Looking at last year's Sports Direct Women's FAI Cup winners
It was refreshing to hear new signing Casey Howe state that the aim this year is for Athlone to win the League.
A title challenge feels like a natural progression following last season's triumph in both the President’s Cup andthe Sports Direct Women's FAI Cup.
Ciaran Kilduff took over following a surprise exit by Tommy Hewitt in the middle of the season and the rookie manager showed that he was more than capable of getting the best out of his players.
The goals from Dana Scheriff, the playmaking of Chloe Singleton, the link play of Madison Gibson and the defensive solidity of Kayleigh Shine shaped them into an excellent team. The issue was that that came towards the end of the season, so fifth place was not so flattering.
This year, though, it promises to be different. The addition of Howe, who impressed for Sligo Rovers, and also Kerryanne Brown, should give The Midlanders more speed and creativity going forward.
There are plenty of options in midfield, with Jenaya Robertson also coming in, to support their attack, while goalkeeper Katie Keane looks poised to wrestle for the unofficial moniker of the League’s best shot-stopper.
If they can afford to give game-time to younger players, watch out for midfielder Isabel Ryan and defender Mary Philips. Both are underage Ireland internationals with exciting futures ahead of them.
Kilduff, though, will enter this season with a ‘win now’ mentality. They got the edge over Shelbourne in the Cup Final. Can they now compete with the big teams for the League title?
This could be a big year for Athlone.
Finish Last Season – 5th
Manager - Ciaran Kilduff
Key Player - Madison Gibson
