Advertise on podcast: The LOIWomen Show on FinalWhistle

Breifne Earley and Aaron Clarke (@LetsTalkLOIW) are back to break down another weekend of SSE Airtricity League Women's Premier Division action as the season moves towards its decisive stages. Athlone Town's pursuit of a third consecutive league title continues to gather momentum after another significant victory, this time coming away to Shamrock Rovers. The champions left Tallaght with a 2-1 victory and another precious three points as they continue to put themselves in control of the destination of the league trophy. There was a big result at the Showgrounds too. Sligo Rovers' excellent run of form was halted by Waterford, who travelled north and produced an impressive 2-1 victory. Breifne and Aaron look at a result that once again demonstrates just how competitive the league has become. Galway United were made to work for all three points against Cork City. Five goals and plenty of drama eventually produced a 3-2 Galway victory as they attempt to keep themselves involved at the business end of the table. Peamount United also enjoyed an excellent afternoon on the road, putting three unanswered goals past DLR Waves, while Treaty United secured another important result with a 1-0 victory over Bohemians at the Markets Field. The lads discuss what all five results tell us about the current state of the league, the title picture and the teams building momentum as we enter the closing stages of the campaign. Finally, the show turns to Tolka Park and a fascinating meeting between Shelbourne and the University of North Carolina. With UNC in Dublin around the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, the game provided a rare opportunity to see one of American college soccer's most famous programmes take on League of Ireland opposition. Breifne and Aaron look back at the occasion, the football on display and what can be learned from bringing the NCAA and League of Ireland women's games together.

Breifne Earley and Aaron Clarke (@LetsTalkLOIW) are back to review the Club Orange FAI Women's Cup semi-finals before turning their attention to a full weekend of SSE Airtricity League Women's Premier Division action. Athlone Town and Galway United produced a tense semi-final encounter with little to separate two of the country's leading sides. Ultimately it took a penalty shootout to decide who would progress, with Athlone holding their nerve to book another major final and keep their hopes of adding cup silverware to their title challenge alive. There was considerably less uncertainty in the other semi-final. Shelbourne travelled to Leeside and produced a devastating performance against Cork City, hitting six without reply to emphatically secure their place in the FAI Women's Cup Final. The result continues a remarkable run of form for the Reds, who have forced themselves back into the league title conversation and now have another major trophy firmly in their sights. With the cup finalists decided, attention switches back to the Women's Premier Division this weekend. Shamrock Rovers' meeting with Athlone Town is one of the standout fixtures as the champions continue their pursuit of a third successive league title, while Galway United look to respond when they welcome Cork City. Sligo Rovers host Waterford at the Showgrounds, Treaty United meet Bohemians at the Markets Field, and DLR Waves face Peamount United as another important round of league fixtures gets underway. There's also an unusual international flavour at Tolka Park on Friday night. Ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic weekend in Dublin, Shelbourne welcome NCAA opposition from the University of North Carolina for a fascinating meeting between the League of Ireland and one of the best-known collegiate programmes in the United States. Breifne and Aaron discuss what can be taken from the fixture, the very different structures surrounding the women's game in Ireland and the NCAA, and another busy weekend ahead across the league.

Breifne Earley and Aaron Clarke (@LetsTalkLOIW) return after a two-week break to catch up on a hugely significant period in the SSE Airtricity League Women's Premier Division and Club Orange FAI Women's Cup. After a difficult couple of weeks away from the show following a family bereavement, the lads have plenty of football to work through, including the two rearranged league fixtures played over the last two nights. The title race has taken a dramatic turn, with Athlone Town putting one hand on a third consecutive league trophy. Victories over Peamount United, Sligo Rovers and Wexford FC have strengthened the Midlanders' position at the top just as their closest challengers have started to stumble. Galway United's previously relentless challenge has hit its first sustained speed bump of the campaign, with dropped points away to Sligo Rovers and Bohemians allowing Athlone to seize the initiative. But the title race is far from a two-team affair. Shelbourne have quietly put together one of the strongest runs in the division. Victories over Wexford, Bohemians, Peamount and Cork City have propelled the Reds right back into contention and suddenly added another dimension to the battle at the top. Breifne and Aaron look at how the momentum has shifted, what the recent results tell us about the leading contenders and where the title race now stands heading into the decisive stages of the season. Attention also returns to the Club Orange FAI Women's Cup. The lads look back at the quarter-finals which opened the month before turning their attention to this weekend's semi-finals. Cork City face the considerable task of attempting to dethrone holders Shelbourne, while Athlone Town host Galway United in a heavyweight encounter between two sides whose rivalry has already helped define the 2026 season. By the end of the weekend, just two clubs will remain on the road to the FAI Women's Cup Final.

Breifne Earley is joined by Aaron Clarke (@LetsTalkLOIW) to review another fascinating week across Irish women's football. The episode opens with Athlone Town's UEFA Women's Champions League campaign coming to an end following defeat to Poland's Czarni. The panel reflect on what was still a hugely positive European adventure for the League of Ireland champions and what the experience can do for the club moving forward. Back on the domestic front, Sligo Rovers once again demonstrated why they are one of the form teams in the Women's Premier Division. Their impressive 3-2 victory away to Bohemians continued an outstanding run of results and further strengthened their push up the table. Shamrock Rovers also feature heavily in the discussion after leaving it late once again to rescue a point against Waterford. The panel ask whether the late goals are a sign of championship mentality or if Rovers are making life unnecessarily difficult for themselves. Galway United's patience eventually paid off as two late goals secured a 2-0 victory over DLR Waves, while Treaty United held Shelbourne to a draw and Wexford FC continued their strong campaign with victory away to Cork City. Away from the pitch, Breifne and Aaron discuss the growing importance of communication and attention to detail across the league, and how publicly available registration data through FAI Connect can reveal player transfers before clubs officially announce them—raising interesting questions about modern football administration and information sharing. Attention then turns to one of the biggest weekends of the domestic season as the Club Orange FAI Women's Cup reaches the quarter-final stage. The panel preview every tie: Bohemians v ShelbourneAthlone Town v Shamrock RoversGalway United v Sligo RoversDouglas Hall v Cork City before looking ahead to next week's Women's Premier Division fixtures between Bohemians and Galway United, and Shelbourne against Cork City. 🎧 Listen / Watch now: https://www.finalwhistle.ie/soccer/loiwomen-s6-e30/

Breifne Earley is joined by Aaron Clarke (Let's Talk LOIW) and Emma Kate Dineen to review one of the busiest and most significant weeks of the season across Irish women's football. The episode begins with Shelbourne's victory in the All-Island Cup Final, as goals from Becky Watkins and Pearl Slattery secured a deserved 2-0 win over Galway United to lift the trophy in front of a packed Tolka Park. Attention then turns to another entertaining weekend of league action. Peamount United and Waterford produced an eight-goal thriller at the RSC, with Eleanor Ryan Doyle leading the visitors to an important victory. Shamrock Rovers left it until the final minute before Alice Buggle's winner secured all three points against Treaty United, while Sligo Rovers continued their excellent run of form with another impressive victory over DLR Waves. Athlone Town's comfortable league win over Bohemians is also reviewed before attention switches to Europe, where the Midlanders made an outstanding start to their UEFA Women's Champions League campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over ŽFK Skopje. The panel then discuss one of the biggest talking points in Irish women's football this week: player transfers. With Maria Reynolds completing her move from Shamrock Rovers to Sheffield United and Sydney Stephens departing Sligo Rovers for Atlas FC Femenil in Mexico, the conversation explores what these transfers say about the growing quality of the League of Ireland Women's Premier Division, while also questioning whether clubs are receiving fair compensation for developing players who move abroad. Finally, the panel preview another huge week ahead, including Athlone Town's second UEFA Women's Champions League qualifier against WFC Nike in Poland, alongside a full round of SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division fixtures. 🎧 Listen now: https://www.finalwhistle.ie/soccer/loiwomen-s6-e29/

Breifne Earley is joined by Avril Brierley to review another dramatic week in the SSE Airtricity League Women's Premier Division before looking ahead to Friday night's All-Island Cup Final. The episode begins with the midweek action as Athlone Town and Shelbourne shared the points in a hard-fought encounter, while Peamount United edged DLR Waves thanks to an early Eleanor Ryan Doyle strike. Attention then turns to a fascinating weekend of league action. Athlone Town bounced back with an assured 3-0 victory away to Cork City, while DLR Waves produced one of their biggest results of the season by snatching a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Bohemians. Shelbourne's clinical display against Waterford also comes under the spotlight, with Halle Harcourt's first-half hat-trick setting the tone as the Reds continued to build momentum ahead of a huge week. Treaty United's impressive away victory over Peamount United is another major talking point, before Sligo Rovers' disciplined 1-0 victory over Wexford FC continues the Bit O' Red's impressive run of form and strengthens their position in the league. The standout match of the weekend came in Moyne Villa, where Galway United raced into a 3-0 first-half lead against Shamrock Rovers before the visitors mounted a remarkable comeback to earn a 3-3 draw. The panel discuss the character shown by Rovers, the attacking quality displayed by both sides and what the result means heading into the second half of the campaign. The attention then shifts to one of the biggest nights of the domestic season as Shelbourne and Galway United prepare to meet in the All-Island Cup Final, live on TG4 from Tolka Park. The panel assess where the trophy could be won and lost and whether Galway can maintain their outstanding campaign or if Shelbourne's recent form can deliver silverware. The show also previews this weekend's remaining league fixtures, including Waterford against Peamount United, Shamrock Rovers hosting Treaty United, Sligo Rovers welcoming DLR Waves, and Athlone Town taking on Bohemians. 🎧 Watch / Listen now: https://www.finalwhistle.ie/soccer/loiwomen-s6-e28/

Breifne Earley and Aaron Clarke are joined by Sligo Rovers striker Sydney Stephens as they look back on a dramatic weekend in the Club Orange FAI Women's Cup before previewing a busy week of league action. The show begins with Sydney reflecting on Sligo Rovers' 2-1 victory away to Waterford, where her early goal helped book the Bit O' Red's place in the quarter-finals of the FAI Women's Cup. The panel then review every tie from the Second Round. Bohemians' eight-goal victory over Kerry FC, Shelbourne's emphatic win against Bray Wanderers, Galway United's hard-fought success over Treaty United, Athlone Town's impressive victory at Peamount United, Shamrock Rovers' dramatic stoppage-time winner away to Wexford FC, Cork City's continued improvement with victory over DLR Waves and Douglas Hall's upset against Dundalk are all discussed. Attention also turns to the performances of the non-league clubs throughout the competition, with the panel reflecting on the growing strength and competitiveness shown by clubs outside the Women's Premier Division. With the transfer window now open, the discussion also covers the latest player movements and how those transfers could shape the second half of the season. Finally, the panel preview a huge week of league action. First up are the midweek fixtures between Athlone Town and Shelbourne, along with Peamount United against DLR Waves, before attention turns to Saturday's packed programme, highlighted by Sligo Rovers hosting Wexford FC live on TG4 and Galway United welcoming Shamrock Rovers on Sunday. 🎧 Listen now: https://www.finalwhistle.ie/soccer/loiwomen-s6-e27/

Breifne Earley is joined by Aaron Clarke and Emma Kate Dineen as they review a dramatic weekend across the SSE Airtricity League Women's Premier Division, the All-Island Cup semi-finals and the First Round of the FAI Women's Senior Cup. The episode begins with Wexford FC's impressive 4-2 victory away to Shamrock Rovers, a result that underlined their attacking quality and kept their strong run of form going. Attention then turns to Cork City's hard-earned point away to Waterford before Treaty United and Sligo Rovers shared the spoils in another closely contested encounter. The focus then switches to the All-Island Cup semi-finals. Shelbourne booked their place in the final with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Bohemians, while Galway United required a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser from Anna McGough before overcoming holders Peamount United on penalties to set up a mouthwatering final. The panel also review the opening round of the FAI Women's Senior Cup, with Dundalk, Douglas Hall, Bray Wanderers and Kerry FC all progressing to the next stage. Attention then turns to another huge weekend ahead as the League of Ireland clubs enter the Second Round of the FAI Women's Senior Cup. The panel preview: Waterford FC v Sligo RoversBohemians v Kerry FCShelbourne v Bray WanderersGalway United v Treaty UnitedPeamount United v Athlone TownWexford FC v Shamrock Rovers before looking ahead to Sunday's meeting between Cork City and DLR Waves, as well as the remaining fixture between Douglas Hall and Dundalk. 🎧 Listen now: https://www.finalwhistle.ie/soccer/loiwomen-s6-e26/

Breifne Earley and Aaron Clarke are joined by Cork City captain Eva Mangan following one of the biggest results of the SSE Airtricity League Women's Premier Division season. The show begins with Cork City's stunning 6-0 victory over Peamount United, a result which finally ended the club's winless run and delivered a huge boost to morale. Eva joins the show to discuss the performance, the challenges of the season so far, and what the result means for the squad moving forward. The panel also review the rest of the weekend's league action. Treaty United's impressive 3-0 win away to DLR Waves, Shelbourne's dramatic late draw against an in-form Sligo Rovers, Galway United dropping points against Waterford, Wexford and Bohemians sharing the spoils, and Athlone Town's important victory over Shamrock Rovers are all examined in detail. Attention then turns to a huge weekend ahead. The panel preview: Shamrock Rovers v Wexford FCWaterford FC v Cork CityTreaty United v Sligo Rovers (Live on TG4) alongside the All-Island Cup semi-finals: Shelbourne v BohemiansGalway United v Peamount United The show also includes discussion on the FAI Women's Cup First Round, the latest Women's Development League Cup action, and Ireland's World Cup Playoff prospects as Carla Ward's side prepare for a crucial trip to Kazakhstan. 🎧 Listen now: https://www.finalwhistle.ie/soccer/loiwomen-s6-e25/

Breifne Earley and Aaron Clarke look back on a busy week across Irish women’s football, reviewing the All-Island Cup quarter-finals, the FAI Women’s Cup Preliminary Round and the stories making headlines across the game. The show begins with a review of the All-Island Cup quarter-finals, where Peamount United knocked out Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians secured a late winner away to Treaty United, Shelbourne overcame Cliftonville, and Galway United produced a dramatic stoppage-time victory over Linfield Women to book their place in the semi-finals. Attention then turns to the FAI Women’s Cup Preliminary Round, with discussion around the results and the subsequent draw as clubs continue their journey towards national silverware. Off the field, the panel discuss the return of Alban Hysa to the League of Ireland as the new manager of Peamount United, one of the most significant coaching appointments of the season. There is also discussion around the announcement that Treaty United and Limerick FC will unite senior football in Limerick from the 2027 season, a landmark development that could reshape the football landscape in the region for years to come. Aaron also looks ahead to the upcoming World Cup Playoff Draw before attention turns back to domestic football with a full preview of Saturday's SSE Airtricity League Women's Premier Division fixtures. The panel preview: Cork City v Peamount UnitedDLR Waves v Treaty UnitedShelbourne v Sligo RoversGalway United v Waterford FCWexford FC v BohemiansAthlone Town v Shamrock Rovers as the league resumes following the cup break.

Breifne Earley is joined by Aaron Clarke, Avril Brierley and former DLR Waves manager Lar Mahony for a wide-ranging episode covering international football, coaching, player development and the continued growth of the women’s game in Ireland. The panel begin by discussing Ireland’s recent fixtures against the Netherlands and France, assessing where the team currently stands and what remains possible in the race for World Cup qualification. Attention then turns to Lar Mahony’s long involvement in the women’s game. He reflects on the early years of the National League, the progress made over the last decade and a half, and the evolution of standards both on and off the pitch. Lar also looks back on his time managing DLR Waves and recalls winning the FAI Cup with UCD, sharing some of the lessons and experiences that shaped his coaching career. The conversation then explores Lar’s coaching philosophy, player development and the importance of creating environments where players can thrive both on and off the field. The panel also discuss the publication of Lar’s latest book, Move Yourself, the third release in the Big Picture Coaching series, which focuses on personal growth, leadership and coaching principles. Finally, attention turns to this weekend’s All-Island Cup quarter-finals, with a full preview of the remaining teams and the key storylines as the competition moves into the knockout stages. Move Yourself can be ordered via: 🌐 www.bigpicturecoachingireland.com 🎧 Listen now: https://www.finalwhistle.ie/soccer/loiwomen-s6-e23/

Breifne Earley and Aaron Clarke are joined this week by Sligo Rovers striker Sydney Stephens as they review a dramatic final round of group-stage action in the All-Island Cup. The episode begins with Sydney reflecting on Sligo Rovers' weekend, including the events that led to her dismissal and the sending-off of manager Gavin Hughes during their defeat to Linfield (0:48). She discusses the incident, the emotions involved and her perspective after reviewing the game. The conversation then turns to the match itself (4:10), before a wider discussion around officiating and the appointment of a former league-winning Linfield player to referee games involving the club (20:09). Sydney also reflects on an incredible month of May (25:15), having scored eight goals across all competitions and helping drive Sligo Rovers' recent resurgence. The football review begins with Group A (32:36), where Linfield secured top spot with a comprehensive victory over Sligo Rovers, while Wexford FC produced an impressive 5-1 win away to Shamrock Rovers. Group D (36:46) saw Shelbourne top the section with a 6-1 victory over Glentoran, while Bohemians' 5-0 win over Waterford secured the final quarter-final place. Group B (52:55) featured victories for Galway United and Peamount United, with Eleanor Ryan Doyle scoring four times as the holders advanced. The panel also discuss the departure of Peamount United manager Gary Seery following confirmation that work commitments have forced him to step away from the role. Group C (54:56) provided some of the weekend's biggest drama as Treaty United defeated Athlone Town to top the group and eliminate the Midlanders. The discussion also covers Athlone's appointment of new manager Lily Agg and Cork City's remarkable collapse against Cliftonville after leading 3-0 and playing with an extra player before conceding a last-gasp equaliser. Later in the show (1:20:40), the panel discuss the FAI Women's Amateur Cup quarter-finals and explain how qualification for the FAI Women's Senior Cup now works for Development League and non-league teams. The episode concludes with a look ahead to Ireland's upcoming international fixtures against France and the Netherlands (1:33:58).

Breifne Earley is joined by Emma Kate Dineen and Aaron Clarke for a full preview of this weekend’s All-Island Cup fixtures, alongside an exclusive interview with Galway United star Remini Tillotson. The panel begin with Group A action (3:02), where Shamrock Rovers host Wexford FC while Sligo Rovers travel north to face Linfield. Attention then turns to Group B (8:15), featuring Galway United against DLR Waves and Peamount United’s clash with Lisburn Rangers. Group C discussion (11:37) centres around Treaty United v Athlone Town in what promises to be one of the ties of the weekend, while Cork City travel to face Cliftonville. Group D (19:59) rounds off the preview with Bohemians taking on Waterford and Shelbourne travelling to face Glentoran. The feature interview begins with an introduction at 25:56 before the full conversation with Remini Tillotson starts at 27:00. The Galway United attacker reflects on her spectacular equalising strike against Athlone Town last weekend, the celebration that followed, and the emotions surrounding one of the biggest moments of the season so far. In a lighter moment later in the episode (56:28), Emma Kate Dineen perhaps puts herself under unnecessary pressure by comparing her upcoming charity match appearance in St. Coleman’s Park, Cobh to Tillotson’s wondergoal. 🎧 Listen now: https://www.finalwhistle.ie/soccer/loiwomen-s6-e21/

Breifne Earley is joined by Aaron Clarke and Emma Kate Dineen to break down another dramatic weekend in the SSE Airtricity League Women’s Premier Division. The episode begins with the standout game of the weekend as Galway United produced a stunning late comeback to defeat Athlone Town (5:53). With Athlone reduced to ten players and seemingly on course for a valuable away result, Galway struck twice late on — including a sensational equaliser from Remini Tillotson before Niamh Farrelly completed the turnaround deep into stoppage time. Attention then turns to Shelbourne’s impressive away victory over Peamount United (23:02), where the visitors responded brilliantly after falling behind early to secure an important statement win. Sligo Rovers’ emphatic 4-0 victory over Cork City (33:09) is next on the agenda, with Sydney Stephens continuing her outstanding form as the Bit O’Red produced one of their strongest performances of the season. Shamrock Rovers’ composed win over DLR Waves (45:46) is also reviewed, with the Hoops continuing to strengthen their position near the top of the table. Treaty United’s draw with Wexford FC (55:20) and Bohemians’ stalemate against Waterford FC (1:06:09) round off the match discussions. The panel also examine the latest league table as Galway United extend their lead at the summit, Athlone remain firmly in contention despite defeat, and the battle for European places continues to intensify behind them. Match footage included with permission of the Football Association of Ireland, SSE Airtricity League of Ireland, TG4 and LOITV. 🎧 Listen / Watch now: https://www.finalwhistle.ie/soccer/loiwomen-s6-e20/

Breifne Earley is joined by Aaron Clarke and former Ireland international goalkeeper Niamh Reid Burke to review another fascinating weekend in the SSE Airtricity League Women’s Premier Division. The panel break down all six games from across the division, beginning with DLR Waves’ draw against Cork City and Sligo Rovers’ impressive away victory over Waterford, as Sydney Stephens and Cara Jordan continued the Bit O’Red’s strong recent form. Attention then turns to Shamrock Rovers’ scoreless draw with Bohemians and Shelbourne’s stalemate with Galway United, with discussion around Rovers finally beginning to show the style of play they had initially set out to implement this season. Wexford FC’s emphatic win over Peamount United and Athlone Town’s narrow victory over Treaty United are also reviewed, with Dana Scheriff once again proving decisive. Beyond the results, the episode also explores some of the wider talking points around the league. The panel discuss the ongoing managerial situation at Athlone Town and whether a former Irish international could emerge as a candidate for the role, while also examining the realities of participation in European competition — including the financial demands and off-field pressures placed on clubs and players. There is also discussion around the personal sacrifices required to compete in the league following confirmation that Dublin-based Abby Rooney has departed Sligo Rovers, highlighting the commitment and travel demands faced by many players throughout the season. 🎧 Watch / Listen now: https://www.finalwhistle.ie/soccer/loiwomen-s6-e19/