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24 Feb 2026
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24 Feb 2026
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Action from CK United vs Waterford U23s on Sunday. Photo: Cathal Delaney
CK United fell to a 3-2 defeat against Waterford FC U23’s in what was the first time the Carlow-Kilkenny club fielded a senior women’s side.
Goals either side of half-time from Ruth McDonnell and Emma Cullen weren’t enough to grab a point for the home team as the visiting Blues withstood some late pressure to escape with an opening day victory.
The fixture took place as part of the inaugural weekend of the Women’s Development League which allows nine clubs to enter new senior teams along with U23 sides from the 12 clubs currently competing in the SSE Airtricity Women’s League.
Sophie Poole netted the opening goal for Waterford after a quarter of an hour but United responded just nine minutes later.
Rebecca O’Connor forced the Waterford keeper into a save after a lung-busting run into the box with McDonnell seizing on the rebound to slot home and make history with the team’s first ever goal.
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However, the Blues hit back on 34 minutes as Poole notched her second of the afternoon to send her side in at 2-1 to the good at the break.
The visitors gave themselves a two goal cushion with 15 minutes to go through substitute Sarah Abullo and a long ball over the top but United were determined to make Waterford work for their three points.
The Blues were penalised for a handball in their own penalty area on 79 minutes and Emma Cullen made no mistake from the spot, sending the keeper the wrong way to leave the score at 3-2 and set up a potentially grandstand finish.
It wasn’t to be for United however, as the Blues withstood the late pressure, surviving some good chances and leaving Killeshin with a victory in their first National Development League game.
CK United will regroup and chase a first win of the season away to Wexford FC U23’s on Sunday while Waterford FC U23’s attempt to keep their momentum going as they host Cobh Ramblers.
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