Galway United retain Avenir Sports All-Island Cup
A thrilling finish was required to settle the 2024 Avenir Sports All-Island Cup Final as Galway United edged Shamrock Rovers in a penalty shoot-out.
Jamie Erickson converted the all-important spot-kick following a 0-0 draw after normal time as the showpiece event skipped extra-time to go straight to penalties.
This was Galway's second win in the second year of this competition and it was clear that it meant a lot to them as they celebrated in front of their fans who were part of the 1,347 attendance in Tallaght Stadium.
It was Rovers who looked the more dangerous in front of goal in the early exchanges with Melissa O'Kane forcing a save from Galway goalkeeper Jessica Berlin and Lia O'Leary was a constant threat on the counter attack.
Galway, however, picked up some momentum in the second period and had heart pounding when substitute Aoibheann Costello smashed a long-range effort off the crossbar.
Rovers brought on a proven match-winner in Stephanie Zambra and she almost decided the contest with her first involvement but the post denied her what would have been a superb goal.
With the game being broadcast live on TG4, there was no shortage of drama for those watching on and the penalty shoot-out cranked up the entertainment factor as Galway won 4-3 thanks to Erickson's cool finish.
Shamrock Rovers: Amanda Budden; Maria Reynolds, Jessica Hennessy, Shauna Fox; Fiona Owens (Stephanie Zambra 86), Melissa O’Kane, Aoife Kelly, Scarlett Herron, Lia O’Leary (Ella Kelly 78); Aine O’Gorman, Joy Ralph.
Galway United: Jessica Berlin; Therese Kinnevey, Jamie Erickson, Eve Dossen, Amy Madden (Aoibheann Costello 62); Isabella Beletic, Kate Thompson, Jenna Slattery ; Rolake Olusola (Amanda Smith 85), Julie-Ann Russell, Lynsey McKey (Aislinn Meaney 62).
Referee: Jason Moore.
