The All‑Island Cup is an association‑football competition that features women's club teams from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Organized jointly by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and the Irish Football Association (IFA), the tournament aims to provide a cross‑border platform for the development of women's football on the island of Ireland.
History
The competition was announced in early 2023 as part of broader initiatives to increase the visibility and competitiveness of women's football across the island. The inaugural edition took place in the summer of 2023, marking the first organized all‑island women's club tournament since the establishment of separate national leagues in the Republic and Northern Ireland.
Format
The tournament typically involves a selection of clubs from the Women's National League (Republic of Ireland) and the Women's Premiership (Northern Ireland). The inaugural edition featured twelve teams, which were divided into groups for a round‑robin stage, followed by knockout rounds culminating in a final. The format may be adjusted in subsequent editions based on feedback from participating associations and clubs.
Inaugural Winners
The first All‑Island Cup final was contested in 2023, with Shelbourne FC (Republic of Ireland) defeating Glentoran FC (Northern Ireland) to claim the title. The match was held at a neutral venue and received coverage from both Irish media outlets.
Significance
The All‑Island Cup is intended to foster cooperation between the FAI and IFA, promote higher standards of competition, and provide additional competitive fixtures for women's clubs beyond their domestic league commitments. It also serves as a showcase for talent scouting and encourages fan engagement across the two jurisdictions.
Future Developments
Plans have been discussed to expand the number of participating clubs and to potentially incorporate a qualification system linked to performance in the domestic leagues. The competition is expected to continue on an annual basis, subject to the ongoing collaboration between the FAI and IFA.