It was party time at Peamount as United celebrated their first title in three seasons, and one which boss James O'Callaghan called his "sweetest of all the league titles", by hitting Sligo Rovers for six to round off their season in style.The jubilation from the manager and players alike was completely understandable given it was such a tumultuous season off the field, starting with losing a number of club stalwarts, to then seeing top scorer Kate Mooney depart midway through the season, and juggling lengthy injuries to the likes of star left-back Tara O’Hanlon.But the Peas kept plugging along, losing just twice in a hugely competitive league to regain the crown.On the field, and following a respectful guard of honour, Sligo Rovers tried their best to play spoil-sport at a chilly PRL Park, as the curtain came down on another thrilling WNL season.
And the visitors didn't make the near 400-kilometre round trip just to make up the numbers forcing a dangerous set-piece and right-winger Casey Howe looking dangerous with the ball at her feet.The talented Irish Under-19 International trio of Jess Fitzgerald, Freya Healy & Ellen Dolan were named in a strong starting 11 and were influential throughout.
Both Healy and Dolan forced Sligo stopper Amber Hardy into two superb saves from point blank range within the first 10-minutes as the champions looked to put on a show for a big crowd in South Dublin.Erin McLoughlin, was next to go close but was once again smothered by the exceptional Hardy to keep it level.It took until 10 minutes from the break for the deadlock to be broken when midfield maestro and player-of-the-match Jess Fitzgerald, having been tee’d up invitingly by Dolan, struck an unstoppable low drive into the bottom