All County League Division 2

Athlone played host to Ballynacargy on Saturday last in the league. A virtually second string home side came out on top over a young but spirited visiting side, the final score reading Athlone 0-14 – Ballynacargy 0-8.

Dublin Challenge

The last week in August saw Athlone host a novel fixture when the mighty Ballymun Kickhams, under the management of Dublin full back Paddy Christie, brought their U-16s to do battle with home side in a challenge match. In what was to prove an absorbing contest the Dubs opened brightest and threatened to overrun a most lethargic home side. The visitors led at half time on the score line of 2-7 to 1-1.

Whether it was the verbals from Declan O’Flaherty or a new found resolve, Athlone proved to be a transformed side in the second period. From the whistle they took the game to the opposition with Declan Byrne and Eoin O’Flaherty showing well at midfield. The forwards began to enjoy the ensuing supply and duly produced the goods in the form of scores. Athlone succeeded in goaling four times during the second half, each of which was a gem in its manufacture and execution. One in particular finished by John Connellan was as good a goal as one could wish to see. Kickhams for their part were not standing idly by and contributed 1-5 of their own. The visitors in fact held the lead going into the last five minutes when Athlone’s fifth goal edged them ahead. It was probably only fitting that the visitors should regain parity and this they did with a last gasp equaliser. The final score line read Athlone 5-6 – Ballymun Kickhams 3-12.

Our sincere thanks to the Dublin side for making the long trip to Athlone and we intend to reciprocate in the near future. Our thanks also to John Foley through whose good offices the game was arranged.

U-12 Ladies book place in Final

On Sunday evening last the U-12 ladies made the trip northwards to meet old rivals The Downs in the County semi-final. In a fairly one sided first half Athlone held the upper hand and established a three point lead with two good scores from captain Patricia Igoe and another from player of the match Lorna Mulvihill. With half time approaching Athlone won a free following a heavy and dangerous tackle by the Downs full back. The injured party, Lorna, eventually got back to her feet and duly punished the indiscretion with her second point.

The second half saw the home side battling hard to get into the game, they contested every ball and as a result Athlone had to fight for every scrap of possession. Our defence began to experience some pressure but great defensive play from Aoife Dunning, Deborah Greene and Melissa Connolly kept the opposition at bay. Excellent fielding at midfield from Shannon King coupled with plenty of hard graft from Ciara O’Neill kept the supply going to the forwards yielding further points from Igoe and Aine McCaul.

The Downs first point seemed to spur them on and they soon doubled their tally. A crucial point of the match came with the home side bearing down on goal only to be thwarted by an excellent save from Rachel O’Brien. From thereon the blue & whites pulled away to lead at the final whistle by 7 points to 2.

Congratulations to all involved on a very fine win and the best of luck in the final.