v DLR Waves, where we really had to “dig in” at the end to get the three points.

I’d like to welcome Phil, his staff, players and all the supporters of Galway United.

Tonight, will be a very difficult game, Phil has done an incredible job at Galway. They are very much still in the hunt for the league, they are only three points behind Athlone and have achieved back-to-back All – Island titles. It just goes to show how far Phil has brought them in a short space of time.

Our girls will have to continue to show the same levels of work rate, desire and that willingness to never give up to have any chance of getting something from the game tonight.

I hope everyone gets right behind the team.

Hugh.

MATCHDAY

We are down to the final six games of the season and another cracker awaits us with the first and only visit of Galway United to Ferrycarrig Park in 2024. It’s great to see TG4 at Ferrycarrig again tonight covering the game.

Phil Trill’s team are having another memorable season after securing another piece of silverware with the retention of their All-Island Cup title they won last year, United this time beating Shamrock Rovers in the Final.

They also remain well in the hunt for their first League title, just three points off top spot.

We have been on a decent run ourselves, unbeaten in our last eight League games with six wins and two draws. Unfortunately we didn’t have much luck in the Cups this year with penalty shootout exits in both competitions but we get a chance to avenge one of those heartbreaking losses tonight against Galway. That All-Island Cup Semi-Final defeat at Eamonn Deacy Park was a tough one to take having battled back from two goals down. We’re sure it will be fresh on the minds of the players as they walk out onto the pitch tonight.

What made it doubly hard was the fact that it was the second consecutive year United knocked us out on penalties at the same stage of that particular competition! Having climbed above Peamount our focus is on catching United (the gap been seven points) so a win is a must for us tonight.

Once again we applaud TG4 for the fantastic coverage they have given to our League. After linking up with the FAI in 2021 they showed four games Live on their network and increased it to ten games in 2022. A third consecutive season followed in 2023 when they broadcast 12 games. And the viewers weren’t disappointed with the offerings that’s for sure with thrilling titles races going right down to the wire every season! All captured on national television free to air with top quality presentation and analysis.

They will also have shown 12 more games come the end of the 2024 season. The deal the FAI signed with TG4 has been one of the best things to happen to our League and long may it continue.

LOITV has also been a big success for the Women’s Premier Division with every single game shown Live on the platform and we at Wexford have a great team of volunteers who give their time freely to ensure every home game at Ferrycarrig is captured Live on screen in a professional manner for those that can’t attend. We have highlights of seasons past and present on our YouTube Channel as well so make sure to follow so you don’t miss a thing. We would love to have more people involved in helping us promote our Women’s team, from LOITV streams to photographers and social media channel assistants so if you have an interest in any of these areas please get in touch with us by email at mediawomen@wexfordfc.ie and join our very small but dedicated volunteering media team!

BIG MATCH

PREVIEW Galway travel to the south east looking for a repeat of last years result at Ferrycarrig Park while Wexford hope to close the gap to third spot.

Both sides come into this evenings game on the back of good form, Wexford having won six of their last eight League games while a Galway win tonight would be their sixth on the bounce (in all competitions).

The sides have met on five occasions over the past two seasons, three times in the League and twice in the All-Island Cup. Wexford have two League wins to Galway’s one while United won both Cup meetings.

Wexford have yet to beat Galway United at Ferrycarrig Park, the Tribeswomen having left the south east with victories on their two visits in 2023 - first an All-Island Cup Semi-Final penalty shoot out win which was followed by a comprehensive 4-0 victory at Ferrycarrig in the final game of last years campaign.

Those defeats at Ferrycarrig hurt but Wexford got some revenge in June when they scored a last minute winner to take all the points at Eamonn Deacy Park. The sides met again at the same venue the following month in the All-Island Cup Semi-Final where the home team were victorious.

Since that win, Galway have played six games (in all competitions), winning five with one defeat to Shelbourne in the FAI Cup. Wexford have played four games since then ending in two wins, one draw and one defeat (to Shamrock Rovers - also in the FAI Cup).

Galway had a memorable season of course in 2023, winning the All-Island Cup and finishing fourth in the League (Wexford finishing seventh and ten points behind United). Phil Trill strengthened his side for the 2024 campaign - most notably with the signing of Julie-Ann Russell. The Ireland international with 61 caps to her name started the season brilliantly, scoring a hat-trick on her return to Galway and picking up the Women’s Premier Division Player of the Month award for March. The trajectory of her season has only gone higher, scoring for Ireland against England and France and then helping her team win their second All-Island Cup. Trill also brought in American attacker Emily Kavanaugh, keeper Kaylee Hammer also arriving from the States.

Talented young defender Lucy Jayne Grant joined after winning the FAI Cup with Athlone Town while Canadian striker Amanda Smith also made the move across the Atlantic. Another prolific striker joined in the off season Emma Doherty - the 20 year old attacker joining from Sligo Rovers.

These excellent additions to an already strong squad ensured United had a great start to the campaign, going ten games unbeaten with eight wins and two draws before their first loss in June. Galway led the League at that point before Wexford ended their unbeaten run with that 2-1 win at Eamonn Deacy Park.

United had a little wobble after that, losing three of their next five games (in all comps) but they have steadied the ship again with five wins in a row and are back to their very best.

They had a comfortable 4-1 home win over Treaty United on Wednesday night with Emma Doherty scoring for the third game in a row. Julie-Ann Russell, Emily Kavanaugh and Jenna Slattery also on target. The win put them three points behind leaders Athlone who have to travel to Galway on the last day of the season for what could well be a title decider.

While Galways start to the season couldn’t have been more perfect, Wexford struggled to get going early on, winning just two of their opening nine games. A 2-1 home win over Treaty at the end of May was the starting point of a good run though - the Slaneysiders winning five in a row after that before drawing with Shelbourne at Tolka Park in July. Wexford’s only two defeats since May have been in the Cups which both ended in penalty shoot outs after a 2-2 All-Island Cup Semi-Final draw with Galway at Eamonn Deacy Park and a 1-1 FAI Cup First Round draw with Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght. Unfortunately the shoot outs didn’t go our way.

Performances have been steadily improving as the season has gone on and the good recent run has been built on a strong defensive shape - teams have found it tough to create many chances against Wexford. The back four in the League has remained pretty constant with Abby Tuthill, Meábh Russell, Della Doherty and Orlaith Conlon starting regularly together.

Russell and Conlon have only missed one game for Wexford this season while Doherty and Tuthill have played all 20 games. In front of them, Aoibheann Clancy has played 19 games.

Then there’s the attacking threat of Ceola Bergin up front. The seventeen year old striker has scored seven goals in her first full season playing at senior level. The teenager is so strong and can hold off her marker to create a bit of space for herself or lay off to a teammate. Ellen Molloy has also been in fine form this season. The year long lay off with an ACL injury now behind her, the gifted attacker is getting back to her very best as evidenced in her outstanding match winning finishes against Treaty and DLR. Speedy winger Áine Walsh has impressed also, the 20 year old has popped up with some important goals to add to her pacy runs.

Summer signing Alyssa White is another player with the potential to change a game. The 20 year old American attacker has already suffered two ACL injuries in her young career but is returning to full match fitness and can make a big difference coming off the bench like she did at Eamonn Deacy Park back in June.

In recent weeks Wexford fans will have been delighted to see the return of Ciara Rossiter, Grace FitzpatrickRyan and Siún Murdiff from injury as well. Rianna Jarrett missed most of the start of the season, Kylie Murphy has had injury issues too which has interrupted her season. Hugh Strong has yet to have a fully fit squad to choose from but it’s getting better each week and the team performances have too.

It all bodes well for a strong end to the season - after tonight Wexford will only play one other team that is above them in the table (Athlone). Wexford will still have to play at their very best to get positive results but fans will be optimistic of a much better end this year compared to last years campaign where Wexford were winless in the final five outings.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

PREVIOUSLY… GALWAY UNITED 1-2 WEXFORD FC

Galway United: Berlin, Costello, Dossen, Erickson, Kinnevey, Beletic, Smith, Meaney, McKey (c), Slattery, Olusola (Madden 74’) Subs Not Used: Hammer, O’Sullivan, Grant, Kavanaugh, Jacob, Tyrrell, Loomes, Duffy Wexford FC Women: Merren, Russell, Doherty, Conlon, Tuthill, Clancy, Rossiter, Murphy (c) (Lynch 46’), Walsh (Jarrett 87’), Molloy, Bergin Subs Not Used: Nix, Williams, Healy, Sinnott, De Mange, Lenihan, Fitzpatrick-Ryan

Eamonn Deacy Park | 8th June 2024

Seventh placed Wexford travelled west to take on unbeaten League leaders Galway in a game that ended in late drama.

The hosts edged the first half in chances created but neither keeper was overly tested.

The second 45 was a much more entertaining affair with both sides on the hunt for the opening goal.

It was the home team that finally broke the deadlock in the 80th minute when Jenna Slattery converted from a smartly taken free kick.

Rianna Jarrett came on to make her first appearance of the season as Wexford pushed for an equaliser.

That goal came with three minutes left on the clock, Ceola Bergin capitalising on an error at the back to make it 1-1.

A winner for Wexford followed in the 90th after Ellen Molloy was taken down in the box - Aoibheann Clancy cooly converting from the spot.

GALWAY UNITED 2-2 WEXFORD FC

Eamonn Deacy Park | 24th July 2024

Galway win 4-2 on penalties

Galway break Wexford hearts with an All-Island Cup SemiFinal penalty shootout win for the second year running.

Galway United: Berlin, Grant, Dossen, Erickson, Madden (Smith 62’), Beletic, Duffy, McKey (c) (Meaney 84’), Thompson, Olusola (Madden 74’), Russell Subs Not Used: O’Sullivan, Griffin, Callanan, Jacob, Mullins Wexford FC Women: Nix, Russell, Doherty, Conlon, Tuthill, Sinnott (c) (McGrath 57’), Clancy (Lynch 85’), Fitzpatrick-Ryan (Murphy 46’), Walsh (White 57’), Molloy, Bergin (Jarrett 74’) Subs Not Used: Merren, Williams, Rossiter, Daly,

Once again it was Galway who started the game better and had a number of chances before scoring in the 39th minute - Kate Thompson finding the net from close range.

The hosts good value for their half time 1-0 lead.

Wexford came out of the blocks fast in the second but found themselves two goals down after Jamie Erickson headed in a Lucy Jayne Grant corner in the 51st minute.

The Slaneysiders were back in it however on the hour mark, Kylie Murphy converting Alyssa White’s cross.

Wexford were on top at this stage and they found a well deserved equaliser in the 87th minute, Rianna Jarrett getting the final touch.

Galway responded and forced Wexford back for the final few minutes but couldn’t find a winner. Straight to penalties where the hosts were victorious converting four to Wexford’s two to send them through to the Final.

PLAYER PROFILE ALYSSA WHITE

Position Favourite Wexford FC Women’s player Favourite International Player Most Memorable game you’ve played in

Winger / CAM Ellen Molloy Alexia Putellas All-Island Semi-Final vs Galway

Favourite TV Show Favourite Movie 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

Friends Devil Wears Prada Tame Impala / Omar Apollo ‘All My Love’ - Noah Kahan ‘If We Being Real’ - Yeat Ellen Rossi Rianna Maeve Williams Aoibheann Áine Ellen

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

Lamine Yamal (Spain vs France) High School State Semi-Final game winner My best friend back home Mediterranean or Asian Guatemala Michael Porter (Denver Nuggets) Optimistic - Curious - Driven My family

P: 01 409 7807

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

CLUB NEWS LEAH ON TARGET FOR IRELAND U17s Congratulations to Leah McGrath who played in both games for the Ireland U17s in this weeks double header international friendly games against Portugal in Lisbon.

Leah made a great impact from the bench in both games and scored from the penalty spot in a super 5-2 win for the girls in green in the second game.

The games were part of Irelands prep for this years UEFA EURO Round 1 Qualifiers which get underway in November. Ireland have been grouped with Spain (holders), Austria and Denmark with the first game in the group set for Thursday, 14th November (vs Spain).

SIÚN MAKES HER RETURN TO ACTION After a year out with injury Siún Murdiff made her return to the pitch in last weeks U19 game against Bohemians in Dublin.

The Gorey native has been desperately unlucky with injuries so hopefully that is the last setback for the talented 19 year old midfielder.

Siún had a great season with our U19s last year, cocaptaining the team to Cup Final success.

GALLERY

THREE POINTS AT THE BOWL Pictures from last weeks win over DLR Waves

LEAGUE ROUND UP Wexford climb up to fourth with a win over DLR while Athlone retain top spot as Shels fail to win

We start in PRL Park and Shamrock Rovers bounced back from their FAI Cup QF defeat to Shelbourne with a 1-0 win over Peamount United. The Hoops started well and got their noses in front in the 20th minute, Joy Ralph with a close range left foot strike into the net. The Peas responded and put plenty of pressure on the visitors but were unable to find the goal their performance probably deserved.

James O’Callaghan’s team headed off to Croatia this week for Champions League Qualifiers.

Photo credit: Mick O’Shea

Cork’s good recent run came to an abrupt end with a disappointing 3-0 defeat at Markets Field. It was the second time Treaty United have beaten City on that scoreline this season.

Cayleigh Boeckx gave the hosts a perfect start scoring with a fine right foot finish in the third minute.

Danielle Steer doubled their lead shortly before half time converting from the penalty spot and Katie Lawlee wrapped up the win with a cool finish in the 82nd minute.

At Dalymount Park, Shelbourne were unable to take top spot after a frustrating 1-1 draw with Bohemians.

The Reds broke the deadlock in the 30th minute with a header from five yards out. That goal took them to the top on goal difference but they were unable to hold onto the lead - Pearl Slattery gifting the hosts a penalty pulling back Sarah Power in the box. Former Red Alannah McEvoy dispatched the penalty past McQuillian.

Galway United are still in the title mix after a 2-1 win over Sligo Rovers in the Connaught derby at Eamonn Deacy Park. Amanda Smith scored her first United league goal in the 17th minute but Rovers were architects of their own misfortune with an error at the back. Sligo were back in it however when Paula McGrory levelled the gave from the penalty spot in the 35th minute. Emma Doherty scored what proved to be the winner for United in the 53rd minute, the talented young striker with a well taken right foot finish against her former team. Rovers wait on a first League win of the season goes on but they can look forward to their FAI Cup Semi-Final next month.

There wasn’t much between the teams at the UCD Bowl but an Ellen Molloy wonder goal gave Wexford all three points. DLR Waves will have felt they had done enough for a share of the spoils in a game of few clear cut chances but another touch of class from Molloy was the difference on the day.

League leaders Athlone return to action this week at home to Cork while second placed Shelbourne host Treaty United at Tolka Park. There’s another Dublin derby with Bohemians travelling to Tallaght to take on Shamrock Rovers while DLR travel to Sligo.

Wexford host Galway at Ferrycarrig Park in front of the TG4 cameras.

ACADEMY ROUND UP Both of our LOI Academy teams were on the road last week and faced tough opponents in Dublin.

On Saturday our U17 girls headed to the AUL Complex to play Shelbourne FC and put in a spirited performance on the day, The hosts took the three points on a 4-2 scoreline in the end.

Eimear Roche scored with a super chip over the keeper from outside the box while Lily-Anne O’Meara fired in a powerful right foot shot for our second goal. Molly Kirwan got assists on both goals.

The girls host high flying Athlone at Ferrycarrig today.

Special mention to Molly, Lily-Anne, Eimear and Aoife McEldowney who made their second trip up to the AUL in the space of three days - the girls were all part of the U19 squad that played Shels on the Wednesday night, Aoife making her first start at that level.

Aoife and the 19s left Dublin with a well deserved point after a 1-1 draw with the Reds that night, Leah McGrath scoring her 20th goal of the season.

On Sunday our U19s returned to the capital to play Bohemians at the Oscar Traynor Centre. An entertaining game ended in a 1-0 win for the home team. Aoife came on in the second half and Niamh White from our U17s also played in the game.

WELCOME GALWAY UNITED

Galway WFC withdrew from the League in 2022 after ten years of participation. They had finished fourth in the League on a number of occasions.

Women’s football in the west was kept alive and kicking however with the news that Galway United would fill their spot and launch a team for the 2023 season.

Most of the players from Galway WFC were re-signed and United would go on to have a hugely successful season finishing fourth and winning the All-Island Cup. They currently sit third in the League with six rounds of games left to play.

Phil Trill has been manager of United for the past two seasons.

He won a League and Cup double with Galway WFC WU17s in 2019. He repeated that feat with Galway’s WU19 team in 2021 before becoming Assistant Manager to their Senior Women’s team in 2022.

HOME GROUND:EAMONN DEACY PARK MANAGER: PHIL TRILL

GALWAY FORM GUIDE WWWWW (Last 5 games in all competitions)

1 Kaylee Hammer

2 Aoibheann Costello

3 Lucy Jayne Grant

4 Isabella Beletic

5 Jamie Erickson

6 Jenna Slattery

7 Aislinn Meaney

8 Kate Thompson

9 Rola Olusola

10 Lynsey McKey

11 Julie-Anne Russell

12 Jodie Griffin

13 Emily Kavanaugh

14 Therese Kinnevey

15 Amy Madden

16 Abbie Callanan

17 Amanda Smith

18 Róisín Jacob

19 Mary-Kate Tyrell

20 Jessica Berlin

21 Heather Loomes

22 Eve Dossen

24 Emma Duffy

24 Emma Doherty

26 Abbiegayle Ronayne

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

PLAYER SPONSOR FOR NICOLE NIX

PLAYER SPONSOR FOR CIARA ROSSITER

PLAYER SPONSOR FOR KYLIE MURPHY

DERMOT MCCARTHY PLAYER SPONSOR FOR DELLA DOHERTY & SIÚN MURDIFF

1 Jayne Merren

2 Abby Tuthill

3 Orlaith Conlon

4 Della Doherty

5 Erin Healy

6 Kylie Murphy

8 Leah McGrath

10 Ellen Molloy

11 Ceola Bergin

12 Ciara Rossiter

14 Méabh Russell

15 Michaela Lawrence

16 Nicola Sinnott

17 Aoibheann Clancy

18 Teegan Lynch

19 Rianna Jarrett

21 Maeve Williams

22 Áine Walsh

23 Grace Fitzpatrick-Ryan

25 Millie Daly

27 Ciara Fitzpatrick

28 Siún Murdiff

30 Nicole Nix

33 Alyssa White

36 Aisling Roche

Hugh Strong

Sean Keane

Graham Byas

Manager

Coach

GK Coach

Damien Byrne

Eddie Cullen

S&C Coach

Kitman

WOMEN FIXTURES 09/03

BOHEMIAN FC

H

LEAGUE

0-2

16/03

SHAMROCK ROVERS

A

LEAGUE

1-1

KYLIE MURPHY

23/03

CORK CITY FC

H

ALL-ISLAND CUP

2-2

ORLAITH CONLON, CIARA ROSSITER

30/03

PEAMOUNT UNITED

A

LEAGUE

0-1

20/04

CLIFTONVILLE LADIES

H

ALL-ISLAND CUP

6-0

27/04

SHELBOURNE FC

H

LEAGUE

0-1

04/05

SLIGO ROVERS

H

LEAGUE

4-1

11/05

ATHLONE TOWN

A

LEAGUE

0-1

18/05

SHELBOURNE FC

H

ALL-ISLAND CUP

1-2

ELLEN MOLLOY

25/05

TREATY UNITED

H

LEAGUE

2-1

AOIBHEANN CLANCY, KYLIE MURPHY

08/06

GALWAY UNITED

A

LEAGUE

2-1

AOIBHEANN CLANCY, CEOLA BERGIN

15/06

DLR WAVES

H

LEAGUE

3-1

22/06

LINFIELD FC

A

ALL-ISLAND CUP QF

3-2

CEOLA BERGIN, ÁINE WALSH FREYA DE MANGE

29/06

CORK CITY

H

LEAGUE

2-0

DELLA DOHERTY, CIARA ROSSITER

06/07

SHELBOURNE FC

A

LEAGUE

0-0

24/07

GALWAY UNITED

A

ALL-ISLAND CUP SF

2-2

CEOLA BERGIN, RIANNA JARRETT

27/07

TREATY UNITED

A

LEAGUE

2-1

CEOLA BERGIN, ELLEN MOLLOY

03/08

SHAMROCK ROVERS

A

FAI CUP 1ST RD

1-1

ELLEN MOLLOY

17/08

PEAMOUNT UNITED

H

LEAGUE

1-1

ÁINE WALSH

31/08

DLR WAVES

A

LEAGUE

1-0

ELLEN MOLLOY

07/09

GALWAY UNITED

H

LEAGUE

14/09

CORK CITY FC

A

LEAGUE

25/09

ATHLONE TOWN

H

LEAGUE

28/09

BOHEMIAN FC

A

LEAGUE

05/10

SHAMROCK ROVERS

H

LEAGUE

12/10

SLIGO ROVERS

A

LEAGUE

CEOLA BERGIN (3), EMILY CORBET (2) ELLEN MOLLOY

CIARA ROSSITER (3), ELLEN MOLLOY

SSE AIRTRICITY WOMEN’S PREMIER DIVISION P

W

D

L

GD

PTS

1

ATHLONE TOWN

14

11

1

2

15

34

2

SHELBOURNE FC

15

9

5

1

19

32

3

GALWAY UNITED

14

10

1

3

21

31

4

WEXFORD FC

14

7

3

4

6

24

5

PEAMOUNT UNITED

16

6

4

6

0

22

6

BOHEMIAN FC

15

5

4

6

-6

19

7

SHAMROCK ROVERS

14

4

5

5

4

17

8

TREATY UNITED

15

5

2

8

2

17

9

CORK CITY FC

15

5

2

8

-18

17

10

DLR WAVES

15

2

4

9

-19

10

11

SLIGO ROVERS

14

0

3

11

-21

3

Wexford County Council

Working for Y Working for You!

1 JAYNE MERREN 2 ABBY TUTHILL 3 ORLAITH CONLON 4 DELLA DOHERTY 5 ERIN HEALY 6 KYLIE MURPHY 8 LEAH McGRATH 10 ELLEN MOLLOY 11 CEOLA BERGIN 12 CIARA ROSSITER 14 MÉABH RUSSELL 15 MICHAELA LAWRENCE 16 NICOLA SINNOTT 17 AOIBHEANN CLANCY 18 TEEGAN LYNCH 19 RIANNA JARRETT 21 MAEVE WILLIAMS 22 ÁINE WALSH 23 GRACE FITZPATRICK-RYAN 25 MILLIE DALY 27 CIARA FITZPATRICK 28 SIÚN MURDIFF 30 NICOLE NIX 33 ALYSSA WHITE 36 AISLING ROCHE

1 KAYLEE HAMMER 2 AOIBHEANN COSTELLO 3 LUCY JAYNBE GRANT 4 ISABELLA BELETIC 5 JAMIE ERICKSON 6 JENNA SLATTERY 7 AISLINN MEANEY 8 KATE THOMPSON 9 ROLA OLUSOLA 10 LYSNEY McKEY 11 JULIE-ANNE RUSSELL 12 JODIE GRIFFIN 13 EMILY KAVANAUGH 14 THERESE KINNEVEY 15 AMY MADDEN 16 ABBIE CALLANAN 17 AMANDA SMYTH 18 RÓISÍN JACOB 19 MARY-KATE TYRELL 20 JESSICA BERLIN 21 HEATHER LOOMES 22 EVE DOSSEN 24 EMMA DUFFY 25 EMMA DOHERTY 26 ABBIEGAYLE RONAYNE