Front Row: (left to right) Ronan Hardiman, Jack MacCullagh, Hugh McCann, Michael Mullins, Cian Burke, Eoin Caulfield, Conor Burke, Donal Parr, Shane Quirke (captain), Ryan O'Donnell, Conor Lawless, Ciaran Hardimen, Stephen Kelly. Back Row: (left to right) Patrick Rabbitte, Matthew Feeeny, Jack Carr, Eoin Lawless, Cillian Lawless, James Diviney, Martin Cullen, Ben Haverty, Dylan Quirke, , Paddy Hannon, Noel Keogh, Mark Hannon, , Ruairi Keogh, Sean Keogh, Alan Haverty, Mark Hardiman, Jason Rabbitte and John Grealish.

Athenry won 2024 Junior A Hurling Championship after a convincing win over Loughrea in the County final. This brings to an end a great season which began with a mixed league campaign. Some narrow league defeats despite some great performances laid the groundwork for the championship run, which began with a victory over Castlegar 4-16 to 0-17. A strong first half performance with goals from Jason Rabbitte and Mickey Mullins put Athenry in the driving seat and led by 2-09 to 0-10 at half time. Further goals from Gabriel McCann and Ruairi Keogh in the second half confirmed the win. In defence Jack MacCullagh, Darragh Morrissey and Conor Tully in particular held back a strong Castlegar team. The work rate in the middle third of Eoin Caulfield, Alan Haverty and McCann was terrific throughout. While there was a great spread of scores throughout the team, Jason Rabbitte and Mickey Mullins, who finished with 1-08, where the pick of the forwards.

Round 2 saw Meelick Eyrecourt travel to Carnaun. Athernywere the better team throughout, but only led at halftime by one point, 0-15 to 2-08. Ruairi Keogh, Alan Haverty and Gary Moroney were among many to get on the scoreboard. In the second-half Athenry pulled away. Jason Rabbitte with a goal and some great scores by Keogh, Hugh McCann and Mickey Mullins gave Athenry a lead that the visitors couldn’t claw back. Alan Haverty, Hugh McCann and Brandon Lee all worked very hard in the middle third. Keogh was the pick of the forwards. Jack MacCullagh was excellent in a strong defensive unit. In round 3, Athenry beat Bearna-Na Forbacha1-25 to 0-08 in Carnaun. Mickey Mullins was top scorer with 0-15. Others to do well were Ryan O’Donnell and Brandon Lee.

With the beginning of the senior championship several players (Alan Haverty, Jason Rabbitte, Ryan O’Donnell and Eoin Caulfield) were no longer available. In round 3 Athenry beat Tynagh-Abbey/Duniry 1-22 to 1-17 to put them top of the group after 4 games played. A superb goal by Hugh McCann the crucial score for Athenry. Stephen Kelly with five point from play was one of many young Athenry forwards to play well on the night. Matthew Feeney, James Diviney, Mickey Mullins and Gabriel McCann as chipped in with scores for Athenry.

Athenry got the better of Loughrea in the final group game played in Loughrea. The home team were on top early on and lead at half time by 1-09 to 0-07. Athenry were the better team in the second half and with Mickey Mullins on target, took control of the game. Sean Keogh’s well taken goal confirmed the victory on 55 minutes. It finished Athenry 1-20 Loughrea 1-11. Mickey Mullins finished with 12 points, 6 from play. The McCann twins, Hugh and Gabriel, along with Dylan Quirke controlled the middle third in the second half. Ben Haverty, at centre back, was excellent throughout. Athenry finish top of the group. 

The quarter final was a hard-fought win over An Spidéal in Pearse stadium. Goals would decide this game, with all 4 Athenry goals coming at crucial times in the game. The first by Ruairí Keogh on the 26th minute came when Athenry were 8 points to four down. An Spidéal got the next 4 points to lead 1-04 to 0-12 and looked the stronger team. Then Athenry’ssecond goal came from Gary Moroney when his effort for a point dropped in. This was the lifeline Athenry needed and they played the better hurling from this point on. The third goal came on the 46th minute when Stephen Kelly ran down the left before rifling the ball the back of the net. The fourth goal, by Stephen Feeney, on 54 minutes finished the game. The final score was Athenry 4-10 An Spidéal 0-14. Darragh Morrissey at full back and Jack MacCullagh at wing back where outstanding in a great defensive display. There was a good spread of scorers in the forward line with James Diviney, Matthew Feeney, Mickey Mullins and wing back Brandon Lee all getting on the score board.

In the semifinal Athenry beat Sarfields in Tuam on a scorelineof 2-15 to 1-10. Playing with the aid of the breeze in the first half Athenry led by 0-10 to 1-05 at half time. The McCann brothers Hugh and Gabriel, the Feeney brother Matthew and Stephen, Michael Mullins, Ruairi Keogh, Jack Dowling and Jack MacCullagh all on target for Athenry. Sarsfields started the second half very well and got the first 4 points. Athenrylooked to be in bother but a goal by Stephen Feeney on 41 minutes turned the tide. The second goal by Matthew Feeney 6 minutes later put Athenry in the driving seat. Athenry got a great spread of scores throughout the team and were excellent in defence. The halfback line of Ben Haverty, Jack MacCullagh and Dylan Quirke were central to the Athenrywin.

Kenny park was the venue for the final as Athenry beat Loughrea to win the Junior A hurling county championship for the 9th time in the club’s history. Athenry led by 0-8 to 0-04 at half time. Mickey Mullins, Ruairi Keogh and Jack MacCullagh were on target for Athenry. The teams traded scores in a more open second half. Gabriel McCann, Matthew Feeney, Jack Dowling and Hugh McCann all added points to the Athenry tally. Then with a few minutes to go and Athenryon top Sean Keogh came off the bench for Athenry and scored 2 goals in the 60th and 61st minute. It finished Atherny 2-16 Loughrea 1-12. 

As was the case all year, the team had a great spread of scorers in the forward line. Jack Dowling and the McCann twins Hugh and Gabriel ran themselves ragged in the middle third. The half backline proved again to be the platform on which the game was won. Jack MacCullagh (who got the man of the match award) Ben Haverty and Dylan Quirke were superb throughout. The fullback line and goalkeeper were also excellent throughout. Great credit is due to team manager Dermot O’Halloran and his selectors Brian O’Regan, Gerry Treacy, Michael John Donnellan and Ian Caulfield on great year’s work. While this is a young team special mention must go the Mickey Mullins, Enda Gannon and Eoin Donnellan, the only survivors from the last Athenry team to win the Junior A cup in 2019. Athenry’s second adult hurling team will play intermediate hurling in 2025. In his acceptance speech captain Gary Moroney encouraged supporters to support the minors in county final to be played the following day. This Junior A win would be the first of the 3 cups the club would win over 2 weekends – Junior A , Minor A and Senior B.

Front Row: (left to right) Vincent Gannon, Jack Griffin, William Egan, Joey O'Brien, Fiona Atkins, Niall Kelly, Aodhan McDonagh, Darragh Fitzpatrick, Matthew O’Neill, Harry Conway, Rory Haverty, Dara Sinnott, Senan McDonnell, Michael Barrett, Connla Atkins, Ryan Hession, Caolean Caulfield, Conor Reilly. Back Row: (left to right) Enda Murphy, Colin Higgins, Shay Brady, Cian Hannon, Eoin Hannon, Ronan McGlynn, Frank Burke, Riain Doyle, Cian Dooley, Anthony Poniard, Mark Rooney, Donagh Keogh, Eanna  McDonagh, Gavin Egan, Dylan Donohue, Jake Mulveen and Cathal Mannion. 

On Sunday October 13th Athenry won their first county minor(U17) A title since 2010 after a thrilling 2-point victory over neighbours Oranmore Maree. With a massive home support in attendance, the victory was celebrated on the pitch afterwards by young and old. 

The minor campaign began on July 8th with convincing 7-18 to 1-09 win over Kilconieron, who Athenry had only beaten by one point is the previous year’s U16 final. In a game decided by goals, Athenry goalkeeper Cathal Mannion made 2 point-blank saves to deny Kilconieron, while at the other end the finishing of the Athenry forwards were on target throughout. Athenry led a 3-09 to 1-03 at halftime and pulled away in the second half. Some great scores from play by Eoin Hannon, Niall Kelly and Frank Burke was the difference in the first half. Goals by Cian Hannon and Colin Higgins in the second half finished the game. The defence was strong throughout with the McDonagh brothers, Aodhán and Éanna to the fore. In midfield Enda Murphy and Ronan McGlynn was excellent.Round 2 opponents Loughrea conceded. 

Athenry beat Carnmore in Carnaun in round 3, 2-16 to 1-13. It was a hard-fought victory that could have gone either way. Athenry led at half time 1-08 to 0-05. Niall Kelly and Colin Higgins were the pick of the Athenry forwards while Matthew O’Neill and Cian Dooley battled well in the Athenry full backline to keep the visitors out. The third quarter belonged to Carnmore and the teams were level at 1-11 apiece with 10 minutes remaining. Points by Enda Murphy and Frank Burke kept Athenry ticking over before the introduction of Anthony Poniard turned the game in the home sides favour. Poniard’s 1-01 was the difference in the end.

In round 4 Athenry overcame Castlegar in Doughiska on a scoreline of 5-18 to 1-12. Playing with the strong wind in the first half, Athenry lead by 0-14 to 0-07 at half time. Shay Brady, Frank Burke, Niall McCarthy and Cian Hannon all getting 2 points from play. The second half was all about goals. Athenry’s defence kept Castlegar to just one, while Eoin Hannon, Ronan McGlynn, Anthony Poniard (2) and Frank Burke netted for Athenry.  Ballygar conceded the round 5 tie and Athenry were through to the knockout stages as group winners.

The quarterfinal was a hard-fought win against Craughwell in Carnaun. At halftime Craughwell led by 0-08 to 0-06. Frank Burke with 5 frees and Anthony Poniard with one from play. The visitors maintained their 2-point lead for almost all of the game as the teams traded points. Then in the last few minutes Athenry forward Frank Burke and Eoin Hannon swung the game in the home teams favour. On 59 minutes Hannon’s shot for goal was saved, but the rebound was lashed to the net by Burke. In the next play Hannon ran down the left again and finished to the net to put Athenry 5 up. There was still time for Craughwell to score a goal before Burke finished the scoring with a well taken point. It finished Athenry 2-14 Craughwell 1-14. 

The semifinal opponent were Sarsfields. Despite the wintery conditions a large crowd descended on Killimor for the 2 semifinals. Athenry were the better team throughout. Once Niall Kelly struck for the first of Athenry’s 6 goals after 17 minutes the game looked like it was only going one way. Anthony Poniard finished with 3 goals. Eoin Hannon and Frank Burke were excellent throughout in the Athenryforward line. The panel’s strength in depth was evident with substitutes Fionn Atkins, Senan McDonnell and Vincent Gannon all getting on the scoreboard. It finished Athenry 6-25 Sarsfields 2-10. Oranmore Maree defeated Kilconieron in the first of the double header.

The final was fixed for 1.45 in Kenny Park and with a large crowd in attendance the 2 teams served up a cracking game. Oranmore Maree were the better team early on and the halftime score line of 7 points each flattered Athenry. Frank Burke accounted for all of Atherny’s first half scores. Oranmore Maree started the second half with 2 well taken goals and Athenry looked to be in real trouble. But this Athenry team have a never say die attitude which has won them many games. Burke with a free, followed by points from play by Enda Murphy and Colin Higgins and Athenry were back in it. From that point on Athenry were the better team and their fourth quarter performance made them worthy winners. Frank Burke and Eoin Hannon added points before Burke got the all-important goal on 53 minutes. Oranmore Maree had a couple of late chances, but the Athenry defenceheld film to secure the win. Final score Athenry 1-16 Oranmore Maree 2-11.

Frank Burke, with 1-13 took home the man of the match award for a display that will live long in the memory. He was ably assisted by the tireless work of Enda Murphy and Ronan McGlynn in midfield. Cathal Mannion, Aodhán McDonagh, Eanna McDonagh and Rory Haverty were the standout performers in defence. In his acceptance speech captain Eoin Hannon paid tribute to the driving force behind the team Paddy Kelly, who led this team to 6 county A titles in the last 5 years. Despite the pleas of the stadium announcer, young and old piled onto the Kenny park pitch to celebrate a famous win. 

Team Manager – Paddy Kelly

Selectors – Brian Higgins, Shane Donohue, DaraghLoughnane, Giles Warrington, Keith Jordan, Barry O’Brien and Thomas Divilly

Front Row: (left to right) Dara Sinnott, Fionn Atkins, Caolean Caulfield, Michael Barrett, Conor O’Reilly, Darragh Fitzpatrick, Ryan Hession, Sean McDonnell, Connla Atkinson (Captain). Back Row: (left to right) Cian Hannon, Donagh Keogh, Jack Madden, Shay Brady, Rory Haverty, Cathal Mannion, Anthony Poniard, Gavin Egan, Jack Griffin, Patrick Whelan, Aodhan McDonagh and Niall McCarthy.

Athenry were crowned county U16 A hurling champions for a second year in a row on September 10th after a thrilling one-point victory over Kilconieron in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe. The 2024 U16 A championship was made up of 2 groups of 4, with the top 2 from each group going to semifinals. Athnery’swas a tough group with the 2023 U15 champions, Loughrea,along with Kilconieron and Oranmore Maree. 

The campaign off to a great start with a 2-16 to 1-16 win over Loughrea in Loughrea. Aodhan McDonagh, Donagh Keogh and Niall McCarthy stood out in a great team performance.

Round 2 was a narrow defeat to Kilconieron, 1-17 to 0-17 in Carnaun. The visitors were on top for most of this game and led by 0-11 to 0-07 at half time.  There was some good scores by Ryan Hession and Anthony Poniard in the first half. Kilconieron missed two penalties in the second half, one saved by Cathal Mannion, which kept Athenry in the game. A great performance by Aodhan McDonagh at centre back was not enough and Kilconieron ran out deserving winners.

Athenry beat Oranmore Maree 3-16 to 1-11 in the last group game to qualify for the county semifinal. In a game played in constant rain in Oranmore, the Athenry lads ground out the win. Shay Brady and Rory Haverty at the heart of the Athernydefence were excellent while Aodhan McDonagh in midfield put in another great performance. The home team led by 0-08 to 0-04 at half time. Athenry made great use of the wind in the second half and their forwards were well on top. Niall McCarthy, Cian Hannon and Fionn Atkins were excellent and got the scores that made the difference in the end. 

Carnmore were the visitors to Raheen for the semifinal. The home team took the lead early on and kept a firm grip on that lead throughout. Aodhán McDonagh’s goal along with points from Niall McCarthy, Cian Hannon and Anthony Poniard accounted for the first 6 scores of the game. At the halftime whistle Athenry lead by 2-14 to 0-07. The second half played out along similar lines to the first. McCarthy and Hannon were superb throughout. Rory Haverty and Shay Brady were very strong at the centre of the Athenry defence. It finished Athenry 4-21 Carnmore 1-13.

The final, which was played under lights in Duggan Park, sawAthenry lead for almost all of the game and were worthy winners. At halftime Athenry were 0-09 to 0-06 up after some great scoring by Aodhán McDonagh, Fionn Atkins and Anthony Poniard. Cian Hannon came into the game strongly in the second half with 2 points and a great run through the middle of the kilconieron defence to setup Fionn Atkins for the crucial goal. Just as it looked like Athenry were heading for the win Kilconieron struck back with a late goal to put them one point up in added time. There was six minutes of added time. Athenry levelled before Shay Brady struck the winning point for Athenry. Brady picked up the man of the match award soon after. Aodhán McDonagh, Anthony Poniard, Fionn Atkins, Cian Hannon were all excellent in attack, while Brady, Rory Haverty, Dara Sinnott and captain Connla Atkins were superb in defence. Final score Athenry 1-16 Kilconieron 1-15. 

The team was coached by Richie Brady and Pete Atkins withDonal Moran, Gerry Mannion, Mark Cronin and Colin Morrissey. In his acceptance speech Connla Atkins also thanked the minor (u17) management for all their work throughout the year.

Front Row: (left to right) Harry Conway, Conor O’Reilly, Senan McDonnell, Michael Berrett, Matthew O’Neill, Enda Murphy, Fionn Atkins, Niall Kelly, Dara Sinnott, Willian Egan, Rory Haverty, Conla Atkins, Cathal Mannion, Sean Mulhall. Back Row: (left to right) Gavin Egan, Cian Dooley, Colin Higgins, Riain Doyle, Jack Madden, Niall McCarthy, Dylan Donoghue, Mark Rooney, Darragh Naughton, Ronan McGlynn, Donagh Keogh, Vincent Gannon, Cian Hanon, Eanna McDonagh, Jake Mulveen and Conn McGillycuddy.

County Hurling Final three-in-a-row winning players, mentors and officials of 1998, 1999 & 2000: Front Row: (left to right) Eddie Brady represented by nephew Tom, Richie Brady represented by son Shay, Sean Hynes, P.J. Molloy, Emmet Caulfield, Aidan Poniard, Pascal Healy, John Feeney, Shane Donohue, Cathal Moran, Donal Moran, Pat Nally, Jackie O'Shea, David Donohue, Noreen Hanley R.I.P. represented by her grandson Keegan, Brian Higgins, Michael Higgins. Back Row: (left to right) Dermot Monaghan, Luke Glynn, Michael Freeney, Derek Carroll, John Conway, Michael Crimmins, Eamonn Keogh, Diarmaid Cloonan, Gerry Keane, Paul Hardiman, Brendan Keogh, Pat Higgins, Joe Rabbitte, Diarmuid Burns, Brian Feeney, Brian Hanley, John Hardiman, Declan Higgins and Jarlath Cloonan.

County Minor Hurling League Winners
The Club’s Minor hurling team won the new Minor A Hurling League league defeating Carnmore in the final at Kenny Park. This new competition is played early in the year, at the same time as the Galway minor’s Leinster campaign, without county players. There were 4 groups of 4 teams with the winners of each group going straight to the semi-finals.
Athenry played Clarinbridge/Skehana/Mountbellew Moylough and Killimordaly to qualify and went on to defeat Portumna to reach the final.Their final opponents were Carnmore who beat Castlegar in the other semifinal. A goal by Enda Murphy after six minutes put Athenry in the driving seat. This, followed by a good spread of scores from the Athenry forwards put them 1-09 to 1-01 up at half time. A further two goals by Colin Higgins in the second half secured victory.
Athenry were defensively strong throughout, with Matthew O’Neill, Rory Haverty and Eanna McDonagh to the fore. Murphy and Ronan McGlynn at midfield were prominent throughout while Higgins was the pick of the forwards finishing with 2-06.
Congratulations to the all the players, Paddy Kelly and his management team on a great campaign.

The Anthony Freeney Memorial Cycle from Croke Park to St. Mary’s GAA Club by his four nephews Michael, Sean, Gabriel and Ollie in aid of Galway Hospice far exceeded expectations.

Anthony Freeney passed away in June 2023 at Galway Hospice after a short illness. He was a proud Athenry man and Honorary Vice-President of the St. Mary’s GAA Club. He played senior hurling for Athenry for 15 years and was the Club’s referee for over 35 years, from 1968 until his final game at Kenny Park in June of 2003.

To mark the first anniversary of Anthony’s passing his nephews took on the challenge of cycling from Croke Park to Athenry GAA Grounds at Carnaun, 220km, on Saturday June 15th 2024. Their aim to raise €25,000 for Galway Hospice which provides incalculable support for families in times of need was a fitting way to honour Anthony's memory.

With widespread support for the venture from the public, GAA officials, including GAA President Jarlath Burns, county and local players and personalities the donations easily passed expectations. 

Thanks to the support and generosity they received the Freeney Family were delighted to be able to pass on a cheque to Galway Hospice for €46,526.63.