Wexford ladies in historic bid at Aviva
By capturing their first national league title and faring well in the group stages of the Uefa Champions League already this year, the girls from the south-east have added experience to their wealth of talent.
They will meet a side new in name but not in substance.
Shelbourne Women’s FC resulted from the merger earlier this year of the Reds’ underage structure with Raheny United, the team boasting a three-in-a-row of FAI Cups.
The vast majority of their present side – along with manager Casey McQuillan – lifted the trophy 12 months ago when Peamount United were beaten in Dublin 4.
This year’s decider pits the emerging force of Wexford against the established unit from Dublin. Not since 2007 when Galway beat Raheny has the Cup ventured beyond Dublin, so Youths have plenty of motivation for completing the double.
“Most of their team have the experience of winning the Cup final at the venue before,” said Wexford boss Willie Doyle. “There is a psychological aspect to it.”
Still, quality generally prevails and having beaten Raheny over the past year, there is little evidence to support Doyle’s theory of Wexford being the underdogs.
Free-scoring duo Carol Breen and Ciara O’Riordan are now part of the Ireland squad and others are pushing for inclusion into Sue Ronan’s plans.
Rather than faze them, tomorrow’s occasion in the national stadium before a live television audience presents a stage expected to bring out the best in Wexford.
“We play different styles but it will be a close final,” says McQuillan.
“Both groups of players know each other well and I think it should be a decent game for those in Lansdowne and watching at home.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
