Galway United's bid to win their third All-Island Cup in four years was undone by a Shelbourne side who claimed their first ever title at Tolka Park on Saturday evening.
Goals from Becky Watkins and Pearl Slattery were enough for the Reds to get their hands on the trophy. Watkins’ stunning strike after the interval saw the stadium rocking as the long-range effort had home fans in jubilant mood.
There was a crucial moment then with the second goal as Slattery was adjudged to be onside and flicked home a ball back into the box. Amanda McQuillan then got sent off in the aftermath for voicing her displeasure with the officials.
Pearl Slattery had originally went close from a corner on 8 minutes when her deft header seemed destined for the bottom corner. The clock was on 20 minutes when Becky Watkins missed a golden opportunity close into the box but her effort went wide of McQuillan’s post.
The first yellow card of the night went to Pearl Slattery who broke an Aoibheann Costello breakaway in a first half that didn’t have much action otherwise. Galway United’s first chance came a half an hour in when Aoibhin Donnelly’s fine effort flew over Mya Sanchez’s goal. But it was the two goals from Watkins and Slattery that did it for Shelbourne.
Commentary of the game was by Mike Rafferty and Anne Regan...
Galway United Women's Manager Phil Trill spoke to Mike Rafferty after the game...
