The Ladies FAI Cup final was drenched in drama today at the Aviva Stadium, as Wexford Youths eventually broke a 2-2 deadlock after a penalty shoot-out as part of a curtain-raiser for the men's final.
Both sets of players defied the miserable conditions in Dublin, to produce a pulsating encounter with a momentum that swung both ways at times. But the high pedigree of competition was marred by a number of players from the Dundalk and Cork City sides who entered the pitch to warm-up for the men's game while the penalty shoot-out was taking place.
And RTÉ commentator Ger Canning was notably unimpressed by the teams for their conduct. He said:
'I think the men's teams should not come out on the pitch until the penalty shoot-out is completed, I think it's disrespectful.'
Shameful that the great game was marred by the mens teams warming up on the pitch before penos were taken #norespect pic.twitter.com/eRl26rY6L5
— Louise Quinn (@louie_quinn) November 8, 2015
Kudos to Ger Canning acknowledging live on air the hugely disrespectful actions of @CorkCityFC warming up whilst #WFAIFinal still ongoing.
— Elaine Buckley (@ElaineBucko) November 8, 2015
@GerCanning_RTE Well said regarding mens teams coming on and warming up while womens teams were preparing for penos #FAICupFinal #norespect
— Páraic Scully (@montyscully) November 8, 2015
Canning's sentiments unfortunately coincided with Shelbourne's second penalty miss which effectively sealed their fate and relinquished the title to Wexford Youths on a scoreline of 4-2.
After a subdued first-half, Shelbourne and Wexford Youths played out a riveting display of football throughout the second-half and extra-time. The Dublin side netted the first of four goals with Siobhan Killeen finding her range and accuracy with just 10 minutes gone in the second period. Wexford Youths however, countered through the boot of Ciara Rossiter in the 95th minute to bring proceedings to extra-time.
Buoyed by the inspiration of scoring just before the end of normal time, the Youths took the initiative in the first period and Maria Delahunty edged them in front with a cracking volley, although there will certainly be questions from Shels to the referee over the clash at the front post that saw the 'keeper knocked into the back of the net.
But just as the Youths had done in normal time, Shelbourne revived in time to snatch the leveling score when Dearbhaile Beirne put head to ball in the depths of injury time.
And when it came to the penalties, Wexford Youths held their composure with Ruth Fahy, Rianna Jarrett, Claire O’Riordan and Kylie Murphy all scoring for the side claim the FAI Cup, to scenes of pure joy from the players.
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