Raheen Grounds purchased for youth of the Parish

Fr. Martin Gleeson announced a major development project for Athenry at a dinner in the Sacre Coeur Hotel. He told the 200 attendance that a nine and a half-acre site at Raheen had been purchased for £1,400 and disclosed development plans. He stressed that the immediate aim of the Ground's Committee was to clear the purchase price and he appealed for support for the various fund raising activities being organised by project managers Seamus Cullinane and Colm Hilliard.

The Committee appointed were Fr. Martin Gleeson C.C. Chairman, Paul Waldron Secretary, Seamus Cullinane and Colm Hilliard Joint Treasurers, Frank Kilkelly, Tommy Lally, James Somers, Pake Ruane, Peter Feeney, Eamonn Keogh and Joe Corbett.

Athenry senior hurlers had a fine win over the previous years County intermediate champions Moycullen in the first round of the County championship. Against Liam Mellows in their next game they started badly and after a spiritless half trailed by 2-4 to 0-5. Then Athenry astonished their supporters with two shock goals and entering the last quarter the sides were level. Mellowes went ahead with a goal but after a 21 yards free by Bobby Gardner was saved the ball still ended up in the net to level the scores once again. In the dying seconds Mellowes pointed from long range to snatch victory, the final score 3-6 to 3-5.

Athenry showed great determination and resolution in their approach, which, with a little luck could have seen them into the next round. They were most effectively served by Sean Dempsey, Joe Mannion, Hubert Conway and Martin Maloney.

Team: Philip Chambers, Bill Conway, Sean Dempsey, Morgan Healy, Joe Mannion, Mick Rooney, Anthony Freeney, Pat Madden, J. J. Kelly, Gerry Maloney, Hubert Conway, Gabriel Gardner, Colm Hilliard, Dermot Caulfield, Martin Maloney, Subs.: Anthony Poniard and Bobby Gardner.

End of an era as Club's play last hurling game

Newcastle defeated Cussane in the North Board Intermediate Final.

The County semi-final against Carnmore was abandoned with three minutes left. The crowd invaded the pitch after a 'flare up' near the Carnmore goal and despite the best efforts of the players and the referee the pitch could not be cleared. It was Newcastle's last appearance and the end of an era. The Club affiliated the following year but did not take part in competitions.

It was a most successful and memorable year for Athenry handball players-they won five Connacht titles and made history by winning the All-lreland Minor Hardball Doubles, the County's first minor title. Tony Corley and Seamus Lynch beat Kildare's T. Geoghan and A. Campbell by two games to one in an exciting contest to capture a well deserved All-Ireland title. Urged on by a large crowd of supporters in the final at Roscommon the Athenry pair showed considerable ability and speed.

The Connacht titles won were as follows: minor hardball doubles Tony Corley and Seamus Lynch, minor hardball singles Tony Corley, junior hardball singles and junior softball singles Sean Glynn, junior hardball doubles Sean Glynn and Seamus Lynch.

Tommy Madden, winner of the Galway and Connacht Cross-Country championships, the Connacht 3,000-metre championship and Galway 1500 metres, was chosen as Galway Sports Star of the Year for Athletics. He was also first home in an invitation race in London, helping his Club Derrydonnell win the team prize and he was a very popular choice for the athletics award.

Athenry were also represented among the 'Stars' by their brilliant young handballer Tony Corley who collected several Galway and Connacht titles before winning the All-Ireland Minor Doubles championship in partnership with clubmate Seamus Lynch. It was a pity that both Athenry players were not honoured, but there could be only one star in each sport and Tony just edged out his partner.