Minor Championship Division 1 Semi-Final

Athlone 2-12 The Downs 1-12

Well done to our minor boys who qualified for the Division 1 championship final with a hard fought win over The Downs on Saturday in Moate. Two goals in the first seven minutes set the tone for Athlone as they took a lead that they would never relinquish. The first goal was an exquisite finish low into the corner from Benny Martin, while the second was a typical bullet finish from Josh Beaumont. Sandwiched in between this was the first of four 45's from Kieran Colclough who gave an exhibition of striking off the ground.  Benny Martin scored a free after he had been fouled, and further points followed from Luke Kelly and Shane Allen and another Colclough 45. The Downs then began a period of dominance, but the defence worked very hard to keep Athlone in front and two more Colclough 45's made it 2-7 to 0-7 at half time.

Playing against the elements in the second half, Benny Martin gave Athlone the good start they needed with a fine score, however The Downs got right back into the game with a goal after a flicked finish to the net, and this was followed by a pointed 45 to reduce the deficit to three points.  The Downs really tested the mettle of the Athlone defence after this, but to a man they stood up to the challenge and kept their opponents scoreless from the 40th minute to the 55th, while in this time they re-established their six point lead with points from Benny Martin, Josh Beaumont and Mark Egan. Just as the finish line was in sight, The Downs battled back again and finished the game strongly with four points to Athlone's one, a free from Benny Martin. Fortunately for Athlone however, they were unable to find the goal that they needed and Athlone hung on for a deserved three-point win, 2-12 to 1-12, to set up a final appearance against St Loman's of Mullingar on the bank holiday weekend.

Well done to the entire Athlone panel whose hard work throughout the year has brought them this far.  Commiserations to the Downs who were very sporting in defeat, after a terrific game played in a great spirit throughout.  Finally best wishes for a speedy recovery to Joe Devins who suffered a broken collarbone towards the end of the game while making a brave and crucial block on the goal line.

Athlone: John Duddy; Joe Devins, James Finlass, Paddy Ryan; Donagh Prendergast, Diarmaid Martin, Paddy McGettigan; Kieran Colclough (0-4, 4 '45's), Shane Allen (0-1); JJ Offorjama, Luke Kelly (0-1), Mark Egan (0-1); Josh Beaumont (1-1), Stephen O'Connor, Benny Martin (1-F4, 3 f's). Subs used: Conor Rushe, Sean Dowd, David Cleary, Niall Doolan.

Lip Sync Battles 2017
Following the hugely successful sold out Lip Sync Battles last year we are hosting the event again on Saturday, 25th November in the Sheraton Hotel Athlone.  Rehearsals are now underway but if you would like to take part or to sponsor an act or to help out in anyway, please contact Teresa at 087 6799472 or Cora at 086 8132090 any member of the Committee.

Lotto Results:
There was no winner of this week's €8,250 lotto.
The numbers drawn were 8-9-17-20
There was 5 match 3 winners.
David Claffey c/o B Mulvihill
Carmel Heaving c/o T. Heavin
Liam c/o Eddie Kelly
Mary Kearney c/o Bingo
Denise Grennan c/o Mags Daly
Next week's lotto jackpot will be €8,400.

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

Vote of Sympathy:
The Cleary Family, Bonavalley.
The Cahill Family, Ardilaun.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anam.

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