Under 21 Hurling 

Greater consistency over the hour, allied to superior economy with their shooting, were telling factors as Ardra­han put enough scores in the bank to withstand a frantic late rally from Athenry in the delayed County Under 21 A Hurling Championship semi-final. On a difficult day for hurling, Athenry created more than enough scoring opportunities but were una­ble to capitalise. Niall Sun­derland’s side had first use of the strong wind and turned around with a 0-6 to 0-4 advantage. Their wastefulness in front of the posts, however, was summed up by nine first half wides before the break and that statistic finished up at a very costly 14 by the final whistle. Final score Ardrahan 0-12 Athenry 1-7.
Athenry: D.J. Somers; R. Keane. J. McCullagh. C. Tully; S. Quirke. I. O'Shea, N. Keogh (0-1); S. Parr (0-1), M. Cullen: C.
Lawless (0-2. 0-1 free). R. Hardiman (0-3), P. Rabbitte (1-0); E. Caulfield. M. Treacy, B. Lee. Subs: A-Haverty. for Keane. 39 mins, R. Shaughnessy. for Treacy, 45 mins: D. Parr. for S. Parr. 50 mins: L. Egan. for Lawless. 54 mins: D. Collins. for Lee. 61 mins.

Galway win first Under 17 Minor Hurling All-Ireland Final

The more things change, the more they stay the same. The All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship underwent major alterations in 2018 but Galway's modem-day dominance showed no signs of abating. In retaining the Irish Press Cup, achieved just once before by the county in 1999-2000 managed by John Hardiman, the latest crop of young hurlers played their part in a significant milestone and carved out a little piece of history in winning the first-ever championship at the reduced age grade at Under-17.
Naturally, none of this side were involved in 2017, the last played as an Under-18 competition, but the class of 2018 showed maturity and composure beyond their tender years in facing down Kilkenny and emerging impressive winners. Galway found themselves 0-4 to 0-0 down inside five minutes, but held their nerve and trailed at the break by the minimum, 0-10 to 0-9, before turning in a performance fit for the occasion, streaking clear to a 0-21 to 0-14 victory after a dominant second half. Athenry's Paddy Rabbitte was unbeaten between the posts making a few rousing defient saves in the closing stages with Shane Quirke rock solid at wing back.
Galway: P. Rabbitte (Athenry): M. Flynn (Ballygar), S. Jennings (Ballinasloe). O. Salmon (Clarinbridge): S. Quirke (Athenry), S. Neary (captain, Castlegar). E. Duggan (0-1, St Thomas'): J. O'Donoghue (Gort), O. Flannery (0-1, St Thomas’: D. Kilcommins (0-2, Annaghdown). 0. Flannery (0-1, Padraig Pearses). A. Brett (Killimordaly: D. Reilly (0-3, Padraig Pearses). D. O'Shea (0-10, 0-6 frees, 0-1 65. 0-1 penalty), N. Collins (Cappataggle) Subs: C. Cunningham (0-1. Moycullen), for O'Donoghue, 33 mins: C. Keane (Beagh), for Brett 34 mins, S. McDonagh (0·2, Mountbellew-Moylough), for Flannery (Padraig Pearses). 41 mins: I. McGlynn (Kilconieron), for Flannery (St Thomas') 45 mins: K. Creaven (Sylane). for Collins, 49 mins.

Juvenile Club General Meeting 

Juvenile Chairman Robert Ruane opened the meeting welcomed everybody and asked for a minute silence for all those who passed away in 2018. In his address he thanked all the parents and the coaches for their support in what was a difficult year. He said that going forward we would be a stronger club. He stressed the need to have all the players registered and thanked Tom Carr and John Cloonan for their work in registering all members of the club.

He thanked all the team managers and coaches for all their work throughout the year and for completing all the necessary coaching courses. He thanked Brendan Keogh of Practical Finance for sponsoring the Féile gear for the u14 hurlers and said it was a pity they did not get to play in the National Féile. He thanked Brian Sweeney for his generous sponsorship of a trip to Croke Park and also thanked club sponsor Pat Joyce. He thanked the weekly lotto sellers who keep the club going and the businesses who sell the lotto and asked everyone to support them.
He congratulated all the juvenile teams who won Cups and Shields in football and hurling. He said the Under16 hurlers were unlucky and just came up short in the county final after winning all their other matches. He congratulated all the lads who represented Athenry on the various county football and hurling teams. He congratulated Eddie Brady and Brian Hanley on their involvement with Galway county teams who kept a high profile for the club.

He sympathised with Brian on the recent loss of his mother Noreen, a great club person. He congratulated the Presentation College Athenry on their recent All-Ireland Junior Hurling victory. He praised Oisin Fox who represented the club on this year’s county minor football team and Matthew Treacy who represented the club on the county Under 20 football team. He also congratulated Eoin Lawless, Patrick Rabbitte and Shane Quirke who won an All-Ireland Minor Hurling medals with Galway.

He thanked the senior club officers Sean Keane and Caroline McLoughlin for all their work and dedication and also the current club executive and officers. He also thanked all the primary schools in the parish for promoting our games and James Langan for his very professional service as a medic to various teams. He thanked our club delegates Brendan Burke and Peter Kelly and thanked Peter for also his continued involvement in Coiste Iomana na nÓg, Jackie Haverty for her professional work as club treasurer and John Cloonan for his 9 years as club secretary and over 12 years of involvement with the juvenile club. He thanked all the club executive for all their work and the parents of the juvenile members for their assistance throughout the year. 

The officers for 2019 are Chairman Brendan Madden, Treasurer: Jackie Haverty; Secretary: Kevin Coyne; Vice Chairman: Frank Flannery; 

Club chairman Billy Caulfield thanked all involved with the juvenile club; the coaches, managers and parents. He encouraged everyone to get involved and to ask themselves ‘where can I help out?’. He said we needed to be all of the same mindset and buy into the same ethos and standard set by the coaches and leaders. He thanked everyone in the past for their work and going forward would like to see children developing and playing our games. 
Outgoing juvenile secretary John Cloonan thanked the current and previous club chairmen, treasurers and the coaches he worked with over the years. He said it was an honour to be involved with the club and enjoyed many a great day. He wished the club every success in the future. There was a presentation from the club to John in recognition of his contribution the Juvenile Club over the past decade.
Senior Club Treasurer Gearoid Harty gave an exciting presentation showing plans for the future development and expansion of the club at Carnaun. He encouraged people to get involved and said there was a role for everyone. Chairman Robert thanked him for the presentation and said the future was bright for the club with plans like this and with so many promising lads coming through the juvenile club in both codes.

He welcomed any new people to the parish and encouraged them to get involved and get in touch with any club officer, as we are a welcoming and open club. He then closed the meeting by thanking all for their attendance and encouraged everyone to attend the Club's AGM.

Athenry Community Games Under-11 hurlers completed a fantastic year with the All-Ireland Community Games Silver medal. On Saturday the boys came back from the dead to beat Leinster Champions Shinrone Coolderry of Offaly by 2 points in the semi final. Our lads were well down at half time but battled back with great goals by Adam O’Halloran and 2 by Jason Rabbitte, while a great defensive display kept the Offaly side at bay in the second half.
In the final the Athenry lads started very well but they struggled against a very strong Glenmore-Tullogher-Rosbercon team from Kilkenny. Two goals by Enda Murphy kept Athenry in the game but the Kilkenny side pulled away in the last ten minutes. Led by team captain Stephen Feeney, Athenry won the Galway County title with great victories of Clarinbridge, Gort, Moycullen and Oranmore.

Congratulations to Athenry Camogie U-11 girls who captured Gold in the All Ireland Community Games Final to complete a very successful week-end for the Athenry clubs.

Teams of 1960's Honoured

St Marys GAA Club recently held a Teams of the 1960's Commerative event to honour a number of successful underage teams in hurling and football during the 1960's. A marvellous night was had by all in the Raheen Woods Hotel with presentations made by Club Chairman Sean Keane and special guests former Galway greats John Connolly and Christy Tyrrell. Many thanks to Tom Carr and his team for organizing a wonderful night which was enjoyed by over 300 attendees.

St Marys GAA Golf Classic Winners

1st-Bicycles-C&C Tractor Spares-Derek,Paul and Micheal Keane
2nd-1 Night B&B-Glasshouse,Sligo-Alan Creaven,David Kearney,Kevin Kenny
3rd-Helley Hansen Clothing-Safety Direct-Gerry Donohue,Sean Daly,Ian Dervan
4th-Clothes Vouchers-Declan Rooney Menswear-Ray Glynn,Luke Glynn,Tom McDonagh
5th-Golf Shoes-Dans Bar-Johnny Higgins,Mike Hanniffy,Graham Reidy
6th-Fitness Centre Membership-Tranquility Leisure-Barry Kirwan,Seamus Burke,MikeKillilea,
7th Oil Voucher-Stewart Oil-Sean Tyrrell,Austin Clarke,Padraig Lyons
8th-Oil Voucher-Martin Naughton Oil-Paddy Collins,Roy O Brien,Tom Hennelly
9th-Restaurant Voucher-Gills Bar and Restaurant-Garvan McDaid,Stephen Rabbitte,Tim Rabbitte
10th-Green Fees-Esker Hills GC-Liam Higgins,Graham Higgins,Alan Reidy
Womens Team-Beauty Treatment-Sayuri-Teresa Coen,Patricia Jacobsen,Josephine Moore
Men-Longest Drive-Polo Shirt-District Fitness-Ian Dervan
Women-Longest Drive-Golf Accessories-District Fitness-Katherine Duane
Men-Nearest Hole-Golf Accessories-District Fitness-Gabriel Lally
Women-Nearest Hole-Golf Accessories-District Fitness-Julie Carr
Non GUI Team-Cathal Moore,Fergal Moore, Frank Coen
Congratulations to all prize winners and many thanks to all participants, sponsors and Athenry Golf Club and all volunteers who contributed to a highly enjoyable and successful event.

Athenry Industries - All-Ireland Inter-Firm Junior Hurling Champions with on the right Athenry players Mickey Mullins, John Grealish, Stephen Kelly, Dermot O’Halloran and Aaron Van Niekerk.