Walsh plays a key role on FAI Women's Cup Final day
John Walsh on the left with Simon Drislane, Mark Patchell, Thomas Joyce and Klaudia Pawula after officating at the 2026 Club Orange FAI Women's Cup Final between Athlone Town and Shelbourne at Tallaght Stadium.
Waterford Irish Soccer Referees' Society member John "Sconnie" Walsh was part of the officiating team for the Sports Direct FAI Women's Cup Final on Sunday as Shelbourne defeated Athlone Town 3-1 at Tallaght Stadium to secure the trophy.
Walsh served as fourth official for one of the biggest fixtures in the domestic calendar, earning another prestigious appointment as his refereeing career continues to go from strength to strength at national level.
Shelbourne firmly established control of the final with three first-half goals. Halle Harcourt opened the scoring before Alex Kavanagh and Maeve Wollmer also found the net to leave the Dublin side in a commanding position at the interval. Hannah Waesch netted a late consolation goal for Athlone Town, but it was not enough to prevent Shelbourne from lifting the cup.
A familiar figure in football circles throughout Waterford, Walsh first made his name as a player with Carrick United and was a member of the club's historic FAI Junior Cup-winning side. Since moving into officiating, he has worked his way steadily through the ranks and is now a regular referee in the League of Ireland.
Widely respected for his professionalism, consistency and calm authority, Walsh's appointment to the national cup final is recognition of the high regard in which he is held by the Football Association of Ireland and represents another proud achievement for Waterford football.
The match officials for the final were led by referee Mark Patchell, with Thomas Joyce and Simon Drislane serving as assistant referees. Walsh carried out the role of fourth official, while Klaudia Pawula was appointed reserve assistant referee.
While the spotlight ultimately belonged to Shelbourne as they celebrated cup success, Walsh's involvement ensured strong Waterford representation among the officials on one of the most significant occasions in Irish domestic football.
The appointment marks another important milestone in the refereeing journey of the former Carrick United player, whose rise from local football grounds across the south east to the highest levels of the domestic game continues to gather momentum.
