When it comes to the Bute Energy Welsh Cup, few players have been as successful as Siobhan Walsh in winning it.
The former Cardiff City captain first won the competition in 2016, beating Llandudno in the final at Latham Park, before lifting the trophy three years in a row between 2022 and 2024.
The first of those successive triumphs, against Cardiff Met at the SDM Glass Stadium, in many ways set City up on the dominant run they are now on, according to Walsh.
2025 Bute Energy Welsh Cup Final
“That win over Met meant so much to us. We came so close against them a couple of times, but it was nice to finally get that win and get over that mental block as well. We hadn’t won a trophy at the club for a really long time, but we had a different mentality going into that game compared to previous years.
“We knew it was possible to beat the big teams like Swansea and Met, and we knew we could do something special in that final. To be able to go on and win that final helped leading us into future successes.”
Fast forward a year later an Penydarren Park was the venue for the next final against then Genero Adran South side Briton Ferry.
It was another victory for City, but Walsh explained that the game was certainly a tough one.
“The final against Briton Ferry was definitely a different game to what we were used to. We weren’t the underdogs that we were the previous year, so going into that final, we had to make sure we stayed switched on because it was a tough road to get to the final that season.
“We didn’t want to drop the ball at the last hurdle, so we wanted to make sure we played to a high standard and prepare the same way as we would any other team. Ferry put up a good fight for most of the game, and that goes to show especially now when you see how well they’re doing in the Adran Premier.”
And then to last season’s showcase event at Rodney Parade, and a matchup against Wrexham.
Walsh fully admits that the pressure got to her side, but to get over the line and complete a historic treble was the perfect way to end the season.
“Wrexham came to play that day, and they played. We didn’t play to the best of our abilities, and a lot of that came down to nerves because we were trying to win the treble.
“Wrexham came with a gameplan that we couldn’t figure out for large parts of the game, and at times we were hanging on because they had a lot of the ball and created a lot of chances.
“There was a lot more pressure on us last year compared to any of the other finals, but we managed to get over the line, but it was a very different game last year.”
But that game wasn’t just the end of the season for Walsh. It was the end of her long and successful playing career.
“I made the decision to retire in December of that season, but I only told a handful of people about it. I still wasn’t 100% sure if I was making the right decision. In my head I knew it was right, but in my heart, I still needed some convincing to stop.
“I knew heading into that final thought that it would be my last game, and that showed at the final whistle because I didn’t really know what to do at the end! It was overwhelming, but I knew it was the right time.”
While her boots may be hanging up, Walsh is still involved in football, and alongside some former players is helping her local team out.
“My sister Catherine, Zoe Atkins, and myself were asked to help with Llanrumney United, who are a new team down in the lower leagues. So, I’ve still got one foot in the door when it comes to football, and to do what I’m doing now is a bit of a change, but it’s also been really refreshing to see things from a different perspective, and I’ve learned a lot from it.
“I do still miss my teammates at Cardiff and playing now and again, but I don’t know if my body would feel the same, so I still feel I’ve made the right decision.”
As Walsh looks back on her playing career, it is the memories from the Bute Energy Welsh Cup that stick out amongst the most.
“This was the first trophy I lifted as captain of the club, so this is a competition that means a lot to me personally. It’s a special cup and special tournament to be able to play in. It really is a competition everyone looks forward to playing in, and so it means a lot to me to have four winners’ medals to remember from my playing career.”
