A referee from Northern Ireland is to take charge of the first ever President’s Cup game for senior women’s teams in the Republic of Ireland.
The SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division will start its 2023 season with the historic game this Saturday (25 February).
And taking charge of the encounter between last year’s double winners Shelbourne and league runners-up Athlone Town will be Fermanagh ref Louise Thompson (pictured), who is a FIFA referee.
Also among the four match officials for the game will be another ref from the Irish FA list, Arleen Campbell, who is to be the fourth official.
The two appointments are part of an ongoing exchange programme between the Irish FA and the Football Association of Ireland which enables referees from Northern Ireland to officiate games in the Republic, and vice versa.
The inaugural President’s Cup match for senior women’s teams in the Republic is being staged at Athlone Town Stadium on Saturday (4pm).
It is endorsed by Irish President Michael D Higgins, who has been supporting the men’s version of the cup since 2014. Derry City won the 2023 men’s version earlier this month, defeating Shamrock Rovers 2-0 in the showpiece game.
The Irish President is expected to attend the match in Athlone.
