Dramatic action in Limerick Women’s and Schoolgirls Soccer League

The second week of the Limerick Women’s and Schoolgirls Soccer League (LWSSL) delivered plenty of drama across Divisions 1 and 2, as teams looked to lay down early markers in the 2025 season.

In Division 1, Tuesday night's only scheduled fixture between Herbertstown AFC and Mungret Regional was postponed. A new date for the clash will be announced via FAI Connect and the LWSSL Facebook page.

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Attention then turned to Wednesday night, where reigning Division 1 champions Aisling Annacotty made a strong statement with a commanding 11-2 victory over Listowel Celtic.

Laura Lyons stole the show with four goals, while Esra Kangal, Chiara Manfredini, and Aoife Power each chipped in with two goals apiece. Zoe O’Donovan also found the net to complete a dominant attacking performance.

Despite the tough evening, Listowel Celtic showed great spirit, with Eadaoin Larkin getting on the scoresheet twice for the visitors.

On Thursday evening, newly promoted Bridge Celtic hosted Newtown Rovers Broadford in what proved to be an entertaining and hard-fought match. Despite starting the game with only ten players, Bridge Celtic took an early lead through Beryl Smith after just nine minutes.

Stephanie Walsh equalised quickly for Newtown before Smith restored the lead for Bridge. Walsh again responded to level the match, and Anna Duffy then put Newtown ahead 3-2.

However, Smith completed her hat- trick moments later to send the sides into half-time locked at 3-3. In a tight second
half, it was Michaela Cumes who scored the decisive goal with twelve minutes remaining, handing Newtown their first win of the season.

Please note that Division 1 action on Tuesday, April 29, with Aisling Annacotty set to take on Newtown Rovers is postponed due to Newtown’s involvement in the Munster Shield.

Mungret Regional will welcome Bridge Celtic, while Moyross hosts Herbertstown AFC. All games are scheduled to kick off at 6:45pm.

In Division 2, Murroe continued their impressive start to the season with a 2-0 win over Kilfrush Crusaders. It was a tight and competitive game, with both sides battling hard throughout the first half.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 49th minute when Anne-Marie Blackwell fired Murroe into the lead. Just two minutes later, Aoibhe Butler doubled their advantage with a well-taken goal, securing Murroe’s second consecutive victory and extending their lead at the top of the table.

Meanwhile, the Division 2 fixture between Lough Derg and Ballylanders AFC was postponed, with both clubs agreeing to reschedule the match.

Looking ahead, Murroe will travel to face Regional United in Dooradoyle on Tuesday, April 29, while Kilfrush Crusaders will host Ballylanders AFC in Elton. Both matches are set for a 6:45pm kick-off.

Munster Junior Cup and Shield Sunday, April 27:

It was also a big weekend for the LWSSL in both the Munster Junior Cup and Shield action, with many LWSSL teams battling for a spot in the next round.

Ballylanders vs Kilcolman Rovers in the Munster Junior Cup Quarter-Final:

Ballylanders faced Kilcolman in a closely contested tie but unfortunately fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat. Despite a strong effort and a goal to their name through Briodhna Lee, Ballylanders were unable to overturn Kilcolman’s lead, bowing out of the competition after a spirited performance.

Newtown vs Castleisland in the Munster Women’s Junior Shield Round 1

Newtown secured their place in the next round with an impressive 3-2 victory over Castleisland. Both teams battled well throughout, with both teams controlling possession at times and taking their chances. Scorers for Newtown Olivia Quigley,
Steph Walsh and Hayleigh Power.

Elsewhere Aisling Annacotty also progressed, defeating Macroom in a competitive encounter 3-0. Showing quality and composure, Aisling Annacotty delivered a strong performance to book their spot in the next stage. Scorers for Aisling Annacotty Laura Lyons two and K Reeves.

As a result, Newtown and Aisling Annacotty move forward in the Munster Women Junior shield, keeping their campaigns alive and setting up some exciting matches ahead.

Open Cup – 1st Round Fixtures

This Thursday, we have some exciting encounters in the first round of our Open Cup competition:
Kilfrush Crusaders vs Murroe AFC
Lough Derg vs Herbertstown
Ballylanders vs Newtown Rovers

Kick-off is at 6:30pm for all games, except for the Ballylanders vs Newtown Rovers match, which will kick off at 7:00pm.