Christine Allen reports from Tolka Park
There is surviving—and then there is winning.
Across the two halves of their 2025 season opener, the Rovers Women proved they could do both – the resilience and cohesion shown by this young outfit a greenshoot of serious promise for the new campaign.
It was a shaky start for a Rovers backline still in its infancy and Shelbourne wasted no time in taking advantage.
Kate Mooney capitalised from a move that started when Noelle Murray lobbed the ball into the path of Leah Doyle.
Bursting into space the Reds Academy ace delivered a sweeping cross into the box where Rebecca Cooke and Mooney lay in wait - a back post header from Cooke direct to Mooney providing an easy piece of work for the Reds assassin, who nodded it home.
To their credit, the visitors quickly regrouped, Aine O’Gorman the vagus nerve that calmed The Hoops nervous system, as Under 17’s top goalscorer Katie O’Reilly led the charge with deft footwork and strength.
Former Wexford FC sharpshooter Emily Corbet switched out to the right and further behind - with Greenhills goal slinger Joy Ralph joining her on her mirror left.
Marked tightly by Keeva Keenan, Corbet persisted, carving out space on the right flank, while on the far left Ralph battled against former Hoop Jess Gargan, cutting inside when Brophy pedalled in a move that had Bristol City’s Lia O’Leary written all over it.
Brophy showed acceleration and pace to deliver a swirling cross, but Rovers were unable to capitalise on her charge.
As the minutes ticked by, the visitors began to look more comfortable on the ball and Shelbourne narrowed to defend.
In one sweeping move triggered by Player of The Match, Katie O’Reilly, Corbet floated the ball into the D and found Ralph, who’s glancing header skimmed past Amanda McQuillan’s post.
In midfield, Jaime Thompson established herself once more as a real playmaker for the women in green and white, while Melissa O’Kane executed her trademark Cruyff feints and turns.
Defensively, The Hoops looked solid at right back - Maria Reynolds not breaking a sweat as she neutralised Shelbourne’s marauding runs, while Fiona Owen’s barrelled ball after ball out of play.
Rovers were forced to reassess and communicate on the far left however as Cooke continued to create havoc, cruising along the right wing.
Pockets of space that opened amongst gaps in the Hoops backline favoured Mooney who was a constant menace.
Reynolds showed leadership during this period as new signing Aoife Brophy and midfielder Scarlett Herron grew into their allocated positions at left-wing back and centre back respectively.
Rovers started the second half sprightly and looked to move the ball with pace out from the back - Herron receiving the first yellow of the game for a strong tackle on Mooney.
Ralph would charge on the counter in the 54th, spinning a cross that was snatched by a Keenan clearance just as Corbet looked set to swing her boot, while at the other end Cooke skewed a shot on goal wide.
Rovers number 9 Ralph snapped a strike of her own past the left hand post when O’Reilly cut inside Pearl Slattery and laid off the perfect pass - Ralph’s right boot connecting well but the spin on the ball would take it past the left hand post.
Rachel Graham was crucial for The Reds, a touch here and a header there keeping The Hoops at bay as Rovers rallied for the leveller.
Noelle Murray had a goal disallowed in the 65th when a bold leap from Mooney threw Keane off balance - the ball spilling favourably for Murray who pounced, blasting it into the back of the net.
Ten minutes later Rovers were back on level terms - Brophy igniting a move that played Ralph into space.
The number 9 needed no encouragement, utilising her power to carve out the cross.
As the ball dropped, its proximity to McQuillan was not enough to deter O’Reilly who swiftly pounced and converted, sending the East End of the Main Stand into raptures.
Less than a minute later, Thompson would float a long range strike, forcing the save from McQuillan who expertly tipped it over the crossbar.
The final 10’ minutes were frenetic - thanks in part to Rebecca Devereux and Jemma Quinns introductions, as Shelbourne pressed for the full complement of points.
The Drumcondra Debonairs scorched in attack - singeing Herron, Brophy, Keane, Reynolds and Owens.
Herron to her absolute credit showed character under the cosh, heading the ball clear as she jogged past the Richmond revellers.
All in a days work.
Shelbourne’s protests for a penalty in the 81st and 83rd went unanswered when both Murray and McLaughlin hit the deck in the box, while Reynolds welcomed new signing Gabby Del Pico to the league - schooling the former Harvard University player as Shelbourne scoured for an opening.
In the 87th minute, Devereux unleashed a thunderous strike that saw Tolka erupt in celebration—until the ball rippled the side netting.
As the needle increased and the minutes ticked down, substitute Jemma Quinn was brandished a yellow card for an incident off the ball that saw Herron hit the deck, while former Under 17’s Academy player Robyn Gleeson took Melissa O’Kane’s place.
Another Shelbourne vs. Shamrock Rovers match looked destined to end 1-1 until the 94th minute, when The Hoops launched a counterattack deep into stoppage time.
O'Gorman displayed the poise of a seasoned veteran, maintaining her composure to thread a perfect pass to Owens, who calmly finished to seal the win.
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Scarlett Herron
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