The Women’s League of Ireland returns with an exciting encounter between arguably two of the most competitive teams in the League.
The Women’s Premier Division will return next week but 6 days before hand, the action will kick off in the Presidents Cup final as Sean Russell will manage his first competitive game as Shels Women’s Senior Manager against the reigning Champions of Ireland with sliver-ware up for the taking in this fixture.
Shelbourne finished 2nd in the 2025 division 7 points below Athlone. Shelbourne are a clinical side and will hope to clinch silverware before the Division even returns against tough opponents. Shels beat DLR Waves and Peamount in Pre Season but lost to Shamrock Rovers in pre-season action.
Athlone Town have the home advantage as the final takes place in their home grounds. While last years star player in the Women’s League by far, Kelly Brady departed Athlone to join English WSL side Crystal Palace, Athlone still boast a very strong squad. The side beat Cork City, Treaty, Wexford, Waterford and DLR Waves in Pre-season.
Key Information
Where to Watch: LOITV
Kick off: 2pm Sunday 8th March @ Athlone Town Stadium
Referee: Daryl Carolan
Team News
Former Shelbourne forward Noelle Murray has joined Athlone Town ahead of 2026. Athlone Town manager John O’Sullivan has made Hannah Waesch Captain of his side ahead of the 2026 season. Out of Athlone’s other signings in the off season, Dana Sherriff looks notable after signing from the American College football system.
Sean Russell’s side obviously lost Murray to Athlone which is a loss for thee club. Emily Kraft is a notable signing for Russel’s side. Kraft made her Senior Republic of Ireland debut in 2019 and played stints with Southampton and Aberdeen prior to joining the Tolka Park outfit.
Key Statistics
Athlone Town will be looking to win a 2nd Presidents Cup title in a row consecutively. They also won the FAI Cup and League last season. Athlone remained unbeaten in Pre-season action and look to be a powerhouse in Women’s football in Ireland for 2026.
Shelbourne scored in every game against Athlone in the 2025 season but failed to beat them in league action but did beat Athlone in last years edition of the Presidents Cup which was in Tolka Park. The most previous meetings Shels had with the Midlands Club saw them losing by the score-line of 2-1 in each game.
Key Players
Hannah Waesch is clearly an outstanding player at Athlone. Waesch scored numerous goals last season alongside Brady at Athlone and won SSE Airtricity player of the year in October 2025. Waesch is the perfect figure for the 2026 captain of the Champions.
Emily Kraft will be one to watch at Shelbourne based purely on her experience at club and international level. Kraft should bring fluidity to an already strong Shelbourne side.
Previous Meetings
27/09/2025: Shelbourne 1-2 Athlone
23/08/2025: Athlone 2-1 Shelbourne
01/03/2025: Shelbourne 2-1 Athlone