In a shocking turn of events just two days out from the opening day of the Women’s Energia All-Ireland League, Malone RFC have withdrawn from the competition, leaving just nine teams for the 2022/23 season.
The Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division and Cup Series will continue with nine remaining teams for the 2022/23 season.
Teams that were due to play Malone as per the agreed fixture list will now have a bye week instead, Railway Union were set to host Malone this weekend will now not go ahead.
Malone finished tenth in last year’s competition, the news comes as a surprise just day’s out from the opening day of the new season, now a more condensed season will take place, they did taste silverware last year, winning the All-Ireland Shield.
Speaking on the news Malone Vice Chair Michael Kearney stated “this decision was made with the utmost reluctance. We had made a particular effort to bolster the set up for our women and girls over the summer with a new committee, new coaches and improved sponsorship arrangements in place.
“We are confident that the club will see the results of this work over time. The structures are in place and there is a strong commitment from our executive to see us return to All-Ireland Competition as soon as we can. We’ll keep pressing ahead.”
Malone RFC men’s side will remain active as they look to make progress in 1B of the Men’s Energia All-Ireland League.
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.