2023 Athenry GAA History & Photo Gallery

2023 Athenry GAA History

June 24th Connacht Gaa Centre of Excellence.St Maryís Athenry Galway at the John West FÈile na nGael National Camogie and Hurling Finals, 2023 at the Connacht GAA Centre, Bekan, Co Mayo. Eighty club sides took part in the national finals across seven venues in Connacht. Sponsored for the eighth time by John West, it is one of the biggest underage sporting events on the continent. A hundred teams took part in John West FÈile na nGael regional finals taking place at 13 venues across Ireland for teams outside the top division on the same day. Photo Conor McKeown.

All-Ireland Feile na nGael Hurling Champions 2023
Front Row: (left to right) Fionn Atkins, Anthony Poniard, Caolean Caulfield, Donagh Keogh, Michael Barrett, Ryan Hession, Darragh Fitzpatrick, Conor O’Reilly, Aodán McDonagh, Senan McDonnell, Jack Griffin. Back Row: (left to right) Daniel Moran, Gavin Egan, Jack Madden, Patrick Whelan, Oran O’Shaughnessy, Cian Hannon, Shay Brady, Cathal Mannion, Niall McCarthy, Rory Haverty, Dara Sinnott, Joey McMahon and Connla Atkins.

National Feile na Gael Hurling Final success

Without a doubt the highlight of the year was the success of the Club's Under 15 Hurling and Football teams in winning County Feile na nGael titles and the hurling team going on to win the National Feile Hurling title. The 24th of June 2023 will go down as a very special day in the history of the Club. It was the day when a talented group of players and their dedicated management went on to capture an All-Ireland hurling title that had eluded the club for many years.

Athenry were paired against the very physically strong and athletic Dublin champions Raheny in their opening game. After taking time to settle, they entered the half time break with a healthy five point lead and a strong wind to come in the second half. This lead was extended to seven points before the game took a major turn. Raheny rattled the net twice and drew level with five minutes remaining in the game. However, Athenry displayed great composure to steady the ship and goals from Shay Brady helped his side to a comfortable 4-8 to 2-3 victory.The second group game pitted Athenry against Wexford champions the Raparees from Enniscorthy.

This game was a straightforward assignment with Athenry running out victorious by 5-12 to 1-2 and secured a semi-final place against a much-fancied James Stephens team from Kilkenny.The best performance from this team came in the semi-final. Never allowing the Kilkenny team to settle, Athenry held a commanding 1-4 to 0-2 point lead at half time. The defence was being marshalled superbly by Rory Haverty, Aodan McDonagh and Shay Brady throughout the game. When the ever-threatening Cian Hannon scored a superb individual goal in the second half, a place in the final was within touching distance and although James Stephens threatened, the defensive performances of Jack Madden, Connla Atkins and Mikey Barrett, alongside those mentioned earlier helped Athenry to secure a final place on a scoreline of 2-6 to 0-2.

With Carrigtwohill from Cork winning the other semi-final by a point against the Tipperary champions Thurles Og, it meant Athenry would play the Cork champions in the final. The game began at lightning speed and Athenry showed some early nerves with Carrigtwohill racing into a four points to no score lead. However, Athenry soon settled and got on the scoreboard with a neatly taken point. This was followed up by an expertly taken goal by Cian Hannon and another fine point from play and a halftime score of 1-2 to 0-5.

The second half belonged to the eventual winners who restricted their opponents to a solitary score from play while adding five points of their own to run out by 1-7 to 0-5 winners. The final whistle sounded to joyous scenes with supporters of St Mary’s Athenry showing their jubilation at the return of another All-Ireland hurling title to the fields of Athenry.

Shay Brady accepted the Christy Ring Trophy on behalf of the team to rapturous applause from the large Athenry support present. Over the course of the day the winners had many heroes. Cathal Mannion never put a foot wrong in goals, keeping two clean sheets in four games. In addition to the defenders listed above, Conor O Reilly and Dara Sinnott defended with vigour throughout, Donagh Keogh and Jack Madden got through a mountain of work at midfield while Senan McDonnell played in a variety of positions to great effect. When the pressure was on in games the contributions of Shay Brady, Aodan McDonagh, Anthony Poniard, Cian Hannon, Fionn Atkins and Niall McCarthy were significant. Indeed, the role of the subs such as Joey McMahon did not go unnoticed by many observers at the game.

The management team of Pete Atkins, Richie Brady, Gerry Mannion, Donal Moran and Colin Morrissey deserve a special mention for their work with these boys since they were playing with the Under 6's. Their time and effort over the years was rewarded.

County Feile na nGael Final Victory

The Club’s Under 15 hurling team defeated Oranmore-Maree to win the Féile na nGael final at Kenny Park and retain the Toddie Byrne Cup. Paired in group with Craughwell, Loughrea and Kilconieron they won all three game before seeing off Castlegar in the semi-final at Ballinasloe. The final score Athenry 3-09 Oranmore-Maree 0-07

Cian Hannon deservedly won the Man-of-the -Match award for the second year in a row. Shay Brady, Aodaìn McDonagh and Connla Atkins also gave exceptional performances.
Special mention must go the players who battled through injuries to achieve this great win Niall McCathy, Jack Madden and Senan McDonnell who were all fantastic in every game.

Team managers Richie Brady and Pete Atkins, and their backroom team of Donal Moran, Gerry Mannion and Colin Morrissey deserve great credit.

In his acceptance speech captain Shay Brady thanked everyone who helped the team over the years and dedicated the win to recently deceased club legend and former Juvenile Chairman Michael Quinn.

County Under 15 Feile na nGael Hurling Champions

Front Row: (left to right) Michael Barrett, Connla Atkins, Ryan Hession, Conor O’Reilly, Dara Sinnott, Caolean Caufield, Senan McDonnell, Darragh Fitzpatrick, Aodan McDonagh, Fionn Atkins, Jack Griffin. Back Row: (left to right) Cian Hannon, Anthony Poniard, Rory Haverty, Cathal Mannion, Niall McCarthy, Oran O’Shaughnessy, Shay Brady, Donal Moran, Jack Madden, Gavin Egan, Donagh Keogh, Paddy Whelan and, Joey McMahon.

Front row (L-R)Vincent Gannon, Connla Atkins, Senan McDonnell, Rory Haverty, Niall Kelly, AodhánMcDonagh, Sean Mulhall, Enda Murphy, Conn McGillicuddy, Fionn Atkins, ColmO’RourkeBack RowColin Higgins, Shay Brady, Eanna McDonagh, Niall McCarthy, Mathew O’Neill, CianDooley, Eoin Hannon, Cian Hannon, Ronan McGlynn, Mark Rooney, Frank Burke, CathalMannion, Rian Doyle

County Under 16 (A) Hurling Champions 2023
Front Row: (left to right) Vincent Gannon, Connla Atkins, Senan McDonnell, Rory Haverty, Niall Kelly, Aodhán McDonagh, Sean Mulhall, Enda Murphy, Conn McGillicuddy, Fionn Atkins, Colm O’Rourke. Back Row: (left to right) Colin Higgins, Shay Brady, Eanna McDonagh, Niall McCarthy, Mathew O’Neill, Cian Dooley, Eoin Hannon, Cian Hannon, Ronan McGlynn, Mark Rooney, Frank Burke, Cathal Mannion and Rian Doyle

2023 327 County Under 16 Hurling Final Victory
The Under 16 hurling championship got underway on Thursday July 12th in Raheen,Athenry getting off to a great start with a convincing win over Craughwell. The full forward line of Niall Kelly and the Hannon brothers, Cian and Eoin, with some fantastic scores throughout. Mark Rooney, Sean Mulhall and Cian Dooley were excellent in defence. The game will be remembered most for Eoin Hannon’s six goals from play. Final score Athenry 7-16 Craughwell 0-10
Athenry faced Clarinbridge in Round 2. It was a good battle in the first half, with the Athenry getting a few late scores to make it 1-11 to 0-07 at the break. Enda Murphy and Colm O’Rourke showing very well for Athenry. In the second half the game opened up. Athenry had the better forwards and it started to show on the scoreboard. Frank Burke, Colin Higgins and Eoin Hannon got excellent scores to secure the win. The final score was Athenry 5-25 Clarinbridge 1-11.
The group stage of the U16 Championship concluded on July 26 th with a draw against Carnmore. Athenry led by 0-09 to 0-06 at half time after playing with the wind. Enda Murphy, Aodhán McDonagh and Colm O’Rourke with impressive first half performances. With the aid of a strong breeze Carnmore battled back and took the lead in the third quarter and with ten minutes to go led by 6. The introduction of Conn McGillicuddy made a big difference for Athenry and he scored a goal and a point in the closing stages to set up an unlikely comeback. In the last play of the game Frank Burke scored the all-important goal to level it up. It finished Athenry 2-15 Carnmore 1-18. This put Athenry top of the group.
The semifinal saw Athenry face neighbours Turloughmore and while the margin of victorywas convincing, the game itself was a tough encounter, especially in the first half. Two goals by Colm O’Rourke were key to Athenry’s win. A good spread of score from the other
forwards and a great defensive display led by Ronan McGlynn and Shay Brady saw Athenry pull away in the second half. It finished Athenry 2-19 Turloughmore 0-06. Athenry became the county U16A hurling champions for the eighth time in the club’s historyafter a dramatic come from behind win over Kilconieron in Duggan Park on September 7th. This was a repeat of the 2022 U15A final and like the prevoius year Kilconieron raced into an early lead. At one point they led by 2-06 to 0-02, but Athenry clawed their way back into the game with goals by Cian Hannon and Colm O’Rourke, along with some expert free-taking by Frank Burke. The teams went in at half time with Kilconieron leading 3-07 to 2-06. The third quarter was tight as the teams traded scores and Kilconieron maintained their lead. The introduction of Niall McCarthy at half time provided a great boast for Athenry. He scored 2 points from play before he rifled in a fantastic goal. The final quarter belonged to Athenry. Enda Murphy, Eoin Hannon and Frank Burke never stopped working and slowly the gap narrowed until the score were level in injury time. Then
in the 61 st minute Aodhán McDonagh picked up a loose ball and drove forward before handpassing to his brother Éanna who cooly slotted the ball over the bar for the winning score.
Athenry had many heroes on the day from one to twenty. Shay Brady, Mathew O’Neil and Ronan McGlynn played really well at the back under extreme pressure from a superb Kilconieron attack. In the middle Enda Murphy’s tireless work and Éanna McDonagh’s 3 fantastic points from play were crucial to the victory. The work-rate of the Athenry forward was outstanding. Even when the scores weren’t coming they never stopped working for the team. Wing back Aodhán McDonagh got the man of the match award for a fantastic display
for skill and courage under pressure.
There was great scenes of celebrations on the pitch afterwards as club supporters, young and old, congratulated the players and management. Winning a county championship is never easy. This one was particularly hard won, against an excellent Kilconieron team. Full time Athenry 3-17 Kilconieron 4-13. Congratulations to the players, manager Paddy Kelly and selectors Brian Higgins, Shane Donohue and Darragh Loughnane.

Passing of Canon Martin Gleeson R.I.P. (Dunmore)

Fondly remembered around the fields of Athenry Fr. Martin Gleeson left an indelible mark on all who knew him during his ministry in the area. A proud Dunmore man, he brought his passion for Gaelic football with him to Athenry inspiring a generation of young players in the 1960's.

Under his guidance players and officials laid the foundation for a newly formed parish wide club 'St. Mary's GAA Club' and left an under-age legacy that still remains today. The Club's juvenile players enjoy the thrills and excitement of competitive hurling and football and the all consuming will to win brought to Athenry by Fr. Gleeson in the 1960's.

His unwavering dedication as a priest and genuine care for people is best exemplified by the support he received when he and colleagues Seamus Cullinane and Colm Hillard, set about purchasing a playing field for the youth of the parish. Frustrated at the lack of facilities to practice and train teams Fr. Gleeson announced the purchase of a nine and a half acre site 'Raheen Grounds' for £1,400 a lot of money in the 1960's.

He stressed that the immediate aim of his committee was to clear the purchase price and appealed to the people of the parish for support for various fund raising activities. As well as organising a weekly silver-circle Fr. Gleeson persuaded local farmers to grow potatoes and raise calves to help fund the project.

In 2017 the Club was delighted to have the opportunity to pay a tribute to the extraordinary contribution of Fr. Martin Gleeson and others during the 1960's. Their achievements on the field were matched by their ability to help establish the Club as a united identity and a prominent position in Galway GAA.

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal.

All-Ireland Feile na nGael Football Finalists
Front Row: (left to right)Connla Atkins, Oran Greaney, Michael Barrett, Aodhan McDonagh, Rory Haverty, CaoléanCaulfield, Conor Reilly, Fionn Atkins, Senan McDonnell, Jack Griffin. Back Row: (left to right) Jack Madden, Anthony Poniard, Shay Brady, Eoin Doyle, Cathal Mannion, Shay O’Driscoll,Eoghan Cooley, Niall McCarthy, Shane Lally, Oran O’Shaughnessy, Patrick Whelan, Cian Hannon, Luc Griallais, Dara Sinnott.

On Saturday July 2nd we went back to the Connacht Gaa Centre of excellence in Bekan Co. Mayo looking for a historic Féile double and while we didn’t achieve it, we came mighty close. Our footballers, also playing in Division 1 were in a very though group with Killmacud Crokes (Dublin), Carryduff (Down) and New York. First up was the Dublin champions and it was a tight encounter, ending in a 2-01 to 0-07 draw - Niall McCarthy, Cathal Mannion, Cian Hannon and Senan McDonnell with the scores. Jack Griffin and Shay Brady also featured well in this one. Next up was the Down champions and our first win of the day, 3-04 to 1-03. Two first half goals by Cathal Mannion and Cian Hannon gave us a great start. Anthony Poniard got the third with a cheeky lob over the Carryduff goalkeeper. Eoin Doyle also pointed well in the second half. With the group finely balanced we needed at least a draw against New York, who had beaten Carryduff in the previous game. We got the win, but it was a battle to the end. Cathal Mannion and Niall McCarthy with the crucial goals. It finished Athenry 2-05 New York 1-02.
So, we were now through to a semi-final against Westport, who had topped the other group. Crokes topped our group on score difference. We would be up against it for most of the game, but with Cathal Mannion bagging another goal and Cian Hannon flicking a free kick to the net, we were still in it. Niall McCarthy got another goal in the second half and it finished Athenry 3-00 Westport 1-06. Extra time would be difficult on both teams. It was now after 5 o’clock and the bodies were tired. The lads, with Shay Brady and Shane Lally to the fore, gave it everything. We scored 3 points in extra time from Anthony Poniard, Eoin Doyle and Niall McCarthy, but it wasn’t enough. Westport finished the victors – 2-08 to 3-03. We left disappointed but proud of the players. We got to the last four of the competition, won county Féile and have a county championship semi-final to look forwardto. Congrats to the players, their parents and Aidan Greaney and his management team.