No joy for Longford's Melissa O'Kane and her Shamrock Rovers team mates in All-Island Cup final

There was no joy for Longford's Melissa O'Kane and her Shamrock Rovers team mates as they lost out 3-4 to Galway United in the 2024 Avenir Sports All-Island Cup final at Tallaght Stadium on Saturday night following a dramatic penalty shoot-out.

A thrilling finish was required to settle the destination of the 2024 Avenir Sports All-Island Cup Final as Galway United edged Shamrock Rovers in a penalty shoot-out.

Jamie Erickson converted the all-important spot-kick following a 0-0 draw after normal time as the showpiece event skipped extra-time to go straight to penalties.

This was Galway's second win in the second year of this competition and it was clear that it meant a lot to them as they celebrated in front of their fans who were part of the 1,347 attendance in Tallaght Stadium.

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It was Rovers who looked the more dangerous in front of goal in the early exchanges with Melissa O'Kane forcing a save from Galway goalkeeper Jessica Berlin and Lia O'Leary was a constant threat on the counter attack.

Galway, however, picked up some momentum in the second period and had heart pounding when substitute Aoibheann Costello smashed a long-range effort off the crossbar.

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Rovers brought on a proven match-winner in Stephanie Zambra and she almost decided the contest with her first involvement but the post denied her what would have been a superb goal.

With the game being broadcast live on TG4, there was no shortage of drama for those watching on and the penalty shoot-out cranked up the entertainment factor as Galway won 4-3 thanks to Erickson's cool finish.

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Shamrock Rovers: Amanda Budden; Maria Reynolds, Jessica Hennessy, Shauna Fox; Fiona Owens (Stephanie Zambra 86), Melissa O’Kane, Aoife Kelly, Scarlett Herron, Lia O’Leary (Ella Kelly 78); Aine O’Gorman, Joy Ralph.

Galway United: Jessica Berlin; Therese Kinnevey, Jamie Erickson, Eve Dossen, Amy Madden (Aoibheann Costello 62); Isabella Beletic, Kate Thompson, Jenna Slattery ; Rolake Olusola (Amanda Smith 85), Julie-Ann Russell, Lynsey McKey (Aislinn Meaney 62).

Referee: Jason Moore.

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