WPD preview - Athlone Town
The toughest challenge for any team that wins the League title is trying to do it again. Yet that is the task in front of Athlone Town.
Defending the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division crown won’t be easy, especially with goalkeeper Katie Keane and captain Laurie Ryan not being in their ranks when they open the 2025 season at home to Wexford on Saturday, March 8.
The Midlanders will have Colin Fortune calling the shots following the departure of Ciarán Kilduff to Dundalk.
With Gordon Brett assisting him, Fortune will hope to bring some new energy to a squad that also has UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers to look forward to this summer.
The signing of Ireland underage international Kelly Brady could prove to be a shrewd piece of business, particularly if she can link up with Madison Gibson, who remains one of the best players in the League.
Trusting in youth will likely be the policy for Athlone, so expect to see Isabel Ryan, Danielle O’Neill, Hazel Donegan, Lucy Fitzgerald, Emma Mooney and Ciara O’Neill all clock up more first-team minutes as they look to establish themselves at this level.
If Chloe Singleton and Kerryanne Brown can make full recoveries from long-term injuries then Fortune will get getting two quality players back around the midway part of the season. But, for now, the focus will be on making a strong start to the campaign.
