Intermediate County Final
takes place next Sunday 4th October in Cusack Park, Mullingar
Athlone v Tubberclair
Everone please come along and support the lads....

Club flags and club gear available, please contact Fergal at 087 9553041 or Teresa at 087 6799472.

U10 Boys:
The curtain finally came down on what has been a very long season for our U10s and it finished with the boys putting on some excellent displays. First up was the Clann na nGael B final against Tubberclair on Tuesday last in Johnstown. In the group stages, both the under 9 and under 10 teams drew, meaning that there was never going to be much between the teams in the final. And so it proved with one win each in the final but when aggregate scores were added up the Tubberclair boys edged it by two. There was absolutely no shame in losing on the night as the standard of football on display was exceptional and the sporting manner of the games was great to see. The u10 game saw the Athlone boys play some exemplary football and it was almost as if they knew this was their last full u10 game and were not going to leave anything behind. The intensity and commitment shown by the lads married to some clinical score taking and mean defence was the complete package and the Tubberclair lads just couldn't live with them and the Athlone boys ran out worthy winners. The u9 game was another matter as a physically stronger Tubberclair team ran out winners in the second half. However, great credit must go to our younger players as they battled extremely hard throughout. The first half was nip and tuck with the Tubberclair lads edging it at the half time break. After the break they drove on and as the Athlone lads tired from their endeavours Tubberclair pulled away to gain a well merited victory. An so it was a tired and despondent group of lads that trudged off the Johnstown pitch for the presentation. The Athlone mentors were very proud of their charges as they showed great sportsmanship and were gallant losers. Hearty congratulations to Tubberclair for their win and we must give serious thanks to Sean Feeney and the rest of the Clann na nGael committee for running another excellent tournament and we look forward to the 2016 version!

The final match for the U10s came with the annual running of the Knockcroghery Fair Tournament on Sunday afternoon last. It was beautiful sunny Autumn day that greeted the Athlone teams as they took on the hosts, St Dominic's and Drumcliffe/Rosses Point from Sligo. In this novel and extremely entertaining set up, the clubs were split into three teams of 8 a side. First up for the lads were St Dominic's and the Athlone boys laid down a marker for what was to follow by performing at an amazing level. The teamwork and support running were fantastic. It was a breath of fresh air to see long foot passes being utilised to open up the games and use the extra space on the pitch. For players so young, it shows a remarkable level of understanding and commitment to see them moving the ball at pace to utilise the space and when presented with chances, the forwards gobbled them up and ensured that Athlone were victorious in the three games against a very hard working and talented St Dominic's team. The second game came within minutes of the final whistle of the first game and the lads were naturally a little slow to get going but when they did, they were brilliant. They picked up where they left off in the first game and gave a display of pure football. They are an absolutely brilliant bunch of lads and when they hit form, there are few teams that can live with them. Six wins from six matches meant that the lads retained the Fr Dennis Killian Memorial Cup they won last year and a delighted bunch of lads received the trophy. The mentors were extremely proud of the way in which the lads carried themselves in victory. They showed themselves to be both gracious and a credit to their families. With this bunch of players, the future of Athlone GAA is in great hands.

Now that the year is over, we must thank the mentors for the year. We were very lucky to have many people prepared to help out but we cannot let the opportunity go without thanking David O'Connell, Gearoid O'Duibhir, Peter Mahon, Morgan Farrell, Danny McMonagle, Dermot Whelan and Martin Geary. Thanks also to the parents for giving up so much of their time to ferry the lads to training and matches. We do understand the sacrifice and really appreciate it. Finally we thank the players for putting in a huge effort during the year and keep up the great work.

All Ireland Sevens Competition - Under 14 Girls
Our U14 Girls team competed in the Kilmacud All Ireland Sevens competition in Dublin last Saturday. They played in 6 tough games to reach the All Ireland Final.  However their opposition Portlaoise, proved too strong and our girls narrowly missed out on an All Ireland title.  To reach the All Ireland Final of this prestigious competition is a wonderful achievement. Congratulations girls we are very proud of you all.

Under 6 Boys & Girls
Great fun was had by all the boys and girls who attended the U6 blitz in Athlone on Sunday last. Played in great sunshine the talent on show was exceptional. A big thanks to Colin and the Garrycastle team and Peter and his Moate team. All three teams involved are a credit to their clubs and parents and the future of football in South Westmeath is looking good. Last training of the year is Sunday 4th October at 11.30am. There will be a medal presentation so we hope to see you all there.  Thanks to all the boys and girls for a great year and keep up all the good work. John, Adrian, Paul & Kate.

Athlone GAA Golfing Society:
Portarlington Golf Club was the latest venue for the Athlone GAA Golfing Society outing.  There was a great turnout of golfers on a wonderful golf course and the weather was beautiful.
The following were the prize winners:
1st Prize: Lily O`Sullivan (38pts).
2nd Prize: Eddie Kelly (38pts).
3rd Prize: John Burns (37pts).
4th Prize: Tommy Dolan (37pts).
1st Nine: Martin Flynn (19pts).
2nd Nine: Sheila Geraghty (20pts).

Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others:
G4m&o is on every Monday from 7 to 8pm. New members always welcome! Contact Trisha Jordan at 086 1751167 or come along any Monday.

Athlone GAA Bingo:
Bingo takes place in the Clubhouse every Thursday at 8.30pm.  Loads of cash prizes. Everyone Welcome.

Cards in the Club:
Take place in the Clubhouse every Friday night at 8.30pm.  New players are very welcome, just come along to the Clubhouse any Friday.

Lotto Results:
There was no winner of this weeks €2,550 jackpot.
The numbers drawn were 14-18-22-25.
There was 1 match 3 winner.
Joan Wykes c/o Mags Daly.
This weeks jackpot will be €2,700.

Vote of Sympathy:
The Beaumont Family, College Park.
The Roche Family, Arcadia.
Bro. Benedict, Marist Community, member of the Athlone Championship winning team of 1954.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anam.

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