U 12's First Loss

Athlone U-12s tasted their first defeat of the season, in Westmeath competition, when they went down at home to neighbours Castledaly. In the first half Athlone turned in their worse performance of the year to trail at half time. The second period saw some improvement, which saw Athlone reduce the arrears to one point with time running out, but Castledaly had the last say when they broke up the field for a well taken goal. Indeed had the home side not gone for goal so often they might even have taken an undeserved win. Fair dues to the visitors, they gained revenge for some earlier defeats at the hands of Athlone.

Our lads subsequently travelled to Mullingar on Saturday week last, to compete in the annual Mullingar Shamrocks Blitz. Travelling with a depleted squad, due to an unfortunate clash of codes, Athlone started well, when easily accounting for St. Lomans before going down to the host club and to Navan O’Mahonys. Many thanks to Shamrocks for their invitation to compete and to the players who made themselves available on the day.

On Saturday last Éire Óg of Carlow made the long trip to Páirc Chíaráin to play our U-12s in a challenge. In a most entertaining tussle, Athlone emerged victorious by a seven point margin, despite the fact that Éire Óg registered a total of 13 scores while Athlone managed 12. The difference being that during the second half the home side banged in five goals. Many thanks to Éire Óg for making the journey.

Ladies in Minor Final

The minor belles of Athlone have qualified for the County B Final, by virtue of a hard fought victory over Clann Gaels in Athlone last Sunday. On an atrociously bad morning Athlone played with the elements for the first half which saw them establish a nine point lead by the break. This lead proved to be a Godsend as Clann Gaels strove valiantly to claw their way back into the fixture. Playing some very good football Athlone were maintaining command of the game until Eimear Connellan’s retirement, due to injury, seemed to have an unsettling effect, allowing Clann in for a goal and three points in a matter of minutes. Thankfully Athlone rallied to produce the insurance point to seal a victory. Final score: Athlone 2-5, Clann Gaels 1-4. Player of the match was Lil Stuart Treanor despite her recent busy schedule.

U-10s Win Castledaly Shield

Our U-10s beat Moate all Whites in Castledaly, on Sunday last, to capture the Shield for 2003. A full report on this game will appear next week. The final score read: Athlone 1-5, Moate 0-1.

U-16s Progress

A busy weekend for Athlone teams was rounded off when our U-16s defeated a strong Clan Bhráonáin side in Moate on Saturday, to qualify for the championship semi-final. Final score: Athlone 3-9, Clan Bhráonáin 1-6.