New Women's Europa Cup will offer Irish champions a second chance

EUROPA CHANCE: The Athlone Town team celebrate becoming SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division champions. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Uefa’s decision to introduce a second women’s club competition – the Europa Cup – will offer Ireland’s representatives an extended spell in Europe.

Although Ireland won’t have their representation expanded beyond the league champions, as they’re not in the top 24 ranked leagues, they will benefit from what’s termed the ‘feeding’ system.