ACFL Division 1
Athlone 1-9 Rosemount 0-11
Our Senior men's team continued their winning start to the season when they travelled out to Rosemount on Saturday night and came away with a hard-earned one point victory.
Despite opening the scoring in the first minute through a Paul Bannon point, Athlone struggled in the opening exchanges against a sharp home outfit and trailed by 0-3 to 0-1 after 10 minutes, with the hosts also missing some good chances in this period to establish a greater lead. Gradually Athlone established a foothold in the game and two John Connellan points brought them level, although it took a fine save from Conor Devaney to prevent Rosemount from grabbing their first goal. They did regain their lead with a point after a period of sustained Athlone pressure had yielded no reward, but further scores from Mickey Greene and a Noel Mulligan 45 meant that it was Athlone who led at the break on a scoreline of 0-5 to 0-4.
Rosemount retook the initiative in the early stages of the second half and added the first three points of the period, but again Athlone responded well and struck for the game's only goal when a strong run from Stephen Ward set up John Connellan who slipped the ball to the net to restore their one point advantage. Any hopes that the Blue could push on from this were dashed as the home side responded well to this setback and added a further four points between the 40th and 50th minutes to just one from Athlone, from Noel Mulligan after a fine team move. The visitors were struggling to keep up with their hosts as the game entered its closing stages and Rosemount looked certain to put it beyond them when a quickfire counterattack put David McCormack clean through on goal. Fortunately for Athlone, Conor Devaney got down smartly to his left to pull off a superb save and when Joe Fallon pointed from the ensuing attack, the deficit that should've been five points was cut to the minimum. Sensing another comeback victory, Athlone raised their game again and drew level through a Noel Mulligan free. The final five minutes were frenetic, with both sides missing chances to win it - Athlone through some poor decision making, Rosemount through some bad wides, before wing-back Tom Egan finished off a superb flowing move in the last minute of normal time to put the visitors in front. There was still time for Rosemount to launch a one final concerted attack in an effort to find an equaliser, but the Athlone defence did brilliantly to prevent any further shooting opportunities without conceding a free and when they finally forced a turnover, the ref blew for full time and Athlone had held on for unlikely 1-9 to 0-11 win.
Athlone: Conor Devaney, Eoin Maher, Damo Kelly, Fergal Murray, Danny Lynam, Stephen Ward, Tom Egan (0-1), John Stapleton, Noel Mulligan (0-3), Dylan Lynch, Paul Bannon (0-1), Kieran Rigney, Jordan Marshment, Mickey Greene (0-1), John Connellan (1-2). Subs Used: Joe Fallon (0-1), Richie Greene.
Athlone U12 Boys
Athlone v St. Dominics
Athlone Boys U12 season belatedly kicked off on Monday last with a trip to St Dominic's in the first round of the Ballinasloe tournament. Despite missing a number of regulars, we managed to tog out 23 lads for two 11 a side matches. Even though this was the first outing of the year, the lads hit the ground running and put on an excellent display in both matches. Both teams displayed some excellent defensive work and while some of the shooting was a bit rusty, the lads left Knockcroghery with two hard fought victories. Many thanks to Seamus Fagan and the rest of the St Dominic's mentors for their hospitality.
The Athlone panel on the night was: Conor Devins, Rian Dully, Pierce Edmundson, Luke Farrell, Cian Geary, Clinton Imade, Josh Kenny, Johnny Martin, Donagh McCormack, Dano McMonagle, Owen McNamara, Kian Mitchell, Luke O'Connell, Oisin O'Sulivan, Daniel Omukoro, Jason Rushe, Tom Sheridan, Alan Sweeney, Niall Tallon, Adam Temple, Jason Ukatu, Justin Walsh and Brandon White.
Athlone v Tubberclair
Following hotly on the heels of the trip to Knockcroghery on Monday was the visit of near neighbours Tubberclair to Pairc Chiarain for the first round of the Westmeath Under 12 league on Wednesday last. This thirteen a side game was the first game on a larger field for many of the lads and the change seem to catch a number of the lads out but after finding their feet, they put in another hard working display to run out 2-10 to 1-06 winners. The big Athlone panel meant that we had 11 subs on the night and this led to some disjointed periods of play from the lads but over the course of the 50 minutes they deserved their win. Plenty of work to do but a successful start nonetheless.
The Athlone panel on the night was: Pierce Edmundson, Ryan Fallon, Luke Farrell, Cian Geary, Eoin Hardiman, Clinton Imade, Josh Kenny, Johnny Martin, Donagh McCormack, Dano McMonagle, Kian Mitchell, Luke O'Connell, Oisin O'Sulivan, Daniel Omukoro, Mark Rockett, Jason Rushe, Tom Sheridan, Alan Sweeney, Niall Tallon, Adam Temple, Jason Ukatu, Justin Walsh, Luke Whelan and Brandon White.
Athlone U12 Girls
Athlone v Caulry: 22-April-2016:
Athlone U12 girls had their second outing of the year last Thursday v Caulry. Athlone started well and were first to score, but it was not until mid-way through the first half that Athlone started to dominate. Three well taken goals from an in-form Katie Dwyer put Athlone in the driving seat, and at the end of the first half Athlone led 3-2 to 0-1.
In the second half Caulry started the better, and it was nip and tuck for the first 5 minutes, then with a lapse of concentration athlone conceded three goals without reply. At this point there was very little between the teams, but Athlone regained composure with great performances from Leah Nugent and Ava Martin controlling the center, Orla Surlis and Gillian Begley at the back, and well taken points from Ava Martin, Kate Mannion and Eimear Galvin. Athlone then extended their lead further with a well taken Goal and a point from Grace McGlynn. Caulry replied with a goal late in the game, but Athlone kept their composure to win by 4-7 to 4-2. Overall it was a very good team performance with a panel of 18 on the night and all contributing to a well deserved victory.
Team: Aoife Hensey, Aoife McGivern, Orla Surlis, Rebecca Cleary, Abby Farrell, Eimear Galvin (Captain) (0-1), Gillian Begley, Leah Nugent, Ava Martin (0-2), Kate Mannion (0-2), Aine DeTulio, Grace McGlynn (1-2), Sonia Cleary, Katie Dwyer (3-0), Aine McGlynn, Wassini Henry, Lucy Delaney, Molly Mulvhill-Wilkins.
Underage football for boys and girls age 4-12 continues every Sunday at 11.30am. New players are always welcome and never hesitate to bring a friend. Any queries, contact David O'Connell at 087 2397519.
Lotto Results:
There was no winner of this weeks €2,250 jackpot.
The numbers drawn were 9-10-18-25.
There were two match three winners.
Rosand c/o Andy O'Sullivan.
Fergal Murray c/o Mags Daly.
This weeks jackpot will be €2,400.
Athlone GAA Bingo:
Bingo takes place in the Clubhouse every Thursday at 8.30pm. Loads of cash prizes. Everyone Welcome.
Vote of Sympathy:
The Murray Family,Slí an Aifrinn.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anam.