Scarlett Herron hoping for Shamrock Rovers redemption after Athlone pain

Scarlett Herron is using the bitter pain of last year's FAI Cup final defeat to fuel a drive for glory ahead of Shamrock Rovers' semi-final clash with Shelbourne this Saturday.

Herron was part of the vibrant Athlone Town team who went agonisingly close to landing a double in 2022.

Tommy Hewitt's surprise package pushed Shels to the bitter end in the title race, coming up just short as Noel King's experienced outfit won it on the final day. The Reds then rubbed salt into the wounds a week later when they beat Athlone 2-0 at Tallaght Stadium to lift the cup.

The landscape has since changed significantly.

Shamrock Rovers' return to the league really shook things up, with Athlone losing some key players to the Hoops, including current Republic of Ireland Under-19 International Player of the Year Herron, who made the move last July.

Still only 18, Herron has a maturity beyond her years. Losing the cup final was tough but she's determined to put it right, and believes her new team are well equipped to go all the way.

"Last year was a big learning curve for the whole team," Herron said when reflecting on Athlone's loss.

"I don't think any of us had been involved in an FAI Cup final before so it was a definitely a learning experience. That probably showed in the game, there was a bit of nerves there.

"Shelbourne, they were very experienced. They were in the cup final the year before as well, so I'll take that into this year.

"This year we've a lot of players who've been there, done that in the cup. That'll be great to have girls who have that experience as well. I think we're very prepared and ready for Saturday."

There's no question Shamrock Rovers possess the type of seasoned, quality footballers required to win top honours. Indeed