Credit: Bartley Ramsay- br soccer photos
From Ireland’s number one to Ireland’s number 8 so far. How the mighty have fallen, but where did it go wrong?
The Glory Days
The Peas recent glory days of the 2023 title dominance was the last piece of silverware beloved manager James O’Callaghan saw in Greenogue following his exit in October 2024 when Peamount finished 6th. O’Callaghan did find some success in the Champions League that season as they made it to the second round of qualifying, narrowly losing to Osikjek 2-1 in Croatia. Peamount looked to come back from Europe refreshed and full of confidence. Unfortunately the opposite happened and James O’Callaghan’s former super squad looked a shadow of themselves finishing 6th, as previously mentioned.
Going back further into O’Callaghan’s reign over 8 years, league wins in 2020 (Shorter COVID season) and 2019 while also winning the 2020 FAI cup, O’Callaghan became the perfect successor to former Ireland WNT manager Eileen Gleeson, following her departure from the Peas in 2014.
Credit: The Irish Sun
Where do they go from here?
This is the big question, what happens now? The successor of O’Callaghan is Emma Donohue and Gary Sheery. So far, it has been a rocky start even with fantastic signings like goalkeeper Amanda Budden and retaining key players like Karen Duggan. Peamount sit 8th in the table recently knocked out of the All-Island Cup by Wexford FC in a poor performance by the Peas.
There have been some shining stars in a poor team. Centre back Mary Phillips has been outstanding in keeping Peamount in close games. Winger Rebecca “Becky” Watkins always makes an impact starting or coming off the bench in crucial games. Also a special mention to Jessica Fitzgerald who at 19 years is a consistent starter for the Peas, playing the game like she has been involved for 20 years.
Credit: Bartley Ramsay- br soccer photos
Conclusion
It’s not all doom and gloom for Peamount moving forward with bright prospects coming through the under age levels we are yet to hear about. Peamount will be back to their best soon, but something has to click first…..