Offaly duo help Athlone Town to brink of third straight league title

Offaly native Emma Mooney scored a crucial goal as Athlone Town FC took a giant step towards retaining the Women's League of Ireland Premier Division title with victory against DLR Waves last weekend.

Mooney, who came through the ranks at Killeigh FC and is an Irish underage international, netted the opening goal in a three-goal victory, which means Athlone need a single point from their remaining three league fixtures to mathematically ensure a third straight Premier Division success. Only an unexpected set of results could see Galway Utd catch them at the summit.

More normally a midfielder, Mooney has lately been in fine form at the heart of Athlone's defence.

Fellow Faithful County native Isabel Ryan (from Birr), who has lit-up Athlone's right wing this season, was also a second half substitute in the win.

Both Emma and Isabel will be hoping to play significant roles as Athlone Town compete in the FAI Women's Cup final against Shelbourne next Sunday (Tallaght Stadium, 3.30pm).

Athlone's remaining league matches will be at home against Galway Utd (October 3), away to Shelbourne (October 17), and at home against bottom-placed Cork City (October 24).