Preview- Callan United go in search of FAI Under-17 Cup glory

The battle to lift the FAI Women’s Under-17 Cup takes place on Saturday, June 28th in Limerick as Callan United take on Athenry.

This is a match-up of the current holders (Athenry) against a first-time finalist (Callan United) with the title of All-Ireland champions on the line along with silverware.

In what will be the fourth Final of this competition, Callan are excited by the challenge ahead and the opportunity to secure what would be a first National title for the Kilkenny club.

Callan United Head Coach Dwayne Tennyson said: “This is a first National Final for Callan United. No team from Kilkenny has won it, so this is huge for our town and for the county. We’ve been close over the last three years; reaching the last-16 and then the semi-final last year so we’re hoping to use the hurt from that to motivate us.

“The support we’ve had from around the town, with the local businesses, the families and all of the fans has been incredible. For such a small town, this means a lot. We know that Athenry are the holders so they will be the favourites but hopefully we can put it up to them.”

Led by captain Chloe Teehan, Callan scored nine goals on their way to the Final and will be looking to players like Chloe Tennyson and Isabelle Norris to provide the firepower needed to swing the game in their favour.

Galway side Athenry have the advantage of being here and done it before – beating Killester Donnycarney in last year’s Final – and they have largely retained their squad of players.

Athenry will be hoping that the talented duo of Mollie Noone and Anna Jordan can provide an attacking spark that ultimately leads to captain Niamh Kilgannon lifting the Cup. But Mike Noone’s team will not be taking anything for granted.

“I know that Callan lost the semi-final last year at Under-16 level so it shows character to come back and get to a Final. We know a few bits about them, but we’ve got a good team and if we can get a good performance out then we have a great chance,” said Athenry Head Coach Noone.

“The message that I will be giving to our players is to work hard because complacency is a thing that I’d be worried about. We can’t just turn up, we have to work hard. We’ve got a lot of good footballers and we do play nice football, but we have to go out and win it.”

Athenry negotiated their way back to this showpiece event by overcoming Oughterard AFC, Castlebar Celtic, Westport United, Parkvilla and Rathoath Harps, while Callan United beat All Blacks FC, Gorey Rangers, Carrigtwohill United and Kilnamanagh en route to the Final.

It promises to be a cracking Final with two excellent teams going head to head for the honour of being crowned the best in the country at Under-17 level.

2025 FAI Women’s Under-17 Cup Final

Athenry FC v Callan United

Saturday, June 28th

Fairview Rangers AFC, Limerick

KO 14:00

Referee: Lucy O’Sullivan