Peamount women launch new season with President’s Cup final

As the eagerly anticipated 2024 Women’s League of Ireland season looms on the horizon, all eyes are on Peamount United, led by manager James O’Callaghan, who was named manager of the year in the women’s league last season, reports Rory Merriman.

O’Callaghan, the first and only manager in the league’s history to secure three league titles, has firmly established himself with the club entering his 8th season in charge.

Last season, Peamount United showcased their dominance, finishing atop the table with an impressive 52 points.

Their record of 17 wins, 1 draw, and only 2 losses highlighted their authority, with defeats against Shelbourne and Galway serving as mere blips.

Despite their table-topping performance, Shelbourne Ladies posed a formidable challenge, scoring five more goals and conceding two fewer than the Dublin 8 outfit last season.

The disappointment of losing the league title to Shelbourne in 2022 was quickly rectified in a thrilling final game against Wexford in Ferrycarrig, where Peamount United reclaimed the trophy in October.

Despite major losses to local rivals Shamrock Rovers, including key players like Summer Lawless, Lauren Kelly, Aoibhe Fleming, and Stephanie Roche, O’Callaghan’s resilient management led Peamount to another league triumph.

Cork City, languishing at the bottom of the table with 6 points, faced a challenging campaign last season, closely followed by Treaty United in 10th place.

The upcoming season brings renewed hopes for these teams to turn their fortunes around.

Peamount United’s journey begins with a clash against cup winners Athlone Town in the Presidents Cup on March 2nd.

For O’Callaghan, this early encounter is not just a fixture but an opportunity to set the tone for the season and add more silverware to the collection for the girls in green.

The manager’s unshakable confidence and proven track record make Peamount United a formidable force to watch in the upcoming Women’s League of Ireland season.