The first ever President’s Cup involving SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division teams will kick off on Saturday, February 25th with Athlone Town hosting Shelbourne in Athlone Town Stadium.

Double winners in 2022, Shelbourne have added to their squad with Nadine Clare, Sophie Watters and Kerri Letmon, as well as newcomers Kayla Hamric and Christie Gray, plus the returning Siobhan Killeen.

Athlone Town, who were runners-up in both the League and EVOKE.ie FAI Women’s Cup, have also recruited with Shauna Brennan, Chloe Singleton and Eve Conheady.

The two teams know each other well, but will be taking nothing for granted as the season opener gets underway – live on LOITV.

Athlone Town captain Laurie Ryan said: “We are looking forward to getting the 2023 League of Ireland season underway with this first ever President’s Cup game. It promises to be a good game as there is silverware on the line.

“We did really well last season in both the League and FAI Women’s Cup, but this is a brand new season so our focus needs to be on getting off to a solid start and proving ourselves all over again.

“We know how good Shelbourne are; they are not double champions for no reason. But we will be up for this game and we hope that our supporters can get behind us in Athlone Town Stadium.”

Shelbourne captain Pearl Slattery said: “It is great to add the President’s Cup to the domestic calendar for SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division teams and I think it is the perfect way to kick off the new season.

“It is really exciting to see some of the new additions to the League this season, such as the rebrand, the introduction of full-time contracts, a new team being added and some excellent players involved. This President’s Cup game is part of that and we are looking forward to featuring in it.

“Athlone Town showed last year just how good they are so we are expecting a difficult game, in their home ground, but we are determined to get off to a winning start and know that we have to work hard to achieve that.”

2023 President’s Cup
Athlone Town v Shelbourne
Saturday, February 25
Athlone Town Stadium
KO 16:00
LIVE on LOITV

Referee | Louise Thompson
Assistant Referee | Kate O’Brien
Assistant Referee | Katie Hall
Fourth Official | Arleen Campbell