Athlone Town appoint Lily Agg as women’s head coach

Lily Agg in Ireland colours. Pic: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Athlone Town have confirmed the appointment of Lily Agg as head coach of the Women’s first team on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

Republic of Ireland international Agg was in attendance in Athlone in recent weeks, with the news of her appointment confirmed on Thursday evening. 

32-year-old Agg takes the reins at the back-to-back league champions after the departure of John Sullivan very early into the new season back in March.

The midfielder has had to endure long-term injuries of late. She has recently departed Birmingham City, having suffered an ACL injury at the start of 2025.  

Added to that, the 22-cap international ruptured her Achilles last month while at Durham on loan from her then-parent club, Birmingham.

“I’m beyond excited to be joining Athlone,” Agg said. “From the very first conversations with Steven (Gray, CEO) and Brian (Shelley, technical director) I was so impressed with the club’s ambitions and can’t wait to join this incredible team.”

Technical director Shelley welcomed the appointment: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Lily to Athlone Town AFC. Throughout the process, Lily stood out through her professionalism, standards, ambition, and clear vision for how she wants her teams to play and develop. We believe she is an outstanding appointment for our football club.

"This is a significant moment for Athlone Town AFC. Appointing a full-time Women’s Head Coach on a long-term agreement demonstrates the ambition, stability, and commitment we have towards building something special within the women’s programme.

"We want to continue driving standards, developing players, competing for trophies, and creating an environment that people across Irish football recognise and respect. 

"We are excited for the journey ahead and believe Lily will have a major impact both within our club and within the wider women’s game in Ireland.” 

CEO Gray added: “After a long thorough recruitment process, we are very happy and proud to announce the appointment of Lily Agg as our new women’s team head coach on a 2.5-year full-time contract. Our women’s team deserve the best possible candidate available to us. 

"From the moment we spoke to Lily, we knew. She is a lovely person first and foremost and we are happy that she will take care of all players and staff.

"Secondly, her ambition, knowledge, energy and attention to detail are exactly what we are looking for. She will lead the group with heart, class and expertise. We cannot wait to get her in the building.” 

Meanwhile, Former Inter Milan and Roma attacker Kevin Zefi has agreed to join Sligo Rovers until the end of the League of Ireland Premier Division season.

The 21-year-old former Irish underage international has spent the last number of weeks working with John Russell's side.