West United won the over 35s Ladies Europa Cup on penalties on an historic night at Eamonn Deacy Park on Tuesday, August 26.
Both sides showed grit, determination and flashes of quality from the outset, but it was Athenry who established a foothold in the game. They took the lead after 20 minutes with a fine finish into the bottom corner.
It took a while for West United's attacking play to get going but with five minutes of the first-half to spare Nicola Deacy's pace in behind caused panic in the Athenry backline. This led to the Athenry goalkeeper handling it outside her penalty area and an opportunity presented itself to Tara Geraghty from the dead ball.
She made no mistake. An exquisitely executed free kick curled into the roof of the net with her left foot. West United were back on level terms.
The second half saw Athenry apply pressure but West United remained strong with some fantastic last ditch defending as Mary Lardiner stopped a certain Athenry goal. The game was tied at full-time and extra time was required but still the sides could not be separated.
In penalties, West showed composure under pressure, slotting home four of their five efforts through Tara Geraghty, Katie Dowling, Caitriona Ni Mhainin, and Fiona Grant. With Athenry missing two spot kicks, the cup was sealed for West United in front of jubilant supporters.
The celebrations were made even more poignant when Nicola Deacy - niece of the late, great Eamonn Deacy - stepped forward to lift the trophy in the stadium that bears his name. It was a fitting tribute on what was truly a magical night for the club, the players and their supporters.
The final was the first over 35s women's final to be played in the country.
