Title Town (Athlone Town)

A report on Athlone Town clinching back-to-back SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division titles with a 4-0 win at Cork City on 1 October, with two games to spare. Kayleigh Shine gave John Sullivan’s side a 19th-minute lead, and they began to pull away just before the hour when top scorer Kelly Brady attacked a cross for a finish recorded as an own goal. The Irish-American was unmistakably on target five minutes later, heading into the corner, and completed the scoring from the penalty spot in the 89th minute after being tripped in the box. The result put first place out of reach for nearest competitors Shelbourne. Athlone were still chasing a first double, facing Bohemians in the Women’s FAI Cup final on 19 October.