MATCH REPORTS 2021/22
SCOREFEST IN MOANBAUN - wed 15th june 2022
SFAI Girls U14 Regional - Semi final
Athenry FC 6, Dunmore FC 3,
x2 jenni mcnamara, x3 mollie noone, kara o'neill
Athenry hosted Dunmore in the semi final of the u14 Connacht Regional Cup and what a day for the girls to produce their best performance of the season. Athenry started well creating two early chances and were well on top when they took the lead on the 8th minute. Some mesmerising footwork by Amira Bouhlel on the wing brought audible gasps from the home supporters and her cross was volleyed into the net by Jenni McNamara. Things got better five minutes later when Mollie Noone broke through on the left and pulled the ball back to the inrushing Jenni McNamara for her second goal.
Athenry were dominating in all areas now and didn’t let up. Mollie Noone shaved the post with a free kick on 20 minutes and when she got another opportunity two minutes later she found the roof of the net. Just before the half time break the sublime Anna Jordan released Mollie Noone with an inch perfect pass and one on one with the keeper she put Athenry 4 up.
Dunmore started the second half like a different team. They started to boss the midfield area and it was no surprise when they scored on 38 minutes. It was game on now as Dunmore threw everything they had at Athenry who were just about holding on. A fine individual goal by Mollie Noone seemed to lift the siege but Dunmore refused to lie down. Two late goals from Dunmore made it an uncomfortable last few minutes for Athenry before Kara O’Neill got the 6th in the last minute to finish off a superb performance.
Katie Murphy had a great night between the posts, safe and secure with her hands and brilliant distribution with her feet. Marissa Higgins was her usual brilliant self at right back. Does she ever have a poor game. Ailbhe Mannion was commanding at centre back not long off the ferry from France. In midfield Katie Noone and Kate Kennedy worked tirelessly and were the foundation for the brilliant first half display. Anna Jordan was on top form again this evening, consistently creating chances for the front three of Bouhlel, M. Noone and McNamara who all looked dangerous throughout.
Thanks to referee Kevin Murphy who answered a very late call and was top class throughout. Nice to have a Connaught final to look forward to to finish the season.
Well done girls!
NINA IS QUEEN OF TERRYLAND!!!
U19 Premier Cup Champions - Athenry 2-0 Knocknacarra
A brilliant display from the Athenry girls in Eamonn Deacy Park ensured that they lift the premier cup for the first time in the clubs history. Athenry made a perfect start when Nina Bodamer got on the end of Amy Coffey's ball and dispatched it beautifully past the Knocknacarra keeper right from the kick off.
Athenry dominated the first half with great performances from Alannah Sweeney and Amy Coffey on the wings. The Mullen sister's, Caitlin and Ruby were superb in midfield supplying both the wingers and strikers with quality balls. There were further chances for Nina and Blaithin Gallagher but Knocknacarra held out until the half time break.
The second half saw a much better performance from Knocknacarra, they really put Athenry under pressure at times but Athenry's defence was really solid. Shauna Donoghue and Nicole Madden cleared everything that came their way while Sadbh Irwin and Aoibhe Murray cut out everything on the wing's. Knocknacarra had a few good opportunities from corners and free kicks but Ciara Cunney was very good between the sticks and organised her defence brilliantly.
Athenry's bench made a huge contribution when needed most. Ciara Cousins, Vicky Lundström and Ciara Coffey came on and did a great job when the girls were out on their feet. Athenry changed formation to counteract Knocknacarra's pressure and really settled and got back into it. The game was sealed with a lovely second goal from Nina Bodamer. Caitlin Mullen won the ball in midfield and fed Nina who turned the defence and finished it brilliantly, however she got injured in the process.
This really settled the Athenry ladies and they ran out the rest of the game comfortably.
It was a really tough call for player of the match but Shauna Donoghue gets the nod for a fantastic defensive performance.
Goals: Nina Bodamer x 2 - Assists: Amy Coffey & Caitlin Mullen.
Huge congrats to all the girls and their coaches Noel Coffey, Emerald House and Joe Mullen whose years of dedication have reaped this reward today. Next up is a league playoff against Colga FC, as the girls aim to secure the League and Cup double. Date TBC.
OUTSTANDING McDONALD IS MAN OF THE MATCH
GFA Boys U16 Championship Cup Final - Sun 15th May, in Eamonn Deacy Park
Colemanstown United F.C. 1, Athenry FC 2,
Scorers: Daniel Tear & Adam Lavelle Assists: Matthew Collins & Hugh McDonald
Eamonn Deacy Park hosted the local derby affair between Athenry and Colemanstown in the U16 Championship Cup final. It was a good game of football between two strong teams. In the opening 15mins Colemanstown put us under pressure. After the water break, we pushed up and started to play our own game. Like all cup finals it was a very tense affair. We played some good technical football and always tried to play it out from the back and work the ball down the field through the different zones. On the 54th minute the deadlock was broken when our team captain, Daniel Tear scored a header from a superbly struck free kick taken by Matthew Collins. 20 minutes later Hugh Mc Donald, who was awarded Man of the match for his excellent performance today played a perfect pass to Adam Lavelle who went on to get our second goal.
On the 80th minute Colemanstown got their only goal. 6 minutes of injury time were played. It was a wonderful sports occasion made sweeter by the victory. Our goalkeeper Cormac McFadden had an excellent game between the posts and made some great saves. Our back four of Jason Coffey, Daniel Tear, Senan Treacy and David Kilbane were excellent and played superbly throughout the game. Our midfield of James Diviney, Hugh McDonald and Matthew Collins worked tirelessly for the 86 minutes to try and cut off any threats and work the ball through the zones. Our front three of Norbert Gaiderovas, Igor Cygan and Adam Lavelle all played very well.
In the second half Sam Nyhan came on and had his goal disallowed for been marginally offside. Our team members on the day are Cormac McFadden, Jason Coffey, David Kilbane, Daniel Tear (Captain), Senan Treacy, James Diviney, Norbert Gaiderovas, Hugh McDonald, Igor Cygan, Matthew Collins, Adam Lavelle, Sam Nyhan, Aska Little, Aaron Daly, Matthew Olney, Bruno De Sousa and Stephen Kinsella. Fantastic to see Cian McNelius at the game yesterday and we look forward to welcoming Cian back to training after his long-term injury.
Thanks to Galway FA for making, it happen that we played in Eamonn Deacy Park, our wonderful parents for getting the lads to training all year, our medic on the day and club Chairman Sean Barrett, our photographer and super club man who is always willing to help, Colin Bane, our match officials, our kit sponsor "Cold Move Logistics Solutions Ltd.", "The Fields of Athenry gift shop" for kindly sponsoring the food after the game. Our club Committee and officers for all their support behind the scenes. Thanks to our coaches and trainers Owen Diviney and Anatolij Gaiderovas. Thanks also to the people involved with this team down through the years. Successes like this take years of hard work.
54 Minutes: Matthew Collins Free Kick, Daniel Tear scores with a header.
74 Minutes: Hugh McDonald plays a ball through to Adam Lavelle and finishes.
Man of the Match: Hugh McDonald.
Finally, thank you to all the supporters that made it to the game, much appreciated.
HUMPHREYS INSPIRES COMEBACK
U14 Boys Division 3
Tuam Celtic B 2 - 4 Athenry C - Brett, Montgomery, Petrus, Morrisey
Athenry had the better of the early exchanges and were very unlucky not to go ahead with Eanna Brett shooting narrowly wide. Tuam replied with an excellent counter attack and a neat finish from the edge of the box put them 1-0 up. Athenry never dropped their heads and continued to pile on the pressure and were rewarded with Eanna Brett finishing nicely to even up the scores.
The Game ebbed and flowed for the remainder of the half, only for Tuam to go into the break with a 2-1 lead due to an unfortunate deflection right on the stroke of half time. Richard Humphreys & Danny Petrus took immediate control of the game in the second half driving Athenry forward at every opportunity. The pressure soon paid off when Alex Montgomery poked home the equalizer. Tuam pressed forward really well and some excellent link up play nearly had the home side back in front. Richard Humphreys continued to drive his side forward and an excellent assist by Darragh Lally saw Danny Petrus give Athenry the lead.
Athenry never sat back and continued to look for another, and didn’t have to wait too long when another assist from Darragh Lally found the head of Max Morrissey to put Athenry 4-2 up. A really solid defensive display ensured Athenry retained their lead until the end.
Huge Credit to both sides. The game was played in great spirit with both teams playing the game the way it should – keeping the ball on the ground
MOTM : Richard Humphreys
MASTERCLASS FROM FAHY IN FINISHING
Premier League Result
West Utd FC 1-2 Athenry FC
Niall Martyn - Cathal Fahy x2
A brilliant game in The Swamp that West were very unlucky to come away from empty handed. Down a host of regulars, but that did not matter as all the replacements stood up and delivered a great performance. Athenry needed 3 points to wrestle top spot back from Salthill.
West started the brighter and were full value for their lead on 10 minutes when Oisin Takaza was upended in the area. Up stepped Niall Martyn to fire home, West had a shout for a 2nd peno when Matthew Barrett went down in the box but to the wingers amazement he was booked for diving. Athenry made 2 subs on the half hour mark and showed the strength off their bench with the introduction of Cathal Fahy and Gary Shanahan. Fahy came close just before half time when he hit the side netting but that was all the Champions summoned in the 1st half.
West were full value for their ht lead but it was short lived when 5 minutes into the 2nd half Cathal Fahy showed why he's still one of the very best with an absolutely sublime goal to tie things up at 1-1. The West heads didn't drop and both teams went hell for leather for the winner. West were reduced to 10 men on 65 when Shane Maughan got his marching orders for a 2nd yellow but even with 10 West still threatened, but Athenry summoned a match winner on 80 minutes with Cathal Fahy getting his 2nd goal.
West never gave up and went 3 at the back with 10 men and asked serious questions of Athenry. Only a brilliant goal line clearance denied Rob Moloney in the 90th minute and in the 93rd minute Matthew Barrett was very unlucky not to equalise with an overhead kick but Athenry held on for a valuable 3 points.
Huge Credit to West for that performance today. To a man they were brilliant but special mention to Chris O'Dowd who was excellent on his return from injury. Big Thank You to Athenry who cleaned the whole changing rooms up after the match.Touch of class. Much Appreciated. Something so simple but not something any of us think about doing too often Best of Luck to Seamie and the lads for the rest of the season.
(match report courtesy of West United)
SECOND HALF PERFORMANCE CAPPED OFF BY COLLINS HAT TRICK
U16 CHAMPIONSHIP - ATHENRY 4. BEARNA 2. - 27th February 2022
Athenry hosted Bearna in a very windy, but dry Raheen this afternoon. It was an evenly balanced game for most of the first half. Bearna got the opening goal after 10 minutes. Athenry responded two minutes later with a tidy goal themselves from James Diviney. Ten minutes later Bearna got their second but minutes later Matthew Collins took an excellent free kick, 25 yards out from the goal, which found the top corner of the Bearna net. Both teams were level at half time. In total Athenry created double figure chances in the first half and were unlucky not to be leading at the break. 2-2 at half time.
In the second half Athenry settled into playing their own game and took control of the match, by playing very good team football and linked up play all over the field. Fifteeen minutes into the half Athenry put some excellent passes together and Matthew Collins scored from an excellent finish. Ten minutes later Jason Coffey was taken down in the box and Matthew stepped up and converted the penalty and secured his hat trick on the day. Overall it was great to get the result and keep our unbeaten run, so far this season, intact.
On the day we only had 12 players available, 5 players missing due to illness. Cormac McFadden was accomplished in goal. Our two centre backs Daniel Tear and Senan Treacy played very well and mopped any Bearna threats. Jason Coffey had a solid game at right back with Aaron Daly playing left back today and also playing well, particularly in the 2nd half. Our midfield players of James Diviney, Matthew Collins and Hugh McDonald excelled and as a result of their link up play, we got on top in the 2nd half. Norbert Gaiderovas, just back from injury had a good game and Adam Lavelle created some nice chances in the 2nd half, which on another day would have found the net. Igor Cygan played very well at centre forward with Bruno De Sousa coming in for Jason Coffey and also played well, indeed he even had an opportunity for a goal himself. Best wishes to all the boys that missed todays game - David Kilbane, Stephen Kinsella, Sam Nyhan, Aska Little and Matthew Olney.
ELLA GETS US ON OUR WAY TO FINAL
U16 Premier Galway Cup Semi Final - Sun 27th February 2022
Oughterard 0 Athenry 5
Athenry travelled to one of the most scenic grounds in the west of Ireland on a sunny breezy day. Oughterard dominated much of the opening exchanges. It took a while for Athenry to get in to gear. The first goal came eventually from a cross from Sophie Costello which Ella Farrelly got ahead of the opposing keeper to finish to the corner. The second was setup by Ruby Mullen and finished by Kerri O'Driscoll. Athenry went in 3-0 at half time when Kerri O'Driscoll latched on to a ball from Ciara Cunney and finished expertly. In the second half Ella Farrelly ran on to a Kerri O'Driscoll ball travelling 30 yards with the ball and finishing to the corner. Ruby Mullen was provider again for the fifth, beating her player on the wing and rolling the ball across the line for Sophie Hogan to tap in. The score did not reflect how good Oughterard were, very tough opposition. If they had scored early on during their dominance it might have been different. Good performance by all, backs and midfielders repelling numerous Oughterard attacks in the first half. A final in Eamonn Deacy Park in the coming months to look forward to.
LUC WHO SCORED IN TEAM WIN
Connacht Cup U14 - Calry Bohs Sligo 0-5 Athenry FC
Athenry warmly welcomed Calry Bohs to Moanbaun today. While it is brilliant to have a pristine pitch, like a dance floor, and great credit due to the older fraternity (!) in our club who manage it ….football is all about the players! Today it was too ! Last game in Athenry colours for six players moving to Galway United, five of them having a cameo in this match, with centre back Luc Graillais who has never scored a competitive goal in all his years with his club, finally notching one today before he departs ….which has cost implications in some quarters!!!
Darren Flynn’s Calry men contributed to a competitive game, with some very accomplished players themselves and they had a busy goalkeeper who caught the eye all day!
In a case of “out with the old in with the new” for Athenry with many players in new positions, Shay O' Driscoll, Daniel Tuohy very steady at the back, with Cian Hannon and Luke Nokes looking a powerful partnership up front. Opportunity now for younger players with Colm McCarthy starting today, performing excellently and one of many younger and exciting players at this level with the potential of stepping up! Alan Duffy, Cillian Smyth, Oran Greaney, Rian Donoghue and Jonah Walker will all get their chances to show their wares and accelerate their development in SFAI and Connacht Cups in the coming weeks.
Thanks to the boys that are departing, they have been excellent representatives for our club and provided immense entertainment over the years. Eoin, Shane, Niall, Shay, Darragh and Luc …and their teammates who have a busy schedule in the next few week …..Onwards and Upwards!
INVINCIBLES ARE VANQUISHED BY ATHENRY
TP BRENNAN CFA Junior Cup 21/22 - Round 4 - Sun 23rd January 2022
Ballyheane FC 1, Athenry FC 3,
Scorers: Gary Shanahan, Colm O'Donovan & Ray Moran
Match Report:
As Connacht Cup draws go this was as tough as this could have been for Athenry. Away to Ballyheane, the Mayo champions who went through their league campaign undefeated. On a perfect day for football a big crowd descended on Quigley Park for what would turn out to be a cracking contest. Athenry started well and took the lead on 10 minutes. A blistering Dan Cunningham Free kick was saved by the keeper but Gary Shanahan pounced on the rebound to put the away side ahead. Ballyheane aren’t champions of Mayo for nothing and they showed why.
They began to get on top and only a brilliant one handed reflex save from Athenry’s skipper TJ Forde kept them out. It was developing into a rip roaring contest like two heavy weights going for everything. Full blooded tackles from both sides were the norm and all expertly refereed by Damian McGrath. On the half hour mark Ballyheane equalised from a well rehearsed corner kick. Level at the break.
Athenry started the second half the better and a fantastic individual goal by the illusive Colm O’Donovan gave Athenry a precious lead. Again Ballyheane threw everything they had at Athenry but with a back four on top form they couldn’t find a break through. With 20 minutes remaining Ray Moran got on the end of an Adam Duffy flick to volley to the net and send Athenry into the last 16.
ELLA OF SHOW FROM ATHENRY
Corrib Celtic 0 Athenry 3 - U15 Premier Girls
Athenry travelled to Annaghdown against a very good Corrib Celtic team having drawn with them in the previous fixture. Athenry dominated much of the first half and went in at half time 2-0 up with two poachers finishes from the excellent Ella Farrelly. Annaghdown came back into the game and it was a much more even contest until Mollie Noone put Athenry in a more comfortable position with a strike from the edge of the box with 20 minutes to go.
A clean sheet was kept by Kara O'Neill protected by the excellent defence of Hazel Burke, Cora Sweeney, Aine Mooney and Katie Noone. The midfield of Tarron Kilkenny, Sophie Costello, Alison McGreevy and Kate Kennedy worked tirelessly and fed balls to a pacy and skilful forward line of Ella, Mollie, Kerri O'Driscoll and Sophie Hogan. A pleasing team performance.
BRADY SCORES A BRACE AS MEEHAN STRIKE CRUCIAL
U14 Boys Premier 18/12/21 - Moyne Villa 2 Athenry 3
Scorers-Brady x2, Meehan x1
“If it ain’t broken , don’t fix it !”…….. probably summed up Athenry’s performance today, trundling along without ever building up a head of steam. Cold conditions and a bumpy Headford surface didn’t help matters either, but a Shay Brady opener after 15 minutes gave the visitors the lead, most definitely against the run of play. The goal settled Athenry and Shay Brady had a second opportunist goal a few minutes later. 0-2.
Moyne Villa thundered back into the game with a neat lob to the top right hand corner of the net in reply. 1-2. Athenry’s third goal was well worked and was turned into the roof of the net just before half time by Cian Meehan. 1-3. The second half saw Athenry with a number of unconverted chances, but Villa were more efficient and workmanlike and got their reward with a second goal ten minutes from the end. 2-3.
Athenry rode their luck to the end with Villa hitting the crossbar from a free kick just before the death. A competitive game in a difficult pitch, with the Athenry boys just about deserving the spoils. Always a warm welcome for us in Villa, both managers going away today from this one with pointers for the new year ! Onwards and Upwards!
TEAM EFFORT BLUNTS ST JOHNS IN CUP
U18 Boys Connacht Cup - Rd 3
Athenry FC 2-0 St. John's FC
Scorers: Matthew Bane & Ronan Barrett
Assists: Ronan Barrett & Luke Morgan
Our u18's had a fabulous win at home today in the Connaught Cup against a strong St. John's team from Sligo. The lads came in as underdogs but that did not deter them. A fast-paced start with lots of graft from the lads eventually paid off, when Ronan Barrett played a direct long ball over the St. John's defence for Matthew Bane to run on and score.
Soon after, Ronan was on the score sheet after his towering header left the keeper no chance from a perfect Luke Morgan cross from a corner. The lads were deservedly 2 up at half time. With the wind against them, it took a massive team effort in the second half to dig in and grind out a hard-earned victory against a good side. Well done to all involved and congrats to the lads!
GRILISH ELIM-INATES COROFIN !
Irish National Cup U12
Athenry 0-0 Corofin aet
Athenry win 4-2 on penalties
Athenry U12's welcomed Corofin to Moanbaun this morning in very wet and windy weather. Despite the weather there was some high quality football but chances were limited. Corofin did break through the Athenry defence but could not find a way past Elim Grilish, who was in fine form today. Game ended goaless and onto extra time. Athenry came more into the game but again chances were limited and onto penalties. Shane Thomas took Athenry's first and calmly slotted home. Corofin hit the post on their second penalty and Luke Murtagh slotted his home to give Athenry the advantage. Corofin scored their third and Charlie O'Driscoll finished his to keep Athenry ahead. A fine diving save from Elim denied Corofin on the fourth penalty, which left Jason Davey to seal the win, as he calmly found the top corner. Onto the next round! Well done all.
DETERMINED ATHENRY DISPLAY REAPS REWARD
Match Report. SFAI Cup U16:
Yeats Utd 2-5 Athenry FC (noonex2, lundstrum, kennedy, farrelly)
Athenry u16 girls came away with a fine win in wet and windy Sligo against Yeats Utd.
Athenry playing against the strong wind in the first half settled quickest. After creating a number of half chances, including hitting the post, Mollie Noone broke the deadlock midway through the half. Athenry held on to this lead until half time. The squad was rotated at half time and Athenry started the second half again on the front foot. After a period of concerted pressure, Vicky Lundstrum scored Athenrys second goal early in the second half. This seemed to spur Yeats onto new heights and they hit for two quick goals to level the match, somewhat against the run of play. In fairness to the Athenry girls, they didn't panic, they regrouped and found an extra gear. Kate Kennedy scored Athenrys third shortly after Yeats equaliser. Ella Farrelly and Mollie Noone rounded off the scoring as Yeats wilted in the final minutes.
A great squad display on a day where a chunk of experienced first teamers were unavailable.
Captain Ciara Cunney was solid in goal and could not be faulted for either of Yeats goals.
Rhiannon Gorton, Hazel Burke, Sarah Egan, Molly Geary, Ashling Stewart and Katie Noone were composed in defence and were the platform for this win. The midfield of Lily Warde, Sophie Costello, Sophie Hogan, Alison McGreevy, Kate Kennedy, Ella Farrelly and Vicky Lundstrum were clinical. Strong running, excellent passing and three goals was a great return of their efforts. Aoife Kelly and Mollie Noone upfront never gave their markers a minutes rest with Mollie scoring 2 goals.
Thanks to Caroline and Clare for travelling with us. Thanks to the parents who came to support. Thanks to Brian and Ian for organising the logistics. Thanks to Yeats Utd for a sporting game.
O'DRISCOLL HAT TRICK SENDS ATHENRY THROUGH 10th Oct 2021
Claremorris 2 - 4 Athenry (aet) U15 Connaught Cup
The girls travelled to Claremorris for a tough encounter against tough opposition on a soggy pitch. A goal a piece from Mollie Noone who scrambled the ball over the line and another from Kerri O'Driscoll put us 2-1 up at halftime. Claremorris were much more on top in the second half and got an equaliser well into the second half. Both sides chased the winner but saves from both keepers brought the game to extra time.
No goals in the first half of extra time with again some great defence and saves. The second half was much the same and penalties looked very much on the cards until the prolific Kerri O'Driscoll struck two superb finishes a few minutes apart putting the game to bed. The scoreline did not reflect how close the game was.
Great performances in midfield from Sophie Costello, Tarron Kilkenny(C), Alison McGreevy, Katie Noone, Kate Kennedy, and dogged defending from Aine Mooney, Cora Sweeney, Hazel Burke & Molly Geary. Our attackers of Kerri, Molly, Ella Farrelly & Sophie Hogan were a constant threat. Special mention to both keepers that were excellent including our own Kara O'Neil and Pierce the referee who let the game flow.
Claremorris AFC were unfortunate not to get to penalties we wish them the best in the shield, they will be very tough to beat. They spoiled us with a great feast afterwards which we were very grateful for.
FLANNERY & GOMES SUPREME
Under 12 Premier 9th Oct 2021
Athenry 1-1 Cregmore/Claregalway
A first home outing of the season for the U12 Premier team saw them play out a 1-1 draw. Athenry started brightly and had the majority of the ball, but it was Cregmore/Claregalway that struck first, catching Athenry on the counter attack with a fine finish from their striker. The game was a tough battle in the middle of the pitch and remained this way until 3 minutes from the end, when Shane Tomas was fouled outside the box. He then took the free which was parried by the keeper and fell to Pedro Gomes to calmly finish. Athenry pushed for the winner but it never came. Well done to all the squad for the battling draw and to Nathan Flannery who came off the bench to make 2 fine saves.
U16'S PROGRESS AS COLLINS & CYGAN ON FIRE
Connacht Cup R1 U16.
Athenry A 4-1 Corofin 1
Well done to our U16A team today. Boys played some very good football. Great teamwork throughout. Our first goal came from great play out from the back. David Kilbane to Sam Nyhan and a great finish from Matthew Collins. We were very unlucky not to score one or two more in the 1st half. Our back 4 of Jason Coffey, Daniel Tear, Senan Treacy and David Kilbane, all played very well and along with James Diviney were all involved in moving and passing the ball effectively throughout the game. Excellent work rate and positive attitude was displayed by all our players. Our goal keeper Cormac McFadden had an excellent save in the 1st half to maintain our lead going into half time. Our second goal came from an excellently struck penalty by Igor Cygan after Matthew Collins was taken down in the box. Our third goal came from a well taken corner from Matthew Collins and a fabulous header from Norbert Gaiderovas. All our forwarders; Hugh McDonald, Matthew Collins, Sam Nyhan, Norbert Gaiderovas and Igor Cygan worked very hard throughout the game. Aska Little and Stephen Kinsella came on early in the 2nd half and both had a very positive contribution to the game, with both involved in some excellent passes and well timed runs. Aaron Daly, just back from injury, and Matthew Olney also came on in the 2nd half and made a positive impact. Matthew Olney scored a super goal from a pass from Igor Cygan.
Onwards to round 2.
LATE GOALS UNDO ATHENRY
U16 Div 2 Boys - Match Report
High scoring game against Maree/Oranmore B team, final score 4-8 to Oranmore. Athenry came back to 5-4 after being 5-2 down, but went down to ten men due to a last man tackle. Jack Molloy saved penalty but the extra man proved to be too much and Athenry conceded 3 late goals. Scorers for Athenry were Caelin Harrington with 2, Bartek Woleniuk and James Sido. We had 3 lads making their Athenry debuts, Cian Kelly, Sean Doggett and Jack Freeney who all performed well. We also welcomed Jack Molloy and Jack Duffy back to the team. Overall an encouraging performance against strong opposition.
ELLA EXEMPLIFIES TEAM SPIRIT!
U15 Premier - Athenry 2-2 Bearna Na Forbache
Yet another entertaining girls premier game delivered in Moanbaun this afternoon. A tough encounter with little between the teams. Athenry were unlucky to go in at half time a goal down after conceding a penalty after missing some good chances themselves. End to end stuff in the second half but it was Barna that scored again from a long range effort. Fifteen minutes left in the game Athenry showed great character to get a result. Molly Noone broke down the left and cut a great ball across the goal that Kerri O'Driscoll finished to the back off the net. With 1 minute left Ella Farrely chased down a lost cause to earn a free. Molly and Kerri combined again on the free kick before Kerri curled a shot into the corner. No more than Athenry deserved after a battling performance. Super performances across the entire team. Special mention to some of the older girls (Ciara, Vicki, Rhiannon) in the picture who came down to cheer on the younger girls and had done similar in the U13 match that was on earlier. Great to see this spirit in the club.
GREALISH PENALTY SAVE TOPS A GREAT WIN IN COUNTY FINAL
Athenry U12 Boys Community Games Team won the County Final this evening. Winning 4-2 over Kinvara. Athenry produced a superb performance in really tough conditions to secure a win in the county final of the community games against a strong Kinvara side. The lads showed real spirit and attitude to fight back after going one nil down in the first half. 3 rapid free kicks in succession from Daniel O'Halloran meant Athenry went in leading 3-1 at half time. Athenry added a fourth early in the second half thanks to a neat finish from the ever present Oran Greaney. Kinvara were awarded a penalty in the second half but Athenry's keeper, Elim Grealish, was up to the task and pulled off a great save! There were some superb performances across the Athenry team and they played really controlled football in the final ten minutes to earn a well deserved win! Next stop Roscommon where the lads will represent Galway in the Connaught finals on 18 sept.
BELFAST CUP - A GREAT TOURNAMENT
The inaugural Belfast Youth Cup took place at Ulster University Jordanstown in Association with the Sports Services Department at the University. This years tournament gave our youngsters the opportunity to play against the very best teams across the country.
The tournament format included sections for Boys born in 2008s, 2009s, 2010's, 2011's, 2012's & 2013's and was by invitation only, featuring top level youth teams from across Ireland. Due to Covid 19 European & UK entries were not able to attend unfortunately.
Our u12's and u13's participated in the prestigious invitational from the 12-14th August 2021. Ireland’s best football nurseries and academies Shamrock Rovers, Finn Harps, St Kevin’s Boys, Cherry Orchard, Glentoran, Linfield , Crusaders FC all fancied their chances of lifting the trophy. This tournament gave Athenry FC underage players opportunities to develop their skills, and measure themselves against the best in their age cohort at a nationwide level. This is a brilliantly organised tournament under the motto “Playing For The Future “, which encourages cross border cooperation in communities.
ATHENRY U13'S THIRD PLACE FINISH IN BELFAST YOUTH CUP!
Qualified top of their group yesterday, it was into the Cup semi final against Glentoran Academy today. A gritty performance by our boys against a physically much stronger side, which was decided by a single goal in the Northern Ireland’s sides favour. No fault to our boys, a hit post, a few unconverted chances, but most importantly no lack of effort or endeavour. Those endeavours might not have seen Athenry reach the final, but a 4-0 win against Cliftonville secured a third place finish in a highly prestigious national tournament. A super week, a big thank you to the players, coaches, parents, our sponsors and the club for allowing it to happen. And a special thank you to Sharon, Aine and Marie!
U12'S WIN PLATE TROPHY
Well done to Athenry U12's 2009's, winning 3rd place in the plate competition today at the Belfast Youth Cup, beating Larne 5-4 on penalties, having scored an equaliser with the last kick of the game. Congrats to all the players and coaches on a great 2 days for the club.
ATHENRY U13'S ARE INTO SEMI FINAL
A marvellous series of football matches today saw a young Athenry side excel against District League, Academy and League of Ireland opposition. The day opened with a 4-1 win against a Cavan Monaghan side, followed by an excellent 2-0 win against Shamrock Rovers. The boys were brought back down to earth quickly with a 2-0 defeat to Loughgall FC. The lads settled with a win against Westport United and a draw against Maiden City, to top their group. So tomorrow at 1.00 pm sees our young charges take on one of Northern Ireland’s top sides and academies Glentoran FC. The other semi final sees Linfield FC and Crusaders FC meet. Onwards and Upwards . The best of good luck tomorrow.
Athenry U12s had a great day today at the Belfast Youth Cup with 2 draws and a fantastic win in their last match, with goals from Shane Tomas and Alan Duffy.
A massive shout out to the mammy's Sharon Cooley, Marie Touhy and Aine Graillais for the support and everything you have done for the boys in Belfast !!
U11 DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE UPDATE
With over 600 players experiencing the thrill and excitement of coming through the tunnel onto DEACY PARK over the August bank holiday weekend by playing the quarter-finals of the Galway FA U11's it was a pleasure to facilitate our future stars of the game we love. Athenry U11's had a highly enjoyable day in Eamon Deacy Park for the latest round of the development league. Congratulations to all the teams that took part and to the Galway FA who ran an amazing tournament. Athenry were well represented with 4 teams and played lovely football. Well done to all the players and parents for time and support over the season. Scorers: Evan Hoarty, Conor O’Brien, Shane Thomas.
www.athenryfootballclub.com