All-Whites Hung out to Dry (click to see game pics)

Athlone 2 - 19 Moate 0 - 5

In a very impressive performance, Athlone accounted for Moate All-Whites in the third stage of the Lagan Cement sponsored, Senior Championship, played in Tang on Saturday last. Moate assisted by the wind registered the opening score in the second minute but, by the time they added their second point in the fourteenth minute, Athlone had chalked up 1-5. This trend continued for the remainder of the first period with the Blue & Whites leading at half-time on the scoreline of 2-9 to 0-5.

The second-half saw no improvement from Moate as Athlone ran rampantly at them, round them and through them to score ten unanswered points. The fact that Moate did not raise a flag in the entire second period has to be a source of great concern for them, but, let's not take anything away from an exuberant Shannonsiders display, as they sprayed the ball the length and breadth of the Tang pitch, creating space and notching up some fine points from distance, during the second-half. On the few occasions when the Whites found themselves with scoring opportunities they were thwarted by wayward shooting, one fine save from Richie Daly and a timely intervention on the line by Paddy Dunning.

All in all this was a very satisfying performance from an Athlone point of view, to register 2-19 in any game has to represent a good days work. However, let nothing go to the head, in the immortal words of someone or other, or maybe many, ' A lot done, more to do'. The Flanagan Cup is still very much in the melting pot.

For Athlone, Richie Daly had a relatively trouble free day, while at right fullback James Kilroy, a slippery start apart, grew into the game to gain the upperhand over his direct opponent, in the centre Philip Allen gave his usual reliable performance while Fergal Murray on the left, not content with simply filling his role, virtually mopped up every loose ball and used it to great effect. The half line proved to be a lynchpin on the day, wily veteran Oliver Keating never put a foot wrong but still was virtually outshone by his young lieutenants on the flanks, Damian Kelly and the excellent David O'Neill.

Midfield saw 'ROC' give a sound performance, prior to his departure for a stateside sabbatical, notching a fine long range point in the process, while young Paul Bannon once again dominated the sector for long periods, fielding well and generally holding the pivotal area with aplomb. The half forward line proved to be as effective as their counterparts in defence, Seamus Mitchell gave a fabulous display in the centre with three excellent points from play, Adrian Moran lit up the right wing on his call up, scoring a further 3 fine points from play and Tom Stuart-Traynor chipped in with a Captain's performance, scoring 1-1.

The full line benefited from the reintroduction of the inimitable David Prendergast in the centre, his very presence instilled added confidence all round, plus the fact that he notched the opening goal. Joe Fallon, playing a roving role on the right, was lively throughout and Neil Dolan, despite a missed penalty, scored the same tally as Fallon, 0-4 apiece. Of the substitutes introduced, Paddy Dunning (for Kilroy) settled quickly and possibly added an injection of pace, Stephen Hahessy (for Dobsey) scored a fine point from an acute angle which was sandwiched between two fine scores from play by the returning John Molloy(for Mitchell inj.).Remaining panellists were: Aidan St. John, Amby Fogarty, Mark Samuels, Alan McCaul, Benny Bannon and David Allen.

Congratulations to John Foley and his backroom staff for preparing the team so well, keep up the good work!

Lest we get complacent, just an observation or two on the overall game: With a target man of the stature of Dobsey at full forward perhaps early ball might be an option, Athlone were guilty of over elaboration and indeed of over carrying on occasion (isn't that right Joe). With the excellent interplay and running off the ball displayed at times one feels Athlone would benefit by quicker delivery. This is not being critical of anyone in particular, merely an observation on a performance which any Athlone team, of any era, would be proud of. The most heartening aspect of all was the obvious team spirit running throughout the side and the notable displays of the younger squad members. Best of luck for the remainder of the season.

To round off a good evening for Athlone football, our neighbours Garrycastle edged out Tyrrellspass to keep 'Town' flags flying.

Footnote: Yes Joe, CARPE DIEM indeed!!

Minor Update

On Wednesday last, June 25 th ,Athlone hosted old rivals Clann na ngGael in the semi-final of the Garrycastle Tournament. In an enjoyable match, Athlone started brightly with three unanswered points, before Clann got into their stride and dominated most of the remainder of the half to lead 2-5 to 0-4 at the break.

The second instalment saw the hosts wresting the initiative, scoring an array of fine points. However the concession of a 'soft' goal seemed to leave Athlone with a mountain to climb. To their credit Athlone dug deeply to tie the game with a last gasp goal, the final scoreline reading Athlone 1-12 - Clann na nGael 3-6.

Athlone lineout: Ken Gaynor, Conor Kennedy, Jack Burke, John Dunning, Buddy Stephens, Jamie Geraghty(capt.), Declan Byrne, Thomas Turley, Eamon Martin, Michael O'Daly, Ciaran Kiveney, Alan O'Neill, Ian Lacey, Dermot Bannon and Conor Flynn.

To date no replay arrangements are to hand.

U-16 Final Debacle

I trust no readers of this column made a fruitless trip to Moate last Thursday evening. Why? Because the scheduled U-16 Premier Club Championship Final did not take place that evening, despite the fact that that date was allotted as far back as last April. Instead, at the behest of St. Lomans, Athlone agreed to bring the fixture forward to Tuesday, 24th in Pairc Chiarain and went to the trouble, not to mention expense, of reorganising holiday plans and time-off for some of the players. Who won? Unfortunately St. Lomans could not field on the night, giving notice of same at 3.30pm that afternoon. This left the County Board with no option but to award the title to Athlone, a most unsatisfactory outcome for all concerned.

The Premier Club competition is confined to four clubs in the county namely: St. Lomans,Mullingar Shamrocks, Athlone and Garrycastle, the recognised premier clubs in the county at underage level. For a team to abandon participation in a final of this competition beggars belief, especially so, a club with the resources of St. Lomans. Down through the years Athlone have been proud to compete in these competitions, as one would expect, and have often been forced to field under-strength sides to fulfil fixtures. The fulfilment of fixtures, where no agreed alternative accomodation can be found, should be looked upon as a duty and not trivialised as was the case last week. We in Athlone can only apologise most sincerely to our players, parents , team mentors and in particular to Manager Declan O' Flaherty for all the effort and preparation which they put in. We await further action, if any, from the County Board.

U-14 Update

Monday evening, June 23rd, saw Athlone travel to Tubberclair to meet the locals in a League match. Short no less than nine regulars, a number of U-12 players were drafted into the panel for this match. Athlone started the stronger and their ability to score goals put them well clear at half-time with a nine point margin.

The second half started with a Tubberclair point followed almost immediately by another Athlone goal. However this proved to be Athlone's last score as Tubberclair began to slowly assert their authority on the game. The weakened Athlone team began to wilt but hung in there to deprive the home side of several scores. The turning point came when an injury forced Athlone's influential centre forward, Jaydene Nicell, to retire. This proved to be the last straw as Tubberclair poured through the middle time after time, eventually taking the lead in the last minute with a well taken goal. Tubberclair's winning margin was a mere two points and the young Athlone side can feel proud of their efforts on the night.

Athlone team, panel and scorers: Daniel Qualter, John O'Toole, Darren Sammon, Brian Mulvihill, Thomas Egan, Aidan O'Dea, Eoin Jordan(0-1), David Fagan, Craig Tone, Kevin Murray(1-0), Jaydene Nicell(2-0), David Egan, Calvin Payne, Ian Byrne(1-0), Padraig McCaul, David Egan, Jason Merrigan, Steven Feery, Eoin Gaughan, Peter Warby, Mark McBride, Daniel Flannery, Brendan Fagan, David Kelly and David Bass.

Next match at home this Friday night, all players to be at Pairc Chiarain at 7pm.

U-10 Lough Ree Tournament

Athlone played host to the combined forces of Tubber/Ballycumber on Friday last, June 27th. In an entertaining game the visitors prevailed on a final scoreline of 4-8 to 2-6.

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