Roma McLaughlin helps Shelbourne to Women's FAI Cup glory

Roma McLaughlin helped Shelbourne to reclaim the Women’s FAI Cup after thrashing Women’s Premier Division champions Athlone Town.

Shelbourne defeated Athlone 6-1 in Sunday’s final at Tallaght Stadium with all the goals coming in the first half.

McLaughlin played 85 minutes for the Reds and the 26-year-old was central to proceedings as Eoin Wearen’s side captured the silverware.

Kate Mooney and Noelle Murray each scored a brace while Jess Gargan and Leah Doyle netted as Shels ran up a 6-0 lead before Brenda Tabe bagged a consolation goal for Athlone.

McLaughlin had a role to play in Mooney’s opener in the seventh minute. McLaughlin’s ball in held up in the strong wind and Mooney nicked in before Katie Keane, the Athlone ‘keeper, to score.

After Murray scored a penalty, McLaughlin created the third for Gargan, who volleyed home after connecting to the Greencastle woman’s cross.

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McLaughlin returned to Shelbourne at the start of 2024 having been with Fortuna Hjørring in Denmark last year.

Previously, McLaughlin was at Shels in 2017 and 2018 before spending four years at Central Connecticut State University. There, she won four North East Conference titles and was twice named NEC Midfielder of the Year.