Up for the Cup - Callan hoping to make history for Kilkenny soccer

Soccer history beckons for Callan United as they prepare to do battle for the FAI Women’s Under-17 Cup.

Saturday’s match-up, which will be held at the home of Fairview Rangers in Limerick (kick-off 2pm) will see the Kilkenny club go up against the current holders Athenry with the title of All-Ireland champions on the line.

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

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 & District League club.

"This is a first national final for Callan United," said Callan United head coach Dwayne Tennyson. "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," he added. "We’ve reached 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," he said. "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. United will be looking to players like Chloe Tennyson and Isabelle Norris to provide the firepower needed to swing the game in their favour.

Athenry have the advantage of being here and done it before, beating Killester Donnycarney in last year’s final, while 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," said Noone. "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."

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.

The 2025 FAI Women’s Under-17 Cup final between Athenry and Callan United will be played on Saturday at the home of Fairview Rangers in Limerick. Kick-off is 2pm.