This week, @breifneearley and @aaron_c91 break down the FAI Women’s Cup Semi-Finals, where Leaigh Brennan and Katie Lovely fired Bohs into their first ever FAI Cup final with a composed performance in Dalymount and a Kelly Brady penalty and Madison Gibson finish booked Athlone a fourth consecutive cup final after a dominant showing in Tallaght.

• Peamount United 1–2 Galway United
• Ceola Bergin’s brace sees Galway take 4 wins in 5, while Eleanor Ryan Doyle’s stunning effort wasn’t enough for the Peas.
• DLR Waves 0–4 Shelbourne
• Shels kept the title race burning with a ruthless display — goals from Aoibheann Clancy, Alex Kavanagh, Mackenzie Anthony, and Gaby Del Pico.

• The FAI re-advertises the Head of Women’s Football role
• A staff member is suspended following inappropriate contact with players’ families
• Continued uncertainty around voluntary redundancies and staff morale within Abbottstown

🎧 Stream now on FinalWhistle.ie or wherever you get your podcasts.

This week, Breifne Earley and Aaron Clarke react to the shock departure of Colin Fortune as Athlone Town manager — just days before their UEFA Women’s Europa Cup tie with Glasgow City and while they sit top of the LOI Women’s Premier Division.

🟡 What’s behind the decision?

🟡 What next for Fortune and the Town?

🔵 League Recap: Athlone Seize Control

Waterford 0–2 Athlone Town (Wednesday)

Early momentum in a huge week for the Midlanders.

Athlone Town 2–0 Shamrock Rovers

A repeat scoreline sees Athlone surge four points clear at the summit.

Galway United 2–1 Shelbourne

Shel’s title challenge dented as Galway continue their strong form.

Wexford FC 0–0 DLR Waves

Stalemate in the Bowl as both sides miss big chances.

Peamount United 5–0 Waterford

Ruthless from the Peas as they pile misery on Waterford.

Sligo Rovers 2–2 Treaty United

Two late Sligo goals steal a point in a game Treaty looked to have won.

Bohemians 2–0 Cork City

First win in four for Bohs as they keep Cork winless.

🎧 Full analysis, insight, and some tough questions — live now on FinalWhistle.ie

or wherever you get your podcasts.

This week on the pod, Breifne Earley and Aaron Clarke dive into a packed week for women’s football at home and abroad:

Athlone Town secure their place in the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup, drawing Scottish giants Glasgow City in the next round. Can the Town make history?

Wexford FC capture their first silverware since the merger, holding their nerve in a penalty shootout win over Bohemians after a crazy game in Ferrycarrig Park. Classic game of two halves, wild weather, and drama to the last kick.

• Treaty United 2–1 Galway United
• Bella Flocchini stuns with a rocket before Madison McGuane slotted home the decisive penalty in a huge derby win.
• Shelbourne 8–0 Sligo Rovers
• Welcome to the league Holly Murphy Harcourt! A debut goal-of-the-month contender seals an emphatic Reds win.
• Cork City 1–1 DLR Waves
• Cork will rue missed chances in a game they could have won multiple times.
• Peamount United 1–0 Shamrock Rovers
• Ellen Dolan delivers derby delight with a sensational long-range strike to take the bragging rights in West Dublin.

We also dissect the ongoing fallout between the FAI and former WNT manager Eileen Gleeson, as headlines continue to swirl.

 Listen now on FinalWhistle.ie or your favourite podcast app!

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.

On this week’s episode, @breifneearley and @aaron_c91 return to unpack a thrilling round of FAI Women’s Cup Quarter Final action, an eye-catching league comeback from Peamount United, and the implications of the semi-final draw as the business end of the season heats up.

📰 This week’s highlights:

🟣 Peamount Bounce Back at Bohs

Just days after being dumped out of the cup by Athlone, Peamount United rallied midweek in Dalymount, coming from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Bohemians in the league. The win keeps the title race alive and shows the resilience of the Pea's side.

⚫ Cup Quarter Final Round-Up

Bohemians 7–1 Newbridge Town

A ruthless performance from the Gypsies saw them fire seven past non-league Newbridge Town to book their spot in the last four in style.

Athlone Town 1–0 Peamount United

A hard-fought clash in Greenogue saw the defending champions edge past Peamount, exacting revenge for their recent league defeat.

Shamrock Rovers 2–1 Shelbourne

In a bruising North Dublin derby, Stephanie Zambra’s side edged out the league leaders, knocking Shels out of the cup in a huge statement victory.

DLR Waves 0–2 Treaty United

A brilliant second-half display saw Bella Flocchini and Madelyn Robbins strike to secure Treaty’s FAI Cup semi-final berth. Another milestone in what’s becoming a historic season for the Limerick side.

🔮 FAI Cup Semi Final Draw

Breifne and Aaron react to the semi-final draw, breaking down the matchups and who’s best positioned to reach this year’s decider at Tallaght Stadium.

🔜 Weekend Fixture Preview

The lads also cast an eye over this weekend’s league fixtures, as the title, relegation, and European battles intensify across the division.

🎧 Listen now on FinalWhistle.ie or wherever you get your podcasts.

🔗 https://www.finalwhistle.ie/soccer/loi-women-podcast-s5e25/

In Episode 24 of Season 5, hosts Breifne Earley and Aaron Clarke return to unpack another drama-filled weekend in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division, where comebacks, late goals, and managerial changes made headlines ahead of a highly-anticipated FAI Women’s Cup Quarter-Final weekend.

Bohemians were left frustrated after letting a two-goal lead slip at home to Athlone. A near-flawless first half saw the Dubliners dominant, but a spirited second-half comeback from the visitors — fuelled by intensity and clinical finishing — ensured a share of the spoils. The draw dents Bohs’ outside title push while Athlone cling to their fading hopes of retaining the crown.

Shelbourne had to dig deep to maintain their position at the summit. Fiana Bradley’s sensational long-range effort gave Waterford a shock early lead at Tolka Park, but the league leaders responded with composure and experience to turn the game around. The result keeps Shels two points clear at the top in a congested title race.

Charlotte Cromack’s late strike sealed a crucial three points for Wexford in a tightly contested encounter at PRL Park. Becky Watkins had given Peamount the lead just after the hour, before Ellen Molloy drew Wexford level. The win keeps Wexford firmly in the race for European qualification.

Galway United’s late-season surge continued as they secured a massive away win at Tallaght Stadium. A late own goal handed the westerners a hard-earned victory, compounding Shamrock Rovers’ recent struggles and leaving their title aspirations in tatters.

Treaty United again showed their flair for late drama as Bella Flocchini struck in the dying moments to snatch all three points at the Markets Field. DLR looked set for a point until the in-form American forward broke through late to clinch victory for the Limerick outfit.

Sligo Rovers registered an important win at The Showgrounds, condemning bottom side Cork City to another defeat. The game took on added significance after the weekend, with Cork manager Frank Kelleher stepping away from the role due to health reasons, a development that casts further uncertainty on the Rebels' campaign.

Breifne and Aaron also look ahead to a fascinating weekend of FAI Cup quarter-final action.

• Shelbourne v Shamrock Rovers: A heavyweight clash under Friday night lights at Tolka Park.
• Newbridge Town v Bohemians: The non-league underdogs welcome a confident Bohemians side.
• Peamount United v Athlone Town: Two recent FAI Women's Senior Cup winners battle for a semi-final spot in Greenogue.
• DLR Waves v Treaty United: A wide-open tie with neither of these sides having passed this stage in five years.

🎧 Listen now on FinalWhistle.ie or wherever you get your podcasts.

🔗 https://www.finalwhistle.ie/soccer/loi-women-podcast-s5e24/

In S5E23 of the League of Ireland Women’s Podcast, Breifne Earley and Aaron Clarke dive into another packed week of LOI Women’s action.

🇪🇺 Athlone Town’s European adventure continues as they back up last week’s 4-0 win with another dominant display to secure their progression to the next stage and introduce some exciting new signings. We'll discuss their latest arrivals:

🇩🇪 German midfielder Katherina "Kat" Oelschlaeger

🇺🇸 US-born forward Alexis Strickland

🏆 We also reflect on a weekend filled with goals, drama, and a few defensive disasters:

⚽ Katie McCarn hit a hat-trick as Bohemians ran out 5-2 winners over DLR Waves

🔝 Shelbourne went top of the table after a 2-0 win away to Cork City

🟣 Wexford burst the Shamrock Rovers bubble, coming from behind to win 2-1 and end Stephanie Zambra’s dream start

🟢 Peamount flew out of the blocks, but a red card turned the tide as they scrambled a point against Galway United

🔵 Sligo Rovers picked up a massive win on the road, beating Waterford 2-0

📉 Waterford’s week worsened with a 3-0 midweek loss to Bohemians, who are quietly flying under the radar but picking up steam.

🎧 Tune in now to catch all the insights, analysis and a look ahead to the next big matchups.

🔗 https://www.finalwhistle.ie/soccer/loi-women-podcast-s5e23/

In S5E22 of the League of Ireland Women’s Podcast, @breifneearley and @aaron_c91 look back on a historic night in Athlone, as the Town dazzled in their Champions League opener.

🏟️ A sold-out crowd of 1,916 packed into Athlone Town Stadium to watch the champions cruise past Cardiff City 4-0 on Wednesday night.

🗣️ We're joined by Athlone assistant manager Gordon Brett, who looks ahead to Saturday's Second Round clash against Croatian champions ŽNK Osijek (4pm, live & free on LOITV.ie).

🌟 Hear from Roisin Molloy, fresh off two goals and two assists in a sensational personal performance that lit up the European stage.

🟢 We also reflect on Stephanie Zambra’s managerial debut, as Shamrock Rovers hit seven past Waterford on Tuesday in a commanding 7-1 victory.

📅 Plus: a preview of this weekend’s League of Ireland Women’s Premier Division fixtures as the league resumes with plenty still to play for.

🎧 Listen now on FinalWhistle.ie

🔗 https://www.finalwhistle.ie/soccer/loi-women-podcast-s5e22/

In S5E21 of the League of Ireland Women’s Podcast, @breifneearley and @aaron_c91 preview a massive week for Irish women’s football — from Europe to domestic drama.

 Athlone Town begin their Champions League journey on Wednesday as they host Cardiff City in Athlone. Can they make a statement on the continental stage?

 Shamrock Rovers return to league action against Waterford on Tuesday — with Stephanie Zambra taking charge for the first time, and new signings Mia Dodd and Taylor White in line for debuts.

 In the All-Island Cup Semi-Finals:

 Bohemians reached their first-ever senior final, overcoming Shelbourne on penalties

 But it was a chaotic night for Shels — who had both Noelle Murray and Alex Kavanagh sent off, and lost top scorer Kate Mooney to injury

 Wexford finally broke their semi-final curse, beating holders Galway United thanks to an Ellen Molloy winner

 In the FAI Women’s Amateur Cup Final:

 Whitehall Rangers defeated Terenure College 1-0 at UCD

 Leah McHugh (ex-Sligo Rovers academy) scored the only goal

 A late penalty save from Lauren Davies (ex-UCD Waves & Kilkenny City) secured the win for Jennifer Kett’s side.

In S5E20 of the League of Ireland Women’s Podcast, @breifneearley and @aaron_c91 dig into a dramatic week across the Women’s Premier Division, with shock results, managerial moves, and title momentum swinging once again.

🔵 DLR Waves stunned Shamrock Rovers, with whispers that Collie O’Neill has left the club in the aftermath

🟣 Galway United and Treaty United both took points off champions Athlone Town, dealing a double blow to their title defence

🔴 Shelbourne roared back into the title race, dismantling Peamount 4-1 in a statement win

⚪ Aine Walsh scored a screamer on her Cork City debut, despite a 3-1 home defeat to Treaty

🟡 Wexford eased past Sligo Rovers 3-0 in the northwest

⚫ Leah Glennon’s goal was enough for Bohemians to edge out Waterford 1-0

🔁 Transfer news:

• Eleanor Ryan Doyle returns to Peamount United
• Siún Murdiff joins DLR Waves after leaving Wexford

🎧 All the headlines, reaction, and analysis – only on FinalWhistle.ie

🔗 https://www.finalwhistle.ie/soccer/loi-women-podcast-s5e20/