Shelbourne secured a historic domestic double with a 3-1 victory over Athlone Town in the FAI Cup final at Tallaght Stadium. First-half goals from Halle Harcourt, Alex Kavanagh and Maeve Wollmer sealed the trophy, ending Athlone's double-double dream just a day after they were confirmed as three-in-a-row league champions.
Harcourt, aged 17, opened the scoring in the ninth minute. Kavanagh then doubled the lead with a stunning free-kick into the top corner after Kayleigh Shine fouled Harcourt on the edge of the box. Wollmer added a third before the break, giving Shelbourne a commanding 3-0 lead at half-time. Hannah Waesch scored a late consolation for Athlone in the 90th minute.
Key performances
Alex Kavanagh was named Player of the Match for her decisive contribution. Manager Sean Russell was full of praise for the 26-year-old midfielder. "She’s unbelievable. What a performance," Russell said. "Alex has nearly been the victim of her own success because she’s been around for so long and she’s so consistent." Kavanagh revealed her goal came from tactical advice from her brother, former player Cian Kavanagh. "He always tells me to do a certain stance," she said. "He says just take two steps back. So I was actually taking about four steps back..."
Significance and next steps
The win completes a remarkable season for Shelbourne, who also lifted the All-Island Cup in July. Captain Pearl Slattery, making her 10th FAI Cup final appearance at the age of 37, lifted the trophy. The triumph also has major implications for the league run-in. With three games remaining, Shelbourne are locked in a battle with Galway United for the runners-up spot, which for the first time will bring European qualification. Shelbourne currently sit sixth in the Premier Division with 40 points from 32 games, and their next fixture is at home to 10th-placed Sligo Rovers on 9 October. The sides drew 2-2 in their last meeting in June.
Russell made it clear the job is not finished. "We’re not done just yet. We want European football," he stated. The team's recent form has been mixed, with a draw against Galway United last time out. For Kavanagh, a player with eight final appearances and four wins, the club is everything. "It means everything, to be honest," she said. "I’ve had it for what, 16 years now, so it’s literally all I know." Shelbourne now turn their focus fully to the league, aiming to cap their double-winning season with a place in continental competition.
Background and full detail: The 42
A crowd of 2,521 watched Shelbourne's FAI Cup final victory at Tallaght Stadium, the club confirmed. The win secured Shelbourne's first FAI Cup since 2024. Goalkeeper Mya Sanchez was praised for her performance, making several key saves including a double stop from Kerryanne Browne and Izzy Ryan. Shelbourne, who are sixth in the Premier Division with 40 points, next face Sligo Rovers on October 9.
Captain Pearl Slattery declared Shelbourne the best footballing side in the country after their FAI Cup final win. "For me, we're the best footballing side in the country," Slattery said. The 37-year-old centre-back said a Monday reset after recent defeats was key to their preparation. Shelbourne, who are sixth in the Premier Division with 40 points, now refocus on the league run-in. Slattery said the team would enjoy celebrations before targeting a European place.
