ATHLONE TOWN WERE held to a 1-1 draw away to Sligo Rovers in a frustrating start to their League of Ireland Women’s Premier Division title defence.
Shelbourne, Shamrock Rovers and Galway United won on the first day of the 2026 season, while Waterford and Wexford, and Peamount United and Bohemians, shared the spoils on a busy day of action.
But Athlone’s struggles at The Showgrounds will command most of the early attention.
John Sullivan’s side – chasing a historic three in a row – hit the front in the 55th minute at through returning American striker Dana Scheriff. The 2023 Golden Boot winner turned home Izzy Ryan’s cross after a superb through ball from Melissa O’Kane.
But Sligo stalwart Emma Hansberry scored directly from a free kick from distance 15 minutes later, amidst some poor defending and goalkeeping.
The double champions pushed for a winner, but the Bit O’Red held firm — and perhaps came closest themselves; Paula McGrory denied late on by a smart Maria Matthaiou save.
It’s a huge result for Sligo and their new manager Gavin Hughes, while Athlone must get back on track quickly as the chasing pack make early ground.
Seán Russell started life in the Shelbourne hot-seat with a 2-0 win over his former side, Treaty United, at Tolka Park.
New signings Aoife Kelly and Becky Watkins scored quick-fire goals before half-time in the first game of the day in front of the TG4 cameras.
Former Peamount attacker Watkins was named Player of the Match, while Kelly’s strike was a stunner from the edge of the box:
Similarly, first-half goals powered Shamrock Rovers to a 2-0 victory away to Cork City in James O’Callaghan’s first game in charge.
One of their new arrivals, midfield maestro Sadhbh Doyle broke the deadlock in the eighth minute, before their top scorer last season, Emily Corbet, picked up where she left off just before the break.
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Elsewhere, Galway United finally broke DLR Waves’ resolve in the 73rd minute at the UCD Bowl when Isabella Beletic headed home Aoibheann Costello’s corner.
Waterford held Wexford to a 0-0 draw in the south-east derby as they embark on their second season in the Women’s Premier Division. It was an impressive result for Gary Hunt’s side, while former Ireland U19 manager Dave Connell was the new face in the opposite dugout at the RSC.
And Peamount and Bohemians could not be separated as it finished 2-2 at Greenogue.
Sarah McKevitt bagged a brace for Bohs – now under Alan Murphy – but Peas hit back each time through Sorcha Melia and Mary Phillips.
Meanwhile in WSL 2, Ireland attacker Emily Murphy continued her encouraging individual form with a goal in Newcastle United’s 1-1 draw away to Sheffield United.
With Carla Ward watching on at Bramall Lane, Murphy levelled matters in first-half injury time. The 23-year-old, who was named Player of the Match in both of Ireland’s recent 2027 World Cup qualifiers against France and Netherlands, has scored four goals for Newcastle this season.
Murphy played 74 minutes, while Aoife Mannion went the distance for the Magpies. Joy Ralph started for Sheffield, for whom her former Shamrock Rovers teammate Lia O’Leary was an unused substitute.
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Champions Athlone held in Sligo as Shelbourne, Shamrock Rovers and Galway win openers
Results – SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division
*****
ATHLONE TOWN WERE held to a 1-1 draw away to Sligo Rovers in a frustrating start to their League of Ireland Women’s Premier Division title defence.
Shelbourne, Shamrock Rovers and Galway United won on the first day of the 2026 season, while Waterford and Wexford, and Peamount United and Bohemians, shared the spoils on a busy day of action.
But Athlone’s struggles at The Showgrounds will command most of the early attention.
John Sullivan’s side – chasing a historic three in a row – hit the front in the 55th minute at through returning American striker Dana Scheriff. The 2023 Golden Boot winner turned home Izzy Ryan’s cross after a superb through ball from Melissa O’Kane.
But Sligo stalwart Emma Hansberry scored directly from a free kick from distance 15 minutes later, amidst some poor defending and goalkeeping.
The double champions pushed for a winner, but the Bit O’Red held firm — and perhaps came closest themselves; Paula McGrory denied late on by a smart Maria Matthaiou save.
It’s a huge result for Sligo and their new manager Gavin Hughes, while Athlone must get back on track quickly as the chasing pack make early ground.
Seán Russell started life in the Shelbourne hot-seat with a 2-0 win over his former side, Treaty United, at Tolka Park.
New signings Aoife Kelly and Becky Watkins scored quick-fire goals before half-time in the first game of the day in front of the TG4 cameras.
Former Peamount attacker Watkins was named Player of the Match, while Kelly’s strike was a stunner from the edge of the box:
Similarly, first-half goals powered Shamrock Rovers to a 2-0 victory away to Cork City in James O’Callaghan’s first game in charge.
One of their new arrivals, midfield maestro Sadhbh Doyle broke the deadlock in the eighth minute, before their top scorer last season, Emily Corbet, picked up where she left off just before the break.
Elsewhere, Galway United finally broke DLR Waves’ resolve in the 73rd minute at the UCD Bowl when Isabella Beletic headed home Aoibheann Costello’s corner.
Waterford held Wexford to a 0-0 draw in the south-east derby as they embark on their second season in the Women’s Premier Division. It was an impressive result for Gary Hunt’s side, while former Ireland U19 manager Dave Connell was the new face in the opposite dugout at the RSC.
And Peamount and Bohemians could not be separated as it finished 2-2 at Greenogue.
Sarah McKevitt bagged a brace for Bohs – now under Alan Murphy – but Peas hit back each time through Sorcha Melia and Mary Phillips.
Meanwhile in WSL 2, Ireland attacker Emily Murphy continued her encouraging individual form with a goal in Newcastle United’s 1-1 draw away to Sheffield United.
With Carla Ward watching on at Bramall Lane, Murphy levelled matters in first-half injury time. The 23-year-old, who was named Player of the Match in both of Ireland’s recent 2027 World Cup qualifiers against France and Netherlands, has scored four goals for Newcastle this season.
Murphy played 74 minutes, while Aoife Mannion went the distance for the Magpies. Joy Ralph started for Sheffield, for whom her former Shamrock Rovers teammate Lia O’Leary was an unused substitute.
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WLOI Women's League of Ireland Wrap