A 4-0 loss to Slovenia — as the recently departed former manager tweets quotes from a book read by every teenager who thinks they’re clever — is not a great way to start the new women’s season.
But, like the men’s game, the Women’s Premier Division marches to its own drum and is not too impacted by the fortunes of the Ireland team.
FAI Cup holders Shelbourne host league winners Athlone Town in the President’s Cup at Tolka Park tomorrow.
It will also be President Michael D Higgins’ final appearance at ‘his’ game as his second term ends later this year.
He was living in Áras an Uachtaráin when he was approached by the FAI about giving his seal of approval to a curtain-raiser between the men’s champions and cup holders in 2014, while attending most of the matches since.
He also agreed when it was suggested for the women’s game last year.
The President is a LOI fan — Galway United are his club — and was going to games long before it was cool to do so.
St Pat’s president Phil Mooney even took time out from the Saints’ 2013 title celebrations to hail Michael D for doing more for the League of Ireland than many in the FAI.
Just by loving the league as President, he has done more than many politicians.
