WELCOME NOTE

It gives me great pleasure as President of the On behalf of the FAI Women’s Football Committee, Football Association of Ireland to be here in I would like to welcome you all virtually to today for the meeting of Stadium for the 2020 FAI Women’s Senior Cup Final. City and Peamount United in the FAI Women’s Unfortunately, due to the current COVID restrictions it Senior Cup Final. For those lucky enough to be in is not possible for fans to attend in person, but great to the stadium and for those watching at home, it have the opportunity to watch the game live on RTÉ2. promises to be a great occasion. Tallaght Stadium is a new venue for the Women’s Cup Final, Peamount will be looking to go one step better than last from 2013 to 2019, it had been hosted in the as year in today’s decider whilst I know well, as a Dub in part of a double bill with the men’s FAI Cup Final. While that exile on Leeside, how much excitement this Cork City helped to increase the profile of the game, we felt more needed journey has created down in the Southern capital ahead to be done. Earlier this year following discussions with the FAI of their second Cup Final appearance. Competitions Department, the Women’s Football Committee and a review by an FAI Working Group, it was agreed that the To both teams, their coaching staff, families and time is right to showcase the Women’s Senior Cup Final on its supporters, no matter what the result today, you can be own merits and give the marquee event in the women’s football proud of your achievement in getting to the FAI Women’s domestic calendar the huge profile it deserves. Senior Cup final and the last game of the season. Tallaght Stadium is the home of the Women’s It has been a remarkable season with challenges like Team and so was a natural venue for the Women’s Final. It is none we have ever experienced before in this COVID-19 acknowledged that moving away from the Aviva may be a era. As FAI President, I want to thank everyone who has disappointment for some, however the decision was taken with made football possible for so many in these difficult times the clear intention of building on the growing popularity of particularly our frontline staff, so many of whom are women’s football over recent years and to increase attendances. members of the Irish football community. The ultimate aim being to outgrow Tallaght Stadium and to return to the Aviva Stadium for the women’s final as a stand-alone Our thanks go to Women’s Football Committee event in the future. The plans to market and promote the game chairperson Frances Smith and her committee for to encourage fans to come along had to be put on hold due to everything they contribute for our game. To our FAI staff COVID, but hopefully by the time the 2021 final comes along the and to all the club officials up and down the country, current restrictions will be no more. to the COVID-19 Compliance Officers, to the League officials, to referee Claire Purcell and her team, and all of The Women’s Cup finals are generally closely fought games and the other match officials throughout the year – thank you I expect today’s game will be no different. Peamount United for making our game possible. To Nicola Coffey and all as beaten finalists on the last two occasions will be hoping it is the team at Tallaght Stadium, our gratitude as always for third time lucky for them, however I’ve no doubt Cork City will making our events here special. be looking to repeat the success of their last appearance in the final in 2017. All of this promises a competitive game for those Finally, I would also like to pay a very special tribute watching and also guarantees a different name on the cup this today to our dearly departed FAI colleague Michael year. Hayes, a man who forgot more about Irish football than the rest of us could hope to remember. His sad loss Well done to Peamount who were recently crowned 2020 WNL earlier this year was a tragedy for our sport and I again Champions. There are still a few matches to play in the Women’s would like to pass on our sympathies to his family and his Under 17 National League season so no winner there yet. After many friends in football. today’s match all Senior Clubs will have the opportunity to take some time off after what has been a challenging WNL season, As we approach the Centenary of the FAI next year, this before regrouping in early 2021 to start the new campaign. promises to be a worthy FAI Women’s Senior Cup Final. Enjoy! Wishing the players; management and staff of both teams the best of luck in today’s final. Go n-éirí an t-adh libh! Frances Smith Gerry McAnaney, Chairperson, President, FAI Women’s Football Committee Football Association of Ireland

2 LIST OF WINNERS 1975 - 1998 - SHAMROCK ROVERS 1976 - CASTLE 1999 - SHAMROCK ROVERS 1977 - SUFFRAGETTES 2000 - SHAMROCK ROVERS 1978 - DUBLIN CASTLE 2001 - SHAMROCK ROVERS 1979 - DUBLIN CASTLE 2002 - UCD 1980 - SUFFRAGETTES 2003 - UCD 1981 - SUFFRAGETTES 2004 - UCD 1982 - DUBLIN CASTLE 2005 - CITY 1983 - GLADE CELTIC 2006 - MAYO LADIES LEAGUE 1984 - DUBLIN CASTLE 2007 - LADIES LEAGUE 1985 - RATHFARNHAM UNITED 2008 - ST FRANCIS 1986 - DUBLIN CASTLE 2009 - ST FRANCIS 1987 - BENFICA 2010 - PEAMOUNT UNITED 1988 - RATHFARNHAM UNITED 2011 - ST CATHERINE’S 1989 - BENFICA 2012 - RAHENY UNITED 1990 - RATHFARNHAM UNITED 2013 - RAHENY UNITED 1991 - RATHFARNHAM UNITED 2014 - RAHENY UNITED 1992 - WELSOX 2015 - WEXFORD YOUTHS 1993 - BENFICA 2016 - SHELBOURNE 1994 - WELSOX 2017 - CORK CITY 1995 - RATHFARNHAM UNITED 2018 - WEXFORD YOUTHS 1996 - CASTLE ROVERS 2019 - WEXFORD YOUTHS 1997 - SHAMROCK ROVERS 2020 FAI WOMEN’S SENIOR CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND

BOHEMIANS 1 3 CORK CITY

(2-4 to Bohemians on penalties)

QUARTER-FINALS

BOHEMIANS 1 3 CORK CITY

GALWAY WFC 2 3 WEXFORD YOUTHS

PEAMOUNT UNITED 1 0 SHELBOURNE

TREATY UNITED 2 0 DLR WAVES

SEMI-FINALS

CORK CITY 2 0 TREATY UNITED

WEXFORD YOUTHS 0 1 PEAMOUNT UNITED

3 GOLDEN MEMORIES STILL MOTIVATING MCNAMARA

There is no better way to convince your team-mates that they can overcome the odds than by pointing out that they did it before.

In 2017, Cork City lifted the FAI Women’s Senior Cup - thanks to a memorable strike from - and now they want to do it again. This time, however, Peamount United stand in their way.

Fresh from retaining their Women’s National League title, Peamount are chasing a domestic double and boast a star-studded cast of players. But it’s all to play for today in Tallaght Stadium and that will be Cork City’s mentality.

Defender Ciara McNamara was a key component of that 2017 team and she has been preaching to her younger team-mates of what can be done, if they just believe in themselves.

“Winning the Cup would be unbelievable really. There are seven of us still in the squad from 2017 who know what it takes to win this Cup and how great it is to share it with your closest friends, it’s great that all the younger ones have the same opportunity,” said McNamara.

“Many of them were part of the fans that travelled that day so it’s a bit surreal for

4 them in that sense. It shows how far hard would rather show them the respect they work and determination can get you in a deserve and then stay fired up to take few short years. them on.

“The memories we made in the lead up “Peamount are League champions for a and afterwards are something I know I’ll reason that’s for sure and we are under never forget. I remember walking up the no illusions of how hard the challenge steps to lift the Cup with girls who I had will be but we will be ready,” she played with for years, even through the declared. not so great years we stuck together. “We have the quality in our squad to “To be able to run over to friends, match them, this year more so than other family and supporters after was an years individually we really put the unbelievable feeling, it was a real hard yards in especially during the first emotional rollercoaster for many of us lockdown and we are beginning to see that day.” the benefits of it.

An injection of youth has re-energised “At the end of the day it is a Cup final Cork and led them to today’s showpiece and anything can happen, it’s the team event, as well as finishing fourth in the who really wants it most is the team who Women’s National League which was will come out on top.” quite an achievement. Having done it before, Cork know that Still, Ronan Collins’ team are fully aware victory can be secured. Expect them to of just how good their opponents are. be ready for this one. Not that McNamara is fearing them, she

5 MANAGER’S MESSAGE RONAN COLLINS

It has been a very challenging sure they are immensely proud of their progressive nature women’s football is year for all. To be able to get to a daughters/sisters. Family fans support viewed. point where we can play the FAI is a phenomenon in Cork City. We are Women’s Senior Cup Final is huge all waiting for the day when games can Now any girl in the Munster area can testament to all people involved in be played in front of crowds again and grow up to play for their club at the the Women’s National League. we can hear the loudest families in the highest level in this country. To be country roar us on! involved with City is special, we are As a squad we have been in a all fans as well as volunteers. There is privileged position to be able to train Fifteen of the squad have come through a huge connection between all teams, and play during this time. The squad the club’s academy, most of the rest coaches, staff and board members. The have shown huge appreciation of this of the team have only ever played longer I have been involved the clearer fact and acted with great responsibility. with City and those that have not are it is to see that this is ‘more than just a becoming more Cork than the rest. The football club’. There is a good relationship between women’s section has exploded over the Peamount United and Cork City so it is last four years from 20 players training It has been a hugely difficult year for great to meet them in the final. We will twice a week to 150 plus players many, in our memory today will be JFK. have to put that friendship on hold for training up to four times a week. I feel Last time the women were in the Cup 95 minutes or so today. it is important to recognise the work Final he brought the whole rebel army all the coaches from the academy, to the AVIVA Stadium. He surely broke With 15 teenagers and only four Under-17s, seniors and committee have the record for attendance at a women’s players over 22 we have the youngest put in. We are extremely close. It is an game in this country. We are going to squad in the League. The team incredible community to be involved in do everything in our power to bring show great maturity, discipline and and today is a result of all that work. back those memories from that amazing togetherness. Sometimes we have day. We know he will be looking on to reset ourselves and actually take The term one club is often used around from above cheering us on as only John account of just how young a group we Bishopstown. To be involved with a club can. ‘City til I die and beyond’ really are, at 21 you are virtually a that live an ethos on top of just saying senior citizen in the dressing room. it is special, to be the first team to wear our new home kit is another sign of the Ronan Collins The older players, and I use that word older loosely, have been amazing with the girls setting a standard and forging a path for them. To see these girls commit to the process and use football as a vehicle to develop as characters is hugely inspiring.

This is in no small way down to the incredible coaching staff. The work they do for the group is unparalleled and to put up with me on a daily basis is an even greater achievement.

It is not only the players who commit to the process but it is their families, or as we like to call them the extended panel. It is tough on them to have to miss this occasion. They have made similar commitments to the players and I am

6 THREE TO WATCH CORK CITY

MARIA O’SULLIVAN EABHA O’MAHONY LAUREN EGBULONIU

It might appear to be an odd choice to Since being moved into centre midfield Since returning from a long-term injury, select a goalkeeper as One To Watch, from her normal defensive starting Cobh native Egbuloniu has steadily but O’Sullivan is much more than a point, O’Mahony has showed just how improved to the extent that she is netminder for this Cork team. She wears good she really is. Forget about the probably now Cork’s main striker. She the captain’s armband and is a big part stunning goal against Wexford Youths has a burst of acceleration that can see of how they play - plus if this game goes (even though it’s quite a watch) because her burn past opposition defenders and to a penalty shoot-out then she could her game is about so much more. She get in on goal when she has no right to. emerge as one of the star performers. A moves the ball quickly, shifts into areas Surprisingly strong for her stature, she solid shot-stopper, O’Sullivan has made where she can receive a pass or be in can hold players off and links play very big improvements this season with her the right position to stop an opponent, well. But ultimately it is her finishing that handling, kicking and decision-making, and brings an aura of calmness to makes her stand out and that is what which is good news for Cork. things. She is on her way to becoming a Cork will need from her in this game. top player.

7 8 WNL HELP TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR BARRETSTOWN

The Women’s National League was always going to be different in 2020 due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and that is why linking up with Barretstown made perfect sense.

With such a strong focus on health with the pandemic affecting so many lives, the truncated WNL season needed to use its platform for good and that is where Barretstown came in.

A partnership was agreed between the Football Association of Ireland and the children’s charity whereby any promotional opportunities would be flagged up and maximised.

It all started with the official League launch and then carried through “We believe that our partnership with Barretstown is recognised as a centre with the sponsoring of the Player of the League has helped us to reach new of excellence in childhood cancer care the Month award and also having supporters and ultimately to Press Play and other serious illnesses. Children are a presence when Peamount United on the lives of children living with a referred to Barretstown based on their retained the League title. serious illness and their families.” medical needs.

Barretstown CEO Dee Ahearn said: About Barretstown Since first opening their gates in 1994, “We are thrilled that the FAI’s Women’s Barretstown have catered for over National League selected Barretstown Barretstown offers free, specially 60,000 campers. as their charity of choice for the 2020 designed camps and programmes for season. children and their families living with a 2020 Barretstown / WNL serious illness – supported behind the Player of the Month Winners “The COVID-19 crisis means that scenes by 24 hour on site medical and children with a serious illness, like nursing care. August: those who come to Barretstown, Ellen Molloy (Wexford Youths) who are immune-compromised, are All of the children and families come to currently even more isolated. That Barretstown free of charge. Everything, September: also means they need our therapeutic including accommodation, food and Saoirse Noonan (Cork City) programmes now more than ever. We medical assistance are provided at no October: rely almost entirely on donations and cost to the family. Jessica Ziu (Shelbourne) the fundraising efforts of individuals, November: Barretstown is supported by donations community groups and partnerships (Peamount United) like this to ensure that we can continue and the fundraising efforts of corporate to provide our programmes to children supporters, individuals and community living with a serious illness. groups.

9 THREE TO WATCH PEAMOUNT UNITED

NIAMH FARRELLY LUCY McCARTAN ALANNAH MCEVOY

Now operating at centre-back rather If there were an award for ‘Most Under- Since joining the club from Shelbourne, than in centre-midfield, Farrelly has rated Player of the Year’ then McCartan McEvoy has been a regular starter but been sharpening her defensive instincts would be the clear winner. The used mainly in a wide position rather this season. It’s clear that she has Westmeath native is almost business- than always through the middle as the benefitted from becoming a regular like in her approach; never drawing main striker. The versatility that she has squad member with the Republic of attention to herself but always getting added to her game has ensured that Ireland WNT as her confidence has the job done. She has been an integral she contributes more than just goals to grown substantially. On the ball, she is part of Peamount’s recent success by the team. By using her pace and ability comfortable in possession and excellent breaking up opposition moves, sparking to create space for others she gets her at linking play with her passing out counter attacks and even contributing team moving in the final third when from the back. Off the ball, she is alert, a couple of vital goals. Her partnership transiting to attack. Capable of scoring aggressive and constantly reading the with Karen Duggan in the midfield all-important goals, she is someone game in the right way. There’s no doubt engine room is so crucial to Peamount’s who will need to be watched closely she is amongst the best players in the play that a host of talented players by Cork. League right now. are either left on the bench or had to switch to other positions. She has had a fantastic season.

10 THREE TO WATCH MANAGER’S MESSAGE PEAMOUNT UNITED JAMES O’CALLAGHAN

Hello and welcome to today’s play through the thirds and are clinical & kit manager Barbara Ryan, video/ FAI Women’s Senior Cup Final on set-pieces. We are really going to camera expert Darren Doyle, our between Peamount United and have to be on their game today if they excellent committee who keep the show Cork City. We would also like to are to lift the Cup. on the road most importantly Elaine, welcome all players, officials and Katie, Denis and Bryan without these volunteers from the Rebel county. I would like to thank this fantastic people giving up their free time for the group of players who have worked love of the game, none of this would be It has been a long season with the so hard throughout the year, who get possible. A special mention must go to dreaded COVID-19 coming amongst us very little reward apart from the joy one of our biggest supporters’ Spider, playing havoc not just with our football of participation, I really feel a task who has not been well lately. Hopefully but with our lives. It is important to group should be set up to look into we can give him something to smile remember all our loved ones who have what is needed to make the League about today. been affected by it, hopefully we have semi-professional with a plan to go seen the worst of it now and can get professional, to look at ways we can Finally, I would like to thank all the back to leading normal lives again. better promote it, which will then keep friends and families of the players and our best players in the League where staff who have supported us all along Eventually when we did get the season our young school girls and boys can see the way in these hard and difficult times. going after two pre-seasons and lots them perform on a weekly basis but the We all really appreciate the support of stops and starts, what a season it players need to be rewarded, inequality and hopefully you can all get behind has proved to be. Highlights of the is still alive and well in sport. us today as we look to lift the FAI year have obviously been winning Women’s Cup. the League again in a winner-takes- It is not just the players of course... we all game against Shelbourne - all have got a fantastic group of people credit to our girls for putting in such a behind the team that make it all tick. I powerhouse performance on the night would like to thank my assistant Vinnie Enjoy the game! and commiserations to Shelbourne Patterson, goalkeeping coach Derek who really pushed us until the end. Masterson, coach & performance James O’Callaghan Eventually we kicked off our UEFA analyst Emma Donohue, operations Women’s Champions League campaign with an away trip to Glasgow where we came out on the wrong side of a penalty shoot-out against a professional team who reached the quarter-finals the previous season, although we were hugely disappointed to lose.

There was still a feeling of accomplishment with the performance as with a bit of luck we could have won the game, thankfully we can look forward to next season and have another crack at it.

We are in for a tough game today against a well-organised team with a good mix of youth and experience, who have plenty of Cup Final experience indeed winning it in the 2017. They play a possession-based game, who like to

11 REID-BURKE KNOWS WHAT IT TAKES

The quest for silverware has only just started at Shamrock Rovers and is determined to lead the club to more success... TO WIN

As they prepare to put up the Christmas decorations in the Reid-Burke household, they will have to leave some space for one, possibly two, new winners’ medals.

A fifth Women’s National League medal was presented to Niamh Reid-Burke a couple of weeks ago and now she wants to get her hands on another FAI Women’s Senior Cup medal.

The Peamount United goalkeeper is far from fixated on adding to her personal haul, but it’s always nice to be part of a winning team. And that is exactly what she wants to experience in today’s Final against Cork City.

“It would mean the world to win this game. I don’t think a double has been done in Peamount in a good few years and would be nice to bring the Cup back to a club that prides itself on community and volunteers. Our background team are amazing people,” said Reid-Burke.

The Republic of Ireland international has been outstanding this season and would be many people’s choice as the best stopper in the Women’s National League. Although she is not one to rest on her laurels. In fact, she is always striving to improve.

12 “WE GOT UNLUCKY AGAINST GLASGOW IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE. BUT I CAN’T TELL YOU MY ROUTINE BECAUSE THEN EVERY STRIKER IN THE LEAGUE WILL KNOW IT”

Ahead of today’s game, she will have “Yes, penalties are something that It’s also been 10 years since the club studied her opponents, surveyed the I like to work on frequently and won this competition, with three runners- landscape, and assessed what she needs especially before major Cup games, up experiences since then that they to do in order to help her team. Part We got unlucky against Glasgow in the would prefer not to recall. The knack of that might just be having to save a Champions League. But I can’t tell you that they have developed for winning in couple of penalties, should the game go my routine because then every striker in recent times is something that they hope to a shoot-out. the League will know it,” she said. can lead them to more success today.

Reid-Burke was at her athletic best to Peamount will hope that today’s game stop a spot-kick from Glasgow City’s won’t have to go all the way to a shoot- in their UEFA Women’s out as their recent form, which saw them Champions League clash and it’s that retain their League title, has been quite type of big-game experience that frightening. Peamount will be counting on today.

13 PEAMOUNT RETAIN WNL TITLE

It may have been a truncated season due to the outbreak of COVID-19, but there was no shortage of drama as Peamount United retained the Women’s National League title.

The Peas were taken to the second-last game of the campaign as they had to overcome rivals Shelbourne in what turned out to be a thrilling encounter in PRL Park.

Captain Aine O’Gorman led by example with two goals in that victory over Shelbourne and it kept her in the lead to finish as top scorer with one game left to play.

While Peamount were able to celebrate their title win there was plenty for other teams to be proud of, including debut seasons for Athlone Town, Bohemians and Treaty United.

Athlone exceeded many people’s expectations by finishing joint top of Group 2 after the season split into two sections at the midway point.

Treaty were also impressive as they reached the FAI Women’s Senior Cup semi-finals and a number of their players stood out, including Gillian Keenan and Aoife Horgan.

Bohemians ensured that each of their opponents faced a tough game and manager Sean Byrne did an excellent job with a brand new squad of players.

There were a number of bright points such as the emergence of Wexford Youths ace Ellen Molloy, the League’s link-up with Barretstown as a charity partner, and plenty of good football played.

The standard of football was reflected in a steady flow of home-based players earning call-ups to the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team squad for several camps. Bohemians were one of three new teams to compete in the League in 2020 In spite of the obstacles that had to be overcome, it was a along with Athlone Town and Treaty United competitive and enjoyable season.

14 15 CORK CITY PEAMOUNT UNITED FC FC

Ronan Collins James O’Callaghan

The official squad numbers & list of match officials were not released by the time of going to print

Maria O’Sullivan Niamh Reid-Burke

Abby McCarthy Naoisha McAloon

Leah Hayes Cohen Lauryn O’Callaghan

Zara Foley Lauren Kealy

Nathalie O’Brien

Danielle Burke Chloe Moloney

Ciara McNamara Claire Walsh

Eabha O’Mahony Louise Corrigan

Shaunagh McCarthy Jade Reddy

Leah Murphy Dearbhaile Beirne

Lauren Walsh Niamh Barnes

Lauren Singleton Lucy McCartan

Eadaoin Lyons Tiegan Ruddy

Katie McCarthy Karen Duggan

Riona Crowley Sadhbh Doyle KICK-OFF Jesse Mendez 15:15 Becky Cassin Della Doherty

Kate O’Donovan Megan Smyth-Lynch NATIONAL ANTHEM Christina Dring Alannah McEvoy AMHRÁN NA bhFIANN Saoirse Noonan Eleanor Ryan-Doyle

Laura Shine Aine O’Gorman Sinne Fianna Fáil, Atá faoi gheall ag Éirinn, Sophie Liston Louise Masterson Buíon dár slua Lauren Egbuloniu Becky Watkins Thar toinn do ráinig chugainn Faoi mhóid bheith saor, Nadine Seward Sean-tír ár sinsear feasta Ní fhágfar faoin tíorán ná faoin tráill. Anocht a théam sa bhearna baoil MATCH OFFICIALS Le gean ar Ghaeil chun Referee: báis nó saoil Claire Purcell Le gunna scréach faoi lámhach na bpiléar, Assistant 1: Ann Sweeney Seo libh canaig Assistant 2: Olivia Sneyd Amhrán na bhFiann. Fourth Official:Vickey McEnery Reserve Assistant: Kate O’Brien