A threat from the opening minute, dispossessing Wexford almost instantly from tip-off before winning a free-kick on the edge of the box. While that opportunity failed to lead to anything, the tempo at which the Dublin side would play was set.
Under pressure from Shelbourne's high-pressing, Wexford found it tough to get out of their box early on. Eventually finding their feet, the south-eastern club began to create some chances of their own through through Aisling Frawley and Emma Hansberry.
Shelbourne soon found their rhythm again, with Leanne Kiernan winning a penalty after 17 minutes. Noelle Murphy took the spot kick but Sophie Lenehan in goals for Wexford was equal to the strike, saving low to her left.
Murphy didn't have to wait long for redemption though, giving her side a deserved lead just 13 minutes later.
Noelle Murray gives @shelslfc the lead in the FAI Women's Cup final https://t.co/ljun6pjDA8
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 6, 2016
It took just four minutes for Leanne Kiernan to grab her first of the day and Shelbourne's second as she took the ball around the keeper for a tap in following a defence-splitting pass from Gloria Douglas.
Just like that Leanne Kiernan makes it 2-0 to @shelsflc in the FAI women's Cup final https://t.co/WwfBaCmVaX
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 6, 2016
The game was effectively over ten minutes later as Kiernan went through for her second and Shels' third. After a dominant half from the Dublin side, Kiernan's goal was a hammer blow for Wexford, who were seconds away from a half-time break and a chance to regroup.
A second goal for Leanne Kiernan and @shelslfc are well in control at half-time in the FAI Women's Cup final https://t.co/VDuyI9Z9bi
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 6, 2016
Wexford did manage to up their game early in the second half, but Shelbourne were able to weather the storm before striking back in the 64th minute as Gloria Douglas' header crashed off the post before falling into the net as Wexford's keeper Sophie Lenehan failed to get more than a finger-tip to it.
Shelbourne made it 5-0 fourteen minutes later as Leanne Kiernan secured her hat-trick from the spot as she ended any chance of a late revival from the opposition.
Leanne Kiernan smashes home from the penalty spot to round off her hat-trick and give @shelslfc a 5-0 lead https://t.co/Zo8V9rrC6A
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 6, 2016
A dominant display on the day from the champions, and a memorable one for hat-tick hero Leanne Kiernan who spoke to RTE in her post-game interview.
Hat-trick hero Leanne Kiernan reflects on a good days work in the Aviva Stadium https://t.co/hOxmdNQcvV
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 6, 2016
Captain Pearl Slattery lifted the trophy after her teammates collected their medals, a redemptive moment for the side who reversed the result of last year's final by beating their victors in this fixture last season.
Shelbourne lift the WFAI Cup after a stunning 5-0 victory over Wexford Youths #wfaicup https://t.co/Wj8Kx0slKD
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) November 6, 2016
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