Kilkenny United 'devastated' following FAI decision to axe them from 2020 Women's National League

Kilkenny United have declared themselves ‘devastated’ following the FAI’s decision to exclude the club from the 2020 Women’s National League in favour of Athlone Town.

It was announced last month that Athlone Town were to become the first club to enter a club in the senior division after first entering the nascent under-17s league.

It was unclear whether the midlands side would be included as a ninth team in the league, however the decision has now been made to axe Kilkenny.

The club has lodged an appeal with the association and has agreed to abide by whatever decision is ultimately made.

Kilkenny United had previously submitted an application to enter an under-17 national league team but was overlooked in favour of a new Carlow-Kilkenny partnership.

“It is with a heavy heart and disappointment that we announced that the FAI have removed Kilkenny United from the WNL,” read a club statement.

“Everyone at Kilkenny United is devastated by the news. The club has appealed the decision and it has been decided to support the FAI decision.

"Further statements will follow but for now we are all devastated."

Kilkenny have endured a tough existence in the league since entering in the 2014/15 season, finishing bottom of the table in four of their five seasons.

Their only league win in five seasons came in 2017, when Casey McQuillan guided the side to a 1-0 win over Galway, while they’ve drawn twice in each of the two seasons since.

This season has seen much managerial change, with Kane Lynch resigning in August while his replacement, James Dermody, lasted just a couple of months before returning to Longford Town.