Ireland’s National League Ends With the Right Result

Wexford Youths retained the Irish Women’s National League title in a play-off, Claire O’Riordan heading an equaliser from Linda Douglas’ cross and then cracking home a winner from the edge of the box after Pearl Slattery had put Shelbourne ahead. The season was defined by disruption: Castlebar Celtic withdrew halfway through, never having fully recovered from the death of manager Jeremy Dee on his way to a match in 2012, and horrendous weather forced dozens of postponements, prompting the FAI to move the next season’s start to August with summer football planned thereafter. Wexford lost first-choice keeper Mary-Rose Kelly and suffered cruciate injuries to Rianna Jarrett, Ciara Rossiter and Edel Kennedy.