Three Athlone Town players have been selected for the PFAI Team of the Year, as voted by the players in each league.
The American duo of Jesi Rossman and Madie Gibson were named in the Women’s Premier Division PFAI Team of the Year. The pair were instrumental in helping the women’s team secure their first-ever league title, and Madie Gibson was recently named the Womens Premier Division September Player of the Month.
Dean Ebbe has earned a spot on the Men’s First Division PFAI Team of the Year, following an outstanding season in which he scored 15 goals, making him the league’s top goalscorer. Ebbe’s consistent goal-scoring ability played a crucial role in helping The Town secure a play-off spot.
Athlone Town AFC wish to announce that Ciarán Kilduff has decided to step down from his role as Head Coach of the Athlone Town AFC Women’s team.
Ciarán has been an integral to the club’s success, leading the women’s team to their first-ever Premier Division title in a memorable season.
Speaking on his decision, Ciarán said: “It has been an absolute honour to work with such talented players and dedicated staff. Winning the Premier Division title with this team is something I will cherish forever. However, after much reflection, I feel this is the right moment for me to step away. I informed the club of my decision after the game, I am extremely proud of what we have achieved, and I would like to thank the club, players, and supporters for their incredible support throughout my time here.”
Athlone Town AFC would like to express its gratitude to Ciarán in helping deliver a historic Premier Division title to the club.
We wish him every success in his future endeavours.
The club will begin the search for a new head coach in the coming weeks.
For a second year running, Athlone Town will feature in the First Division play-offs. The Town finished fourth in the table, with 15 wins and 10 draws from 35 games.
Athlone will face Wexford FC in the Semi-Finals of the 2024 Play-Offs. Tickets for both legs are on sale now.
Semi-Final 1st Leg
Athlone Town v Wexford FC
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Venue: Athlone Town Stadium Date: Thursday, October 24th Time: 7.45pm
Roisin Molloy has rounded off a remarkable SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division season by being named the Player of the Month for October.
The Sligo native played in all 20 league matches, playing a key role in helping the Midlanders secure their first league title, following their triumph in the President’s Cup. Up next is the Sports Direct FAI Cup final, set to take place on Sunday.
Molloy concluded the season ranked second in key passes (16), third in progressive runs (60), fourth in expected assists (4.35), seventh in shots on goal (43), and 11th in crosses (48).
The 22-year-old scored five league goals, but it was her overall play across both midfield and forward positions that made her stand out. She excelled at creating space, linking defense with attack, and consistently delivering standout performances.
Molloy becomes the third Athlone player to win this monthly prize this season following on from Casey Howe (April) and Madison Gibson (September), while clubmate Jesi Rossman was also nominated this month.
Molloy secured the Player of the Month award in a vote that favoured her over Treaty United forward Danielle Steer, who ended the season with eight goals, and Shelbourne’s Maggie Pierce.
Athlone Town’s number one Katie Keane has earned her first senior international call-up!
Keane is regarded as one of the top young goalkeepers in the country, shining for the league champions this year. She has also been a standout performer for the Ireland Under-19s, delivering a heroic performance in their 0-0 draw against Spain during the European Championships this summer.
Her consistent performances have been recognised as the eighteen-year-old has conceded just 16 goals in 20 games this season.
She’ll meet up with the rest of the senior Republic of Ireland squad after playing in this weekend’s Sports Direct Women’s FAI Cup final against Shelbourne.
Athlone fans will be well acquainted with Tallaght Stadium over recent years, as the women’s team return to the Sports Direct Women’s FAI Cup Final for a third year in a row against Shelbourne FC.
Match Details ️⚽️
2024 Sports Direct Women’s FAI Cup Final Athlone Town AFC v Shelbourne FC Sunday, October 20th Tallaght Stadium Kick-Off: 3pm Live on RTÉ2 (coverage begins @ 2.15pm) across Ireland. Available on LOITV outside Ireland.
Athlone Town AFC Ticket Locations 🏟 Blocks 103, 104 (West Stand). Blocks 201, 202 (North Stand) are allocated to ATAFC supporters for this year’s final.
The image below shows the parts of Tallaght Stadium where these blocks are.
These blocks can be accessed through turnstile blocks 2 and 3, as shown on the image below.
This initiative returns for the 2024 Sports Direct Women’s FAI Cup Final.
Adults/U16s tickets are priced at €10 each for this scheme. Minimum orders apply.
Register your interest below and a member of the FAI’s ticketing team will be in touch. Don’t miss this opportunity to bring your club/school on a great day out!
Important to note that one lucky team will win a training session with an Athlone Town player!
Several buses will be running return trips to transport supporters from Athlone Town Stadium to Tallaght Stadium. The buses will depart at 12.45pm so make sure to get down early to avoid delayed departures. If you wish to avail of this service, use the link below to book your seat now.
For those travelling by car, we recommend parking in The Square Shopping Centre where a “Pay at the Exit” system is in place.
Supporters can park for up to three hours for €1 and each hour thereafter will be charged at €2. Payment can be made directly at the exit barrier by tapping your credit or debit card. If paying by cash, please visit a pay station before returning to your car. Supporters may also use the free public car park located behind the Civic Theatre, which is accessible from Belgard Square North.
Please do not park in the Arena / Woodies car park as you may be clamped.
Supporter Liaison Officer ℹ️
If you have any queries, feel free to reach out to Adam Lee on the following platforms:
Athlone Town have made history by securing their first-ever SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division title with a 2-0 victory over Bohemians at Athlone Town Stadium. Madison Gibson and Kellie Brennan found the back of the net, clinching the win and making Athlone only the fifth team to claim the league title since 2012.
Shelbourne’s 3-0 victory over Peamount United earlier in the day kept the title race alive until the very end. However, Athlone’s superior head-to-head record guaranteed them the championship with one game remaining, set to be played against Galway United on Saturday, October 12th.
The breakthrough arrived in the 26th minute when the recently announced September Player of the Month winner Madison Gibson pounced on a poor clearance from Bohemians goalkeeper Rachael Kelly, driving forward to fire in her seventh goal of the season. Just seven minutes later, Brennan doubled the advantage, skillfully turning her defender inside the box before finishing from close range. Athlone came close to adding a third, with Gibson missing the target and Brenda Tabe striking the crossbar with a powerful header.
Bohemians attempted to rally, but Athlone goalkeeper Katie Keane stood firm, securing her 10th clean sheet of the season. The victory marked Athlone’s 15th win of this historic campaign.
The Women’s Premier Division title adds to the club’s growing list of honours won by this great team, which also features last year’s Women’s FAI Cup triumph and consecutive President’s Cup victories. Ciaran Kilduff’s squad now sets their sights on completing a domestic double, as they prepare to face Shelbourne once again in the Sports Direct Women’s FAI Cup Final on October 20th at Tallaght Stadium, kicking off at 3pm.
Athlone Town’s Madison Gibson was voted as the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division Player Of The Month for September.
The American Forward has been in excellent form, also netting a stunning free kick during the recent 3-3 draw against Shamrock Rovers.
With just two games remaining in the season, Athlone hold the top spot in the title race, with Gibson playing a pivotal role in making Ciaran Kilduff’s side the team to beat.
Madie is a very versatile player, whether she has plays out on the wing or up front, the American has been hugely influential in their attacking play with her direct running, precise passing and clincial finishing.
Gibson has taken on a leadership role in this team and has delivered when it has mattered most in big games, socring crucial goals. Filling in the voids after some high profile departures from the team during the season.
As the league title race reaches its climax and the Sports Direct Women’s FAI Cup final approaches, Gibson will be aiming to build on this monthly award with even more accolades in the weeks ahead.
She fended off competiton from club-mate Brenda Tabe and Shelbourne’s Kate Mooney to win the prize.
The dates and venues for this year’s EA Sports LOI Academy Cup Finals have been confirmed. Anthony Fay’s WU17 and WU19 sides have progressed to each of their respective Cup Finals.
EA Sports WU17 LOI Cup Final
Athlone Town v Shamrock Rovers
Athlone Town Stadium
Saturday, October 19th
Kick-off: 3pm
EA Sports WU19 LOI Cup Final
Shelbourne FC v Athlone Town
Tolka Park
Sunday, October 13th
Kick-off: 3pm
Admission to all finals is €5 but with children free.
Over the weekend, the inaugural League of Ireland Walking Football Festival took place at the National Sports Indoor Centre in Abbotstown.
There were nine League of Ireland Clubs represented at the Festival which included Athlone Town, Bohemians, Bray Wanderers, Cork City, Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne FC, Sligo Rovers, Waterford FC, and Wexford FC.
The Town put on a terrific showing going through their eight games unbeaten and scoring sixteen points for 4 wins and 4 draws which earned them the runners up spot as Shelbourne claimed the title with 18 points from their 5 wins and three draws.
Congratulations to all the lads and indeed to all who took part in this excellent event.
Athlone Town were ably represented by Standing (L-R): Aidan Hand, David Dully, Eamon Gavin, Padric Igoe, Gerry McHugh. Kneeling (L-R): Anthony Monaghan, Joe Curley, John Egan, Derek Wallace