2021 Women's National League (Ireland)

Last updated

Women's National League
Season2021
Dates27 March 2021 – 13 November 2021
Champions Shelbourne
2nd title
Champions League Shelbourne
Matches played108
Top goalscorer Áine O'Gorman (16 goals)
Biggest home win Peamount United 8–1 Cork City
(30 October 2021)
Biggest away win Treaty United 0–10 Peamount United
(3 October 2021)
Highest scoring Treaty United 0–10 Peamount United
(3 October 2021)
Highest attendance1,007 Cork City 3–1 Treaty United (6 November 2021) [1]
← 2020
2022 →
All statistics correct as of 13 November 2021.

The 2021 Women's National League, known as the SSE Airtricity WNL for sponsorship reasons, [2] is the 11th season of the Women's National League, the highest women's association football league in the Republic of Ireland since its establishment in 2011. Peamount United were the defending champions, having won their third league title the previous season.

Contents

In January 2021 the League attracted a new title sponsor, as SSE Airtricity agreed a two-year renewal of their existing deal with the (men's) League of Ireland and extended it to also cover the WNL. [3] The Bank of Ireland also signed a three-year deal as an associate sponsor of the League of Ireland and WNL. [4] This followed a season without a WNL sponsorship deal in 2020. [5]

The 1,007 spectators at Cork City's 3–1 win over Treaty United on 6 November 2021 at Turners Cross set a new WNL record for the highest attendance. [1]

A dramatic conclusion to the season saw defending champions Peamount United unexpectedly squander a two-goal lead to lose 5–2 at home to Galway on the final match day, allowing Shelbourne to claim the title with their 3–2 win over Wexford Youths. [6] [7] Both matches were subject to live television coverage, following the WNL's agreement of a broadcast arrangement with TG4 in September 2021. [8]

During the season a number of players transferred to professional clubs in England and Scotland. Peamount manager James O'Callaghan called for the formation of a task force, to examine the possibility of making the WNL semi-professional in future: "It's great for those players that they are getting to play professionally, but it's not great for the league to be losing them." [9]

Teams

The same nine teams who had contested the abridged 2020 season returned for 2021. [10]

Ireland adm location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Red pog.svg
Red pog.svg
Red pog.svg
Red pog.svg
Red pog.svg
Red pog.svg
Red pog.svg
Red pog.svg
TeamHome town/suburbStadium2020 finish
Athlone Town Athlone Athlone Town Stadium 7th
Bohemians Dublin (Coolock) Oscar Traynor Centre 9th
Cork City Cork Turners Cross 4th
Galway Galway Eamonn Deacy Park 5th
Treaty United Limerick Markets Field 8th
Peamount United Newcastle, South Dublin Greenogue 1st
Shelbourne Dublin (Drumcondra) Tolka Park 2nd
DLR Waves Dublin (Belfield) UCD Bowl 6th
Wexford Youths Crossabeg Ferrycarrig Park 3rd

Personnel and kits

Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

TeamManagerCaptainKit manufacturerShirt sponsor
Athlone Town Flag of Ireland.svg Tommy Hewitt Flag of Ireland.svg Kayla Brady Nike Stodge Face
Bohemians Flag of Ireland.svg Sean Byrne Flag of Ireland.svg Sophie Watters O'Neills ICHH - Inner City Helping Homeless
Cork City Flag of Ireland.svg Rónán Collins Flag of Ireland.svg Becky Cassin Adidas Jackie Lennox Chip Shop
DLR Waves Flag of Ireland.svg Graham Kelly Flag of Ireland.svg Catherine Cronin Jako CDS - Clare Distribution Services
Galway Flag of Ireland.svg Billy Clery Flag of Ireland.svg Shauna Fox Acerbis The Plaza Group
Peamount United Flag of Ireland.svg James O'Callaghan Flag of Ireland.svg Áine O'Gorman Uhlsport SPAR Kelly's Newcastle
Shelbourne Flag of Ireland.svg Noel King Flag of Ireland.svg Pearl Slattery Umbro Hamptons Homes
Treaty United Flag of Ireland.svg Niall Connolly Flag of Ireland.svg Esra Kangal Umbro Ei Electronics
Wexford Youths Flag of England.svg Tom Elmes Flag of Ireland.svg Kylie Murphy Jako Energia

Managerial changes

TeamOutgoing managerManner of
departure		Date of vacancyPosition in tableIncoming managerDate of
appointment
Shelbourne Flag of England.svg Dave BellResignation [11] 16 December 2020Pre-season Flag of Ireland.svg Noel King 31 December 2020 [12]
Treaty United Flag of Ireland.svg Dave RooneyResignation [13] 1 January 2021Pre-season Flag of Ireland.svg Niall Connolly17 January 2021 [14]
Galway Flag of Ireland.svg Billy CleryResignation [15] 19 May 20215th Flag of Ireland.svg Stephen Lally22 May 2021 [16]
Cork City Flag of Ireland.svg Rónán CollinsResignation [17] 28 May 20219th Flag of Ireland.svg Paul Farrell16 June 2021 [18]
Wexford Youths Flag of England.svg Tom ElmesResignation [19] 9 June 20213rd Flag of Ireland.svg Stephen Quinn9 June 2021 [20]
Treaty United Flag of Ireland.svg Niall ConnollyMutual consent12 October 2021 [21] 9th

Format

The nine teams play each other three times, with a mid-season break from 7 June to 25 June 2021. [22]

League table

Standings

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsQualification or relegation
1 Shelbourne 2420136522+4361Qualification for the UEFA Women's Champions League
2 Peamount United 2419328118+6360
3 Wexford Youths 2417436417+4755
4 DLR Waves 2412393424+1039
5 Galway 2485113645−929
6 Bohemians 2454153051−2119
7 Athlone Town 2447132759−3219
8 Cork City 2444162861−3316
9 Treaty United 2423192795−689
Updated to match(es) played on 13 November 2021. Source: FAI Women’s National League, Soccerway, Extratime.com

Positions by round

The table lists the positions of teams after each week of matches. In order to preserve chronological evolvements, any postponed matches are not included to the round at which they were originally scheduled, but added to the full round they were played immediately afterwards.

Team ╲ Round123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627
Athlone Town 878888867889999899977877777
Bohemians 134666676666777786666666666
Cork City 487777799998888967788788888
DLR Waves 656444444444444444444444444
Galway 425355555555555555555555555
Peamount United 342111111112112111121111112
Shelbourne 211533322221221222212333321
Treaty United 999999988777666688899999999
Wexford Youths 763222233333333333333222233
Updated to match(es) played on 12 November 2021. Source: Extratime.com
  = Leader and UEFA Women's Champions League ;   = Second;   = Third

Results

Matches 1–24

Teams play each other three times, with one team idle on every round of fixtures.

Statistics

Top scorers

Last updated after fixtures on 13 November 2021.

RankPlayerClubGoals
1 Flag of Ireland.svg Áine O'Gorman Peamount United 16
2 Flag of Ireland.svg Kylie Murphy Wexford Youths 15
3 Flag of Ireland.svg Eleanor Ryan Doyle Peamount United 14
Flag of Ireland.svg Ellen Molloy Wexford Youths 14
5 Flag of Ireland.svg Saoirse Noonan Shelbourne 12
6 Flag of Ireland.svg Jenna Slattery Treaty United 10

Source: Extratime.com

Awards

Monthly awards

MonthPlayer of the MonthReferences
PlayerClub
AprilRachel KearnsGalway [23]
May Eleanor Ryan-Doyle Peamount [24]
June/July Kylie Murphy Wexford [25]
August Savannah McCarthy Galway [26]
September Karen Duggan Peamount [27]
October Jessie Stapleton Shelbourne [28]
November Ellen Molloy Wexford Youths [29]

Annual awards

[30]

AwardWinnerClub
WNL Player of the Year Kylie Murphy Wexford Youths
Young Player of the Year Aoibheann Clancy Wexford Youths
Manager of the Year Noel King Shelbourne

[31]

WNL Team of the Year
Goalkeeper Eve Badana (DLR Waves)
Defenders Jessie Stapleton (Shelbourne) Lauren Dwyer (Wexford Youths) Savannah McCarthy (Galway)
Midfielders Áine O'Gorman (Peamount United) Ciara Grant (Shelbourne) Karen Duggan (Peamount United) Aoibheann Clancy (Wexford Youths) Ciara Rossiter (Wexford Youths)
Forwards Kylie Murphy (Wexford Youths) Ellen Molloy (Wexford Youths)

Broadcasting

In February 2021 the Football Association of Ireland announced that all WNL matches would be streamed worldwide, free of charge on the new LOITV platform. [32] In September 2021 the TG4 Irish language television network agreed a deal to broadcast four matches. [8] Alex Kavanagh scored the first televised goal, in Shelbourne's 1–0 win over DLR Waves at Tolka Park. [33] The 309,000 viewing figures exceeded expectations, and TG4 extended the arrangement into the following season. [34]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">League of Ireland Premier Division</span> Football league

The League of Ireland Premier Division, also known as the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division for sponsorship reasons, is the top level division in both the League of Ireland and the Republic of Ireland football league system. The division was formed in 1985 following a reorganisation of the League of Ireland. St Patrick's Athletic and Bohemians are the only current League of Ireland clubs never to have been relegated from the Premier Division. The league has been won on multiple occasions by Northern Ireland-based club Derry City, the presence of which within the league makes it a cross-border competition. Since 2003, the Premier Division has operated as a summer league.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Women's National League (Ireland)</span> Football league

The Women's National League is the top-level league for women's association football in the Republic of Ireland. It is organised by the Football Association of Ireland and the Women's Football Association of Ireland. The LFAI previously organised a women's national league known as the Ladies League of Ireland or the Women's League of Ireland during the 1970s and 1980s. The current league was founded in 2011 and the inaugural winners were Peamount United. The winners qualify for the UEFA Women's Champions League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Castlebar Celtic W.F.C.</span> Football club

Castlebar Celtic W.F.C. is an Irish association football club based in Castlebar, County Mayo. The club is the women's section of Castlebar Celtic and has entered teams in the Women's National League, the Mayo Women's Football League and the FAI Women's Cup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wexford Youths W.F.C.</span> Football club

Wexford Youths Women Football Club is an Irish association football club based in Crossabeg, County Wexford. Their senior team plays in the Women's National League. In recent seasons Wexford Youths have emerged as one of the league's strongest teams.

The 2015–16 Women's National League was the fifth season of the Women's National League. Two new clubs joined the league before the start of the season, restoring the number of teams in the league to eight. Kilkenny United were formed as expansion team while Raheny United's senior women's team merged with Shelbourne Ladies. This effectively saw Shelbourne Ladies takeover Raheny United's place in the WNL. The season also saw the introduction of the WNL Shield. Wexford Youths and Shelbourne Ladies finished the season as the league's two strongest teams. In the league itself, the two teams finished level on points before Wexford Youths retained the title after a play-off. Wexford Youths also completed a treble, having already won both the FAI Women's Cup and WNL Shield. Shelbourne Ladies were also runners up in the WNL Shield before going onto win the WNL Cup. Before the season was finished Castlebar Celtic withdrew because they were unable to field a team.

The 2017 Women's National League, known for sponsorship reasons as the Continental Tyres Women's National League, was the seventh season of the Women's National League, the highest women's association football league in the Republic of Ireland. It was the second league season to run over an entire calendar year.

The 2019 Women's National League, known for sponsorship reasons as the Só Hotels Women's National League, was the ninth season of the Women's National League, the highest women's association football league in the Republic of Ireland. It began on 9 March 2019 and concluded on 10 November 2019. Wexford Youths were the defending champions, but Peamount United won to secure their first League title since the inaugural 2011–12 season.

The 2020 League of Ireland Premier Division, known as the SSE Airtricity League for sponsorship reasons, was the 36th season of the League of Ireland Premier Division.

The 2020 Women's National League was the 10th season of the Women's National League, the highest women's association football league in the Republic of Ireland.

Ellen Molloy is an Irish footballer who plays as a midfielder for Wexford Youths of the Women's National League (WNL) and the Republic of Ireland women's national team.

The 2021 League of Ireland First Division season was the 37th season of the League of Ireland First Division, the second tier of the Republic of Ireland's association football league. The fixture list was released on 8 February 2021 and the competition commenced on 26 March 2021. Shelbourne were confirmed Champions and promoted to the League of Ireland Premier Division on 1 October 2021.

The 2020 FAI Women's Cup is the 45th edition of the Republic of Ireland's primary national cup competition for women's association football teams. This edition features clubs exclusively from the Women's National League (WNL), whereas usually non-league teams are involved. The number of teams was reduced due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The restrictions also meant that crowds were restricted or prohibited from attending. The competition began on 19 September 2020 with a preliminary round and concluded on 12 December 2020. The final was moved to the Tallaght Stadium from the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which had hosted the previous seven finals.

Dearbháile Beirne is an Irish dual code footballer from Mohill in County Leitrim. In soccer she plays for Peamount United of the Women's National League (WNL) and has represented the Republic of Ireland women's national football team at youth and senior level. She has also played Ladies' Gaelic football for Leitrim GAA, competing in the Ladies' National Football League and All-Ireland Intermediate Ladies' Football Championship.

The 2021 League of Ireland Premier Division, known as the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division for sponsorship reasons, was the 37th season of the League of Ireland Premier Division, the top Irish league for association football clubs since its establishment in 1985. Shamrock Rovers were the defending champions, having won their sixth league title the previous season. Shamrock Rovers went on to retain the title.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2021 Shelbourne F.C. season</span> Shelbourne 2021 football season

The 2021 Shelbourne F.C. season was the club's 126th season in existence and their first back in the League of Ireland First Division following relegation from the League of Ireland Premier Division at the end of 2020. Shelbourne won the First Division title and promotion to the Premier Division following a 1–0 win over Treaty United on 1 October 2021. Shelbourne competed in the FAI Cup, but the League of Ireland Cup was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The 2021 FAI Women's Cup is the 46th edition of the Republic of Ireland's primary national knockout cup competition for women's association football teams. The nine Women's National League (WNL) teams entered the competition, but unlike in previous years no non-league teams took part. The competition began on 13 August 2021 with a single-fixture first round and concluded on 21 November 2021. The final was staged at the Tallaght Stadium in Dublin, which had also hosted the previous year's final.

Kylie Murphy is an Irish footballer who plays for Wexford Youths of the Women's National League (WNL). Predominantly a midfielder, she was successfully repurposed as a forward in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Shelbourne F.C. (women) season</span> Shelbourne F.C. (women) 2022 football season

The 2022 Shelbourne F.C. (women) season saw Shelbourne retain the Women's National League title for a second season and complete a double by winning the FAI Women's Cup.

The 2022 Women's National League known as the SSE Airtricity WNL for sponsorship reasons, was the 12th season of the Women's National League, the highest women's association football league in the Republic of Ireland since its establishment in 2011. Expansion team Sligo Rovers competed for the first time, bringing the league up to ten clubs. Shelbourne, as defending champions from the previous season, won the 2022 league by defeating Wexford Youths on the final day of the season.

The 2022 FAI Women's Cup is the 47th edition of the Republic of Ireland's primary national knockout cup competition for women's association football teams. The ten Women's National League (WNL) teams entered the competition, as well as four non-league teams. The competition began on 9 July 2022 with the first round and concluded on 6 November 2022. The final was staged at the Tallaght Stadium in Dublin, which had also hosted the previous year's final.

References

  1. 1 2 Horgan, Andrew (6 November 2021). "Cork City breaks record for attendance at a Women's National League game in win over Treaty". Irish Examiner . Retrieved 27 November 2021.
  2. ↑ "SSE Airtricity extends title sponsorship of League of Ireland". The Irish Times. 20 January 2021. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
  3. ↑ O'Halloran, Rob (20 January 2021). "Huge boost for Irish football as LOI and WNL land new title sponsorship deal". Extra.ie. DMG Media . Retrieved 7 December 2021.
  4. ↑ "Bank of Ireland signs on as Associate LOI Sponsor". Football Association of Ireland. 4 February 2021. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
  5. ↑ McDonnell, Daniel (20 January 2021). "Aine O'Gorman hopes sponsorship deal will help end WNL's 'pay to play' system". Irish Independent . Retrieved 7 December 2021.
  6. ↑ O'Mahony, Paul (7 December 2021). "Women's National League: "These are exciting times for women's football in Ireland. The time to jump on board is now…."". Hot Press . Retrieved 7 December 2021.
  7. ↑ Fahey, Cian (17 November 2021). ""I'm in the history books for being part of the biggest implosions ever" | Karen Duggan COYGIG podcast". Off the Ball (media company) . Retrieved 7 December 2021.
  8. 1 2 "TG4 to broadcast four WNL games live during the remainder of the season". Irish Independent. 14 September 2021. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  9. ↑ Malone, Emmet (4 February 2021). "O'Callaghan wants taskforce on women's professional league". The Irish Times . Retrieved 7 December 2021.
  10. ↑ "The nine clubs and their star players chasing glory in Ireland's top-flight this season". The42.ie. TheJournal.ie. 26 March 2021. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
  11. ↑ "Dave Bell steps down as WNL Head Coach, applications now sought for role". Shelbourne F.C. 16 December 2020. Retrieved 13 March 2021.
  12. ↑ Kelly, Niall (31 December 2020). "Noel King takes charge of Shelbourne's WNL team ahead of 2021 season". The42.ie. TheJournal.ie . Retrieved 13 March 2021.
  13. ↑ Kinsella, Colm (1 January 2021). "Treaty United on look-out for new senior women's and U17 managers". Limerick Leader . Retrieved 13 March 2021.
  14. ↑ Kinsella, Colm (17 January 2021). "Limerick's Treaty United appoint new senior women's manager". Limerick Leader . Retrieved 13 March 2021.
  15. ↑ "Galway WFC confirm resignation of manager Billy Clery". RTÉ Sport. 19 May 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  16. ↑ O'Connell, Cian (22 May 2021). "Stephen Lally appointed new Galway WFC manager". Galway Advertiser . Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  17. ↑ "Rónán Collins steps down as boss of Cork City women". Irish Examiner. 28 May 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  18. ↑ Horgan, Andrew (16 June 2021). "Paul Farrell to manage Cork City Women's squad for the rest of the season". The Echo (Cork newspaper) . Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  19. ↑ Duffy, Emma (9 June 2021). "Tom Elmes' first international job confirmed after emotional Wexford Youths farewell". The42.ie. TheJournal.ie . Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  20. ↑ "SER Sports Hour Sunday 13th June with Aidan Delaney". South East Radio. 13 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  21. ↑ Carroll, Paul (12 October 2021). "Tipperary's Niall Connolly parts way with Treaty United senior women's squad". Tipp FM . Retrieved 27 November 2021.
  22. ↑ "2021 SSE Airtricity WNL Fixtures unveiled". Women's National League (Ireland). 8 February 2021. Retrieved 13 March 2021.
  23. ↑ "Kearns lands new WNL Player of Month award". RTÉ Sport. 11 May 2021. Retrieved 15 May 2021.
  24. ↑ Duffy, Emma (3 June 2021). "Seventh heaven as Peamount United striker scoops Player of the Month award". The42.ie. TheJournal.ie . Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  25. ↑ "Murphy lands award as Wexford keep in title race". RTÉ Sport. 5 August 2021. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  26. ↑ "Savannah McCarthy wins WNL Player of the Month for August". RTÉ Sport. 6 September 2021. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  27. ↑ "Duggan Collects WNL Player Of The Month Award For September As Tolka Park Braces For TG4's Cameras". Her Sport. 2 October 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
  28. ↑ Duffy, Emma (5 November 2021). "Shels' 16-year-old sensation named Player of the Month for October". The42.ie. TheJournal.ie . Retrieved 27 November 2021.
  29. ↑ "Ellen Molloy scoops player of the month award". RTÉ Sport. 30 November 2021. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
  30. ↑ Healy, Martin (1 December 2021). "Wexford Youth's Kylie Murphy claims Player of the Year prize at SSE Airtricity Women's National League Awards". Extra.ie. DMG Media . Retrieved 1 December 2021.
  31. ↑ Healy, Martin (1 December 2021). "Wexford Youths dominate in 2021 SSE Airtricity Women's National League Team of the Season". Extra.ie. DMG Media . Retrieved 1 December 2021.
  32. ↑ "FAI announces new broadcast deals". Football Association of Ireland. 25 February 2021. Retrieved 13 March 2021.
  33. ↑ Donnelly, Dave (2 October 2021). "Shelbourne's Alex Kavanagh makes history as spectacular strike settles first-ever live WNL broadcast with DLR Waves win". Dublin Live. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
  34. ↑ Fanneran, Vinny (29 October 2022). "Galway Women's football in TV breakthrough as major milestone passed". Galway Beo . Retrieved 6 November 2022.