BY CONALL COLLIER 

Missed opportunities were key as a second-half goal from Gracie Dunaway for Sligo Rovers was cancelled by Treaty’s Emma Oliphant in a 1-1 Women’s Premier Division draw at the Showgrounds on Saturday.

The point sustains an outside chance of a top four finish for the Bit O’Red with a must-win assignment at Tallaght Stadium on Saturday 17th October next on the agenda before the final game of the season against Peamount Utd a week later.

Bit O’Red boss Gavin Hughes made one change to the starting line up from the 2-2 draw against Wexford a fortnight ago with Leah Kelly starting in place of Sabrina Hillyer.

There was also a return to action for Keeva Flynn for the first time since she sustained a serious injury against Wexford at the Showgrounds in July 2025. The talented defender replaced Leah Kelly with 15 minutes remaining.
Treaty made three changes from the 1-0 win against Peamount with Fiona Doherty, Aine Walsh and Madison McGuane all starting.

This was a disappointing result for a Sligo Rovers side that dominated for the majority of the 90 minutes, but were unable to convert some excellent chances into goals and could have lost the game if Bonnie McKiernan hadn’t produced an excellent save a minute from time.

Gracie Dunaway had the Bit O’Red on the front foot as early as the fourth minute, but dragged her shot wide of the far post. Emma Duffy was next to test the Treaty ‘keeper with a good effort and Dunaway peppered the visitor’s goalmouth for the remainder of the half.

Treaty relied on the counter attack and Eva Loftus was denied by a smart Bonnie McKiernan as the teams went in scoreless at the break.

Cara Jordan went close for Sligo Rovers on two occasions early in the second-half before Gracie Dunaway eventually found the net in the 50th minute after Gio Dionicio did the spadework.

Treaty raised the tempo briefly and were back on terms 16 minutes later from a solid Emma Oliphant strike, but the hosts had plenty of chances subsequently to seal the victory.

There was a penalty claim waved away on 77 minutes and soon after Gracie Dunaway was denied in a one-on-one with Treaty ‘keeper Emma Jones while Gio Dionicio also had a chance, but it was that smart Bonnie McKiernan save a minute from time that was crucial.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Alice Lillie, Leah Kelly, Alana Doherty, Ella Karolak, Cara Jordan, Emma Duffy, Gracie Dunaway, Olivia Rush, Gio Dionicio, Anna McDaniel. Subs – Keeva Flynn for Kelly and Sarah McCaffrey for McDaniel both 75 mins.

Treaty Utd – Emma Jones; Grace McInerney, Kyah Coady, Emma Oliphant, Kate Jones, Madison McGuane, Katie Lawlee, Aibhlinn Cotter, Eva Loftus, Fiona Doherty, Áine Walsh. Sub – Ciara Breslin for Walsh 55 mins

Referee – Michael Connolly.
Assistant-referees – Paudie Hayes, Oisin Walsh.
Fourth official – Mark Patchell.