Passion For The Women’s Game: Kilduff Now Sets Sights On FAI Cup Glory

Until now, Ciarán Kilduff has been diving headfirst into the world of women’s football, relishing the early stages of his coaching career and not just for the thrill of it. The former League of Ireland standout has steered Athlone Town back to the FAI Cup final, where the reigning champions, Shelbourne, await in Sunday’s grand event at Tallaght Stadium.

Beyond orchestrating a remarkable cup run, Kilduff’s record since stepping in to fill the mid-season void left by Tommy Hewitt is impressive: six wins, one draw, and one loss against Shels. He’s also at the helm of Maynooth University’s women’s team and is set for an interview at Monday’s media day, with a familiar face among the Shelbourne squad. Among them is Leah Doyle, who plays under him at Maynooth.

Interestingly, they played opposite sides in the All-Ireland quarter-finals on Wednesday, losing 5-2 to Maynooth College, with Doyle scoring.
Kilduff made humorous comments about the game after the game in the build-up to Sunday’s clash, but ultimately it was players like Doyle who won him over and began his journey into women’s football.

Leah and those girls were the reason I decided to get involved in the women’s game. She and Erin McLaughlin showed me the magic of the women’s game and how much of an impact I could have on these athletes. There was a lot of interest even before the World Cup. Last year, I often took my young daughter and son to the cup finals.

I followed it but never understood its depth. However, working with players like Leah Doyle, Erin McLoughlin and Rebecca Watkins from Maynooth and Peamount University was enjoyable and rewarding. This is consistent with my experience as a professional athlete for 12 or 13 years here and in the United States. I believe they appreciated my experience, and I really enjoyed working with them. It was similar to when I first entered the men’s division. Once you start watching, you’ll suddenly be hooked. It’s almost cult-like! I had the possibility to teach the men’s countrywide group after retirement; however, the timing wasn’t right.

It didn’t matter whether it was a men’s or women’s team. The most important thing is perfect timing and consistency. When the opportunity came to join Athlone, I was intrigued and familiar with the league and its players. I cooperated with the club, and everything went smoothly. I’m from Kildare so the rest is history. I cherish every moment. Coaching hasn’t always been at the forefront of the 35-year-old’s plans. He could have extended his playing career, but the move was natural.

“If anything, I got my B certificate, and I really liked the course. After I retired, I realized how much I missed the game. I retired at the age of 32 after getting a screw in my leg and a back injury at Dundalk. As you get older in the League of Ireland, your pay decreases and your workload increases. With a young family and the advent of Corona, I felt it was time to hang up my boots! But I went on to get my A License and go to Maynooth University, where I rediscovered my passion for getting involved and feeling the same buzz.

I’ve always been close to the League of Ireland, so I would attend men’s games on Fridays and women’s games on Saturdays. I don’t regret anything to this day, and playing in the FAI Cup Final at such an early stage in my coaching journey has exceeded my wildest expectations. Early in his career coaching at the highest level, Kilduff enjoys winning, seeking advice from those around him, consulting with former coaches, and striving for continuous improvement and development; learning forever goes on.

There are a few people I’d like to meet this week who are doing international work. Your own experiences as a coach shape your likes and dislikes, and incorporate these into your coaching philosophy. I am constantly learning and pretend to have all the answers. I have assembled a good staff. Ken Kiernan, a former Shels player, and Dylan McGooey, a goalkeeper coach with experience at Longford Town. I am in a good position to develop and grow. And Athlone Town are a team on the rise. So far, things have been going very smoothly under Ciaran Kilduff.