ATHENRY CLUB NEWS
HAPPY ST PATRICKS DAY TO ALL
Here's wishing all of our players, managers & mentors, parents & guardians, sponsors, supporters and all associated with Athenry Association Football Club and beyond the best St Patricks Day ever. Enjoy, stay safe and see you all back at training!
IMPORTANT SAFE GUARDING ONLINE COURSE
All volunteers working with children require a valid Safe Guarding 1 cert. Galway Sports Partnership's Online Safeguarding 1: Basic Awareness Course. Online event takes place on TUESDAY, 28 MARCH 2023 FROM 18:30-21:30. See details here of this upcoming online course.
SENIOR MEN WIN IN JUNIOR CUP
In the Connacht Junior Cup it ended Athenry FC 1-0 Salthill Devon with Szymon Dziedziaa scoring the solitary goal. They will play away to Cois Fharraige in the next round on Sunday 9th April with a scheduled kick off at 2pm.
U16 GIRLS STORM INTO SEMI OF NATIONAL CUP
An Ella Farrelly brace saw Athenry go in 2-1 at half time in this U16 FAI Girls National Cup game. With Sophie Costelloe in supreme form it was perhaps fitting that she set up the assist for Kerri O'Driscoll to score Athenry's third. With Tipp pulling a goal back it was all hands to the pump for an exciting finish as goalie Mollie Gilligan saved the day with a stunning save in the closing stages to make the final score 3-2 to the Maroon girls.
SCHOOL GIRLS FAI CUP QUARTER FINAL
It's showtime once again for Athenry U16 Girls on Saturday 11th March at 2pm in Moanbaun as they take on Tipperary Town in the national cup 1/4 final on the new state of the art astro pitch. This follows on from their excellent and hard fought 1/4 final win in the Connacht Cup over Arrow Harps last week. All support welcomed and encouraged to see both these talented teams and hopefully our girls come up trumps!
FREE FEMALE COACHING WORKSHOP
Galway United will run a free female coaching workshop to help promote the development of female coaching in Galway. Dates are to be considered and arranged once you have expressed your interest in participating.
Please register your interest in the form by clicking the link HERE
U18'S GOOD AWAY DAY
U18 Boys beat Cois Fharraige away in Ros A Mhil last Sunday (5th March) 2-0 with goals from Matt and Luke both goals courtesy of Ciaran assists! An excellent display from these lads who despite being down on numbers rose to the occasion. Special shout out to James Costello's Bus Hire for the transportation, a club is not a club without support in whatever way it's provided.
CALLING ALL COACHES
The FAI are now recruiting coaches for their summer camps. The FAI summer camp will run in Athenry from the 7th to 11th August. See link details below on how to apply.
Applications for this year’s FAI camps are now open. You have until 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬 to get your applications in. Want to get involved? Full details HERE
WANT TO RENT OUR 4G ASTRO PITCH THIS SUNDAY
Our all new 4G Astro pitch is now available to rent and is available to rent this Sunday
from 2 to 4pm and 4 to 6pm. To Book these slots or get more info then why not give us a buzz at 086 0666124 or email us athenry@galwayfa.ie
SENIORS WIN IN TIGHT AFFAIR
Athenry Senior A Men's team beat Corrib Celtic on a scoreline of 4-3 on Saturday 18th Feb in the GFA Premier Division at home in Moanbaun to go top of the league. Despite going 2 nil down early on in the second half it was a quick double that saw Athenry come storming back as Celtic went down to 10 men with the awarding of a penalty to Athenry. More coming soon.....
FIVE ALIVE FOR U16 GIRLS IN THE CUP
In the U16 Girls SFAI CUP last 16 it finished Athenry 5-1 Gorey Rangers. Athenry produced a top class performance to advance to the quarter final of the Irish Cup. Playing with a strong wind in the first half they made it count and goals from Ella Farrelly x2, Clodagh Crowley and Mollie Noone put them 4 up at the break. The 2nd half was equally as impressive from a defensive point of view with Mollie Gilligan very assured in goals, full backs Kate Kennedy and Marissa Higgins excellent and Cora Sweeney & Tarron Kilkenny on top in the centre they never looked in trouble. Katie Noone & Sophie Costello worked tirelessly in midfield to keep Athenry on the front foot and with Kerri O'Driscoll terrorising the Gorey defense it was no surprise when they added a 5th. Brilliant work down the left saw O'Driscoll set up Crowley for her 2nd of the game with a postage stamp finish. But Gorey never gave up and got an excellent goal late on to leave it 5 - 1 at the final whistle. Referee Declan Burke was barely noticed which is always a compliment to a referees performance and also shows the fantastic spirit the game was played in.
HESSION WINS IT IN THE CLOSING MINUTES
In the U14 Boys SFAI National Trophy it ended Melview FC 1 - 2 Athenry. In favourable conditions, it was Melview who came out of the blocks from the start and pinned Athenry in their own half, winning the ball high up the pitch and putting Athenry under serious pressure. Melview took the lead after 9 minutes with a screamer from outside the box into the top corner, giving our keeper no chance. Melview continued to press and a clearance off the line by Cian Greaney, followed by a superb save by Eilim Grealish to keep the score 1 nil. Athenry grew into the game and started to cause problems and on 25 minutes, Darren Quirke beat 2 players down the wing to put in a low cross with Oran Greaney on the end of it to make it 1-1 at half time. In the second half Melview looked dangerous at times but it was Athenry who created the most, with Anthony Poniard hitting the bar twice, while Eoghan Sommers also hit the bar with a volley. With 5 minutes remaining Eoghan Sommers put a through ball in for Jack Hession and he was clinical, slotting into the back of the net.
The game finished in a 2-1 win, a really good performance from the full squad of players who all contributed to a great win.
KIDS SOCCER WRAP UP
U13 Girls Championship side were beaten by Loughrea Rams 3-1 as Rams were quicker out of the blocks. Second half saw Athenry's Nicole pull a goal back as Athenry were very unlucky not to score more to get back into the game. U17 Girls beat Craughwell 4-0 with Grace Kelly x 2 , Kerri O'Driscoll and Victoria Lundstrum all scoring in the win. Thank you to all of our sponsors, The Galmont Hotel & Spa, Paddy Kennedy Design & Planning, Wildfire Gourmet Food Truck, David Burke Auto Services and Frank Sweeney Auctioneers. Boys U13 Division 2 ended Athenry B 2-0 Knocknacarra C. Cappagh Park saw an excellent display from the lads which saw the Knocknacarra keeper and the Athenry defence in fine form. Goals from Robert & Miguel saw Athenry grab the 3 points for Athenry and our captain Noah. U13 Boys Championship finished Kinvara 1-4 Athenry despite going behind midway through the first half. Athenry scored before half time through Odhran Keaveney Burke and further goals in the second half from Odhran saw the victory out.
UNITED WITH ATHENRY
All roads lead to Moanbaun today as Galway United Women will play a pre-season friendly against Sligo Rovers on Saturday 11th February with a 1pm kick off. So why not come on down and watch United play on our new pitch. All welcome.
SENIORS SAIL INTO NEXT ROUND
A good day for our Senior A side who had a convincing away win in the Connacht Cup on Sunday 5th Feb as they beat Ballinasloe Town with an emphatic four nil victory. An excellent Ray Moran goal got the lads on their way to the the next round followed up by a not too shabby Cole Connolly hat trick! Well Done leads we await the next round draw with relish.
GIRLS INTO LAST 32 WITH YET ANOTHER COMEBACK
Yet again U16 girls football seems to keep throwing remarkable football matches at us with drama and entertainment combined into one. After a half hour Aisling Annacotty took the lead with a pile driver opener that looked ominous for the Athenry girls, and it wasn't until the final minute of the half that they gained parity. A very well taken Sophie Costello finish had the crowd ecstatic. With the Annacotty keeper in fine form it could have ended a frustrating afternoon for the U16's but perseverance is often the way to break teams down. And so it was into extra time that the game went as the second half ended goalless. A more fortuitous first half of extra time beckoned and brought the break through as Ella Farrelly, Clodagh Crowley and O'Driscoll all made it 4-1 to Athenry. Despite a spirited late rally from Annacotty who made it 4-2 late on it was Sophie Hogan who made it 5-2 to Athenry at the end of proceedings.
SPONSORS, VOLUNTEERS, MENTORS THANK YOU
Our U18 Boys won 3 nil in the Connacht Shield last week and it was a game filled with incident and passion from both teams competing and it was also the day that the lads played in their new David Stapleton Roofing sponsored jerseys. Often the work done to get our teams looking the part on the day is often as important as the pitch preparation and travelling involved. Whether its as a sponsor, a volunteer or a mentor Athenry appreciate all that you do for us. So today we would like to give one of our sponsors of an Athenry FC team kit and training jackets a BIG shout out. So Thank You Mr Stapleton.
PENALTIES DECIDE IT YET AGAIN IN FAI JUNIOR CUP
Athenry could be perhaps annoyed that it was them damned penalties! once again which saw them exit the FAI Junior Cup fifth round after it ended Athenry FC 2-2 Fairview Rangers. A game that promised much more for the home side and with a bit of luck and a decision here and there going our way it may have been, but best of luck to our opponents on the day in the next round. Thank you to all of our many loyal supporters who never stop coming to cheer us on. Athenry Senior A's next game is 2pm Sunday 5th February away to rivals Ballinasloe Town in the Connacht Cup. The game promises to be another match full of talking points.
COME ON DOWN TO MAONBAUN!
Saturday 21st January is a proud day for all involved with Athenry FC as the wrapping comes off our amazing new Astro facility. Our men’s first team finalise their preparations for Sunday's FAI Junior Cup match against 9 time winners Fairview Rangers, training at first light. Please come out Sunday at 2pm to support the lads in Moanbaun. Following their training session tomorrow there are matches on the Astro at 10.30am (boys U12 purple vs Tuam Celtic), 12pm (boys U10 vs Renmore) and 2pm (U16 girls SFAI Cup vs Manulla). All support welcome - come up, have a look and get behind the boys and girls!!
We want to sincerely thank all who have supported this project along the way, a dream facility 8 years in the making. This is a joint venture between Athenry FC and Athenry Athletics Club who we are delighted to partner with to provide a genuine community facility for the people of Athenry - comprising the floodlit astroturf pitch, surrounded by an 8-lane synthetic athletics track and a 600m tarmac walkway around which we’ve planted 2000 native trees. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all involved in the Moanbaun development committee who’ve worked for years to get to this day. Finally, we still need your support to get the last push to fund the floodlights - thanks to all who’ve donated to-date - if you can please donate a little on link below.
https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/MoanbaunSportsDevelopment
WELCOME MR LALLY
Athenry FC has appointed Stephen Lally as 'DIRECTOR OF PLAYER AND COACH DEVELOPMENT' at the club. This appointment represents the fulfillment of another major pillar in the club’s strategic objectives. Stephen Lally will lead a learning environment for our coaches, supporting our players to aspire and achieve excellence. The club’s young players will benefit from Stephen’s long and renowned service as a player with Galway United and Athlone Town, his managerial acumen with Galway United and the Galway Women’s Football Club, along with what is undoubtedly to our club is his most valued and coveted quality, his accomplishments in coaching.
Stephen’s knowledge and expertise at League Of Ireland, Emerging Talent Programmes, District League and local academies, will be invaluable to the young players at our club. Stephen remarked on his appointment, "I am thrilled with the opportunity, looking forward to the challenge and can’t wait to begin the journey. This is a great era to be involved in the club and the academy, a clear pathway existing for young players to fulfill their potential of aspiring to play local, national and international football. This appointment compliments the club's upcoming opening of it's new 4G facility as part of the Moanbaun Sports Development.
OVER 35'S REQUIRE MANAGER
Our Over 35's Summer League team is looking for a manager. If you think you have what it takes then please contact David Murphy on 087 0993224.
GIRLS ARE THROUGH TO FINAL
U19 girls are through to the U19 GFA League Cup Final after a comprehensive win over Moyne Villa. Lauren Keary scored a hat trick as Aoideen Branley collected the POM award. Athenry will play Corrib Celtic in the final after they beat Knocknacarra.
THANK YOU AND GOOD LUCK LADS
A fantastic send off for Athenry FC and a quality performance from our U14 boys in the National Trophy. Some superb displays today as Anthony Poniard, Alan Duffy x2 & Cillian Smyth x2 all scored as Cian Greaney captained the team and what a Captain's performance it was to secure a 5-1 victory over Loughrea. It was also the last game for four of our players as Alan, Cillian and Devon Crawford leave our club to join Galway United U14's and Jonah Walker who joins Athlone Town u14's for 2023. Athenry are so proud to have played our part in their development so far and wish these lads on their footballing futures. This side has really developed over the years and we hope to keep this team maturing and going on to more wins as the season progresses.
BACK TO BUSINESS FOR ATHENRY AFC
With the Christmas break well and truly over it's back to business as usual for Athenry teams this week. Men's Senior fixtures return this coming Friday with the 1st Team away to Salthill Devon in Drom, kick-off is at 8pm & the 2nd Team is away to Moyne Villa in Headford, kick-off is at 7.45pm.
With much more than football going on at the club as we enter 2023 we would like to congratulate our three Club Draw winners Barclay Healy, Mike Caulfield & Eamon Howley. The Club Draw is an important regular funds generator for the club for us all to realise the dream of fantastic facilities that are currently taking shape. Special thanks to all who continue to support the club through our monthly 50:50 draw. Click the following link to join.
JOIN CLUB DRAW HERE.
We are also reaching out to our followers to please help us reach our goal to complete this magnificent facility this month. If you can donate please do so and if not we ask that you simply share this post to expand our reach. Thank you.
Click on the link below to donate to the Moanbaun Development Project.
https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/MoanbaunSportsDevelopment
MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL
Athenry Association Football Club would like to wish all of our Players, Managers, Mentors, Sponsors, Club Members, Followers & Fans the most fantastic of festivities & cheer during the Christmas season. Please keep safe, enjoy and come back refreshed in the New Year.
OFFICIAL SUPPORT FROM THE TOP !
Moanbaun Development welcomed an Tánaiste Leo Varadkar T.D. to Moanbaun this week organised by local TD Ciaran Cannon. The Committee is very excited to see the end result over the next few weeks. Businesses and private individuals have been fantastic in their support for this project and we are hoping to raise the final €50k with a community effort.
Here is the link to donate. Moanbaun Sports Development Project| Crowdfunding Page
BAD WEATHER KEEPS SOME GAMES OFF
The Galway FA issued a blanket ban on all local games last weekend except for those on artificial surfaces. With all home games on grass in Raheen and Moanbaun being affected please keep on checking with your own teams managers for the latest news as the cold snap continues for another few days.
EXCELLENT UNDERAGE RESULTS
In the Boys U13 National Trophy it ended in an emphatic 4-0 win over Gurteen Celtic.A match that saw Athenry play extremely well on the artificial surface Sligo Rovers Showgrounds. Shout Out to Niall and Shauna of Athenry Precision for sponsoring our fantastic new white Nike away jersey. It looks like it's going to be a lucky one for us! U13C Boys drew 1-1 with Killtullagh as Ryan Belton scored early on with Man of the Match being Harry Dalton. U12 Boys Blue side beat a good Mervue side 3-2 under the lights. An early goal from James Byrne saw them on their way as he scored a hat trick in a fine team performance. Lots of names to mention as the team were forced to dig in towards the end. James Burke, Eoin Sinnott, Oisin Shaw, Tom Brady, Oran Costello & Matteo Carminati in defence, Diarmuid Fitzgerald & Tom Corbett in midfield and Leo Crawford, Ethan Molloy, Oisin Burke, Odhran Keaveney Burke in forwards.
SENIOR LADIES INVOLVED IN STORMER OF A GAME
Under floodlights Athenry ladies senior team stayed top of the league as they played Moyne Villa. They surged to a 5 nil lead at half time with some fantastic football. A display which ultimately saw them win 7-2. Scorers were Leah Joyce, Ruth Tansey, Ruby Mullen, Leah Crotty, Caitlin Mullen, Sadhbh Irwin and Jane Trehy. Well Done to all and to our POM Ruby Mullen.
ATHENRY SENIOR MEN THROUGH ON DREADED PENO'S
Two all after full time & extra time, then the lottery of penalties as Athenry held their nerve to move past Ringmahon Rangers into the next round of the FAI Junior cup. A very tough away game with plenty of incident and drama. Thank you to The Red Cove Inn for their excellent hospitality shown to Athenry after the game.
NIFTY ÉALGA GETS THE BALL ROLLING
A good 2-0 win for Under 12B girls at home to Kiltullagh on Sunday (27th Nov) morning in the league. A skilful Éalga Monaghan goal early on got them on their way. Kaitlyn Fitzpatrick took the free to score from a marvellous effort and the captain for the day enjoyed the goal! Eirwen Ní Raghallaigh also came close but had her goal ruled out for offside. They have a cup game against the same opposition Kiltullagh in two weeks' time and all support appreciated.
ATHENRY REPRESENTATION
Well Done to all underage players who were selected to represent the Galway FA this weekend in interleague matches. Evan Hoarty (U12s) against Roscommon on Saturday, James Byrne (U12s) against Longford on Sunday and both Finn Skehan and Shane Tomas (U13s) against Longford on Sunday. Involved with U14s who played Longford on Sunday, were Jonah Walker and Oran Greaney. The Galway U13s played The Midlands in Eammon Deacy Park on Saturday and this side included Colm McCarthy, Élim Grealish and Darren Quirke. Great to represent your club in these fantastically talented teams.
FOURMIDABLE ATHENRY
Athenry had an unassailable win in U14 Boys Division 4 with a 4-0 win over Ballinasloe Town C in Ballinasloe. From the first whistle to the last, chances galore followed, as they set about this match with tenacity and fortitude! Joshua Doggett scored a hat-trick and a Martin Leech goal sealed the victory late on to top off an excellent win and a good day away from the office for the boys. Well done to all the lads.
IMPORTANT FAI JUNIOR CUP NEXT UP FOR SENIORS
Our Mens Premier team take on Ringmahon Rangers AFC in round 4 of the FAI Junior Cup on Sunday 27th November. Wishing Seamie, Mike their management team and all the lads the very best of luck.
ATHENRY GIRLS ARE FLYING
U15 Girls Premier Division side beat St. Bernard's 4-2 at the weekend after going a goal down early on. Mollie Noone equalised from the penalty spot. With Mollie scoring again and Katie Noone & Sophie Hogan adding to the score line it was another excellent day for this team. Goalie Katie Murphy and her defence were superb all day.
U17 Girls are through to a Connaught Cup Final after a 4-1 win over Moyne Villa. Scoring were Eadaoin Brannelly (x1) with Grace Kelly (x2) and Kerri O'Driscoll (x1) also chipping in on the day! This was Eadaoin's first competitive goal for her club.
And lastly congratulations to Presentation College Athenry and to those Athenry FC girls involved who won the FAI Schools First Year Girls National Cup Final. They beat Holy Family of Newbridge 2-1 after extra time in Athlone Town Stadium. Ciara Mullins scored in extra time to make it 2-1 to the 'Pres' to add to her goal in normal time and complete a great day.
AMBITIOUS TARGET FOR MOANBAUN SPORTS DEVELOPMENT
The Moanbaun Sports Development Project is now looking for your help to raise the bar in achieving their ultimate goal. To realise this dream for our two clubs, that is nearly 10 years in the making, we now need your help to raise funds to meet our significant financial outlay. Please support and share. Thank you. Please see our link to donate here.
www.athenryfootballclub.com