Sam Maguire

The Sam Maguire Cup rested briefly in Pairc Chiaráin on Saturday last under the trustworthy guardianship of Mickey Harte, Tyrone's manager. Many of our younger players took the opportunity to come and see for themselves this famous trophy. After a prolonged photocall Mickey held a questions and answers session with the assembled adults and youngsters which proved to be a great hit. Rory Byrne, Chairman Athlone GAA Minor Board, made a presentation of Athlone crystal to Mickey, on behalf of the club, to mark the occasion.

Once again many thanks to Mickey and the Tyrone County Board for making the occasion possible.

Minor Championship

Athlone travelled to Springfield on Sunday evening last, to play hosts Mullingar Shamrocks in the Club 1 Championship. Athlone began brightly opening their account with a pointed free from Neil Lynch. The first half, as a whole, was evenly contested with Shamrocks shading the issue at the break on the scoreline of 0-9 to 0-5.

The second half saw Athlone again scoring first with an excellent point from play from Darren Costello but as the half progressed Shamrocks slowly gained the initiative and when they secured the only goal of the game midway through Athlone's fate was sealed. Mullingar eventually prevailed by seven points, the scoreline being 1-13 to 0-9.

Athlone team and panel: Ken Gaynor, Conor Kennedy, Jack Burke, Cian Murray, Mark Fitzsimons, Johnny Dunning, Michael Prior, Tomás Turley, Eoin O'Flaherty, John Stapleton, Neil Lynch(0-8 all frees), Darren Costello(0-1), Daniel Grehan, Eoin McCormack, Ian Lacey. Substitutes: Stephen Keegan, Simon Mulvihill, Brian Fogarty, Ronan Larkin, Kevin Macken, Andrew Healy and Darragh Kelly.

Man of the Match: Tomás Turley.

U-14s downed at the Death

Last Tuesday evening saw our U-14s travel to Ballynacargy where they met The Downs in the Féile Shield semi-final. In an enthralling match Athlone opened the scoring with a goal by Jaydean Nicell. Then followed a period of Downs supremacy during which they registered an unanswered 2-1. From there to the half time whistle Athlone took complete control scoring further goals from again Nicell(2) Brian Mulvihill and David Egan coupled with a pointed frees from Mark McBride and John Egan to lead at the break by 5-2 to 2-3.

The second half opened with a superb point from Nicell before the Downs started to get the upperhand around the middle and exert increasing pressure on the Athlone rearguard. Gradually the margin began to dwindle as Downs picked off their scores until they trailed by only two points. Athlone lifted the siege briefly when John Egan tacked on a pointed free. Almost immediately Downs replied in kind but when an Athlone attack yielded a further goal from Nicell things once again looked bright for the Shannonsiders. At this stage Downs began to momentarily lose their shape but Athlone failed to capitalise when three successive attacks broke down due to silly handling errors. The Downs regrouped and in the final onslaught, with only seconds to go, were initially repelled by some brave defending.

Entering added time Athlone still held a lead of five points but were under siege around their own goalmouth. In the two minutes or so of extra time played, Downs managed the unthinkable and scored two heart-breaking goals to steal victory. Well done to The Downs on their never-say-die attitude and hard luck to a gallant Athlone side who unfortunately tired visibly near the end. Best for Athlone on the night were Scott Gaynor between the posts, Robert Mahon, Kevin Pigott and Sean Dowling at the back, while John Egan was the best midfielder on show. Up front Jaydean Nicell top scored with (4-1) and was ably assisted by Brian Mulvihill. Man of the match goes to John Egan for his tireless display.

Athlone team: Scott Gaynor, Steven Feery, Brendan Fagan, Sean Dowling, Kevin Pigott, Robert Mahon, Jason Merrigan, Adam Ward, John Egan, Shane Kilroy-Glynn, Jaydean Nicell, Brian Mulvihill, Peter Warby, David Egan and Mark McBride. Substitute: Adam Devaney for Warby.

Footnote: A special word to referee Liam McDaniels on a job well done.

Under-12 News

Our U-12s visited Tubberclair on Monday last to play the hosts in the County League. In a hard fought game there was little or nothing between the two sides but Athlone pulled away at the end to win by five points.

U-12 Girls

Our U-12s recorded double successes when our girls made the long journey to Ballycomoyle on Tuesday last,to defeat the hosts comprehensively. Well done girls, keep it up.

Forthcoming Fixtures

Tuesday May 18th U-12 League: Athlone v Rosemount in Athlone at 7.30 pm.
Wednesday May 19th U-12 League : Maryland/Tang v Athlone in Tang at 7. 30pm.
Saturday May 22nd U-14 League Athlone v St. Malachys/Ballinagore in Athlone at 2pm
Thursday May 27th U-14 League Caulry v Athlone in Mount Temple at 7.30pm
Saturday May 22nd ACLF D2 Killucan v Athlone in Joristown at 7.30pm.

Club Lotto

The numbers drawn for week-ended 13/5/04 were: 8 - 17 - 21 - 23. The jackpot of EUR4,050.00 was not won while only one player, Tony Moriarty c/o L. Roper, matched three numbers, winning EUR150.00. Next week's jackpot will be EUR4,200.00.

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