This week on the League of Ireland Women’s Podcast, Breifne Earley and Aaron Clarke unpack a busy few days in Irish women's football — from European playoffs to the FAI Cup Semi-Final clash with Leinster Rugby, and a full round of League action with major title implications.

🗣️ Talking Points:

🇪🇺 Athlone’s European Dream: Not Over Yet

Despite falling 3-1 to Breidablik in Iceland, Athlone Town aren’t done with Europe just yet. They now face a playoff for a place in the inaugural UEFA Women’s Europa League – can they bounce back?

📉 FAI Layoffs & Player Pathway Concerns

News of staff layoffs at the FAI has raised alarm bells – and with whispers of a restructure to U23/U18 in the women’s underage leagues, questions linger as the recent academy report suggested U15 as the best entry point. Are we moving in the wrong direction?

🏟️ Cup Semi-Final vs Rugby: Scheduling Tensions

A scheduling controversy brews as the FAI Women’s Cup Semi-Final (7:35pm) is set to go ahead in Tallaght on the same day as Leinster Rugby’s fixture at 3pm in the same venue. Could this impact crowd, coverage or atmosphere?

⚽ Weekend Results:

A cracking round of League fixtures saw title races tighten and stories emerge across the country:

🔴 Athlone Town 2–1 Shelbourne

A huge blow in Shels' title charge as the champions took all three points and breathe fresh life into the race.

🟣 Cork City 0–2 Peamount United

A composed Peas performance to keep their chase alive.

💚 Sligo Rovers 1–4 Shamrock Rovers

Ruthless finishing helps Rovers steady the ship in style.

🔵 Galway United 2–1 Bohemians

Amanda Smith’s stoppage-time screamer completes a thrilling turnaround in Eamonn Deacy Park.

🟡 DLR Waves 4–2 Waterford

A six-goal thriller sees DLR grab a rare but vital win.

⚫ Wexford 0–1 Treaty United

Katie Lawlee’s moment of magic earns Treaty a massive away result.