Players staying in shape on St. Stephen's Day 2024
Athenry GAA players after finishing the Athenry A.C. 10K Race on St. Stephen’s Day with trainer John Hardiman. They are from left Hugh McCann, Stephen Feeney, Conor Burke, Cian Burke, Ronan Kindregan, Darragh McGillicuddy, Matthew Feeney, John Hardiman, Thomas Divilly and James Divilly.
Congratulations to Athenry’s Dervla Higgins on her selection as the camogie Galway Galway Sports Star Award winner for 2024. A model of consistency for her club and Galway last year when the county suffered narrow defeats in the All-Ireland and National League finals. ‘The apples don’t fall far from the tree’ Dervla, is a daughter of Pat who won seven county senior hurling championship and three All-Ireland Club Medals.
Well done also to Athletics winner Sean Doggett of Athenry AC who became the youngest ever athlete to represent Ireland at senior European Championship level.
No Points for Galway in Hurling League but big win in Football
Though they had home advantage Galway hurlers were seven points adrift by halftime and were somewhat flattered to only lose to Tipperary by 12 points - 3-25 to 2-16. Mainly thanks to two late goals from substitutes John Fleming and Declan McLoughlin. Next weekend it will be a trip to Nowlan Park to face Kilkenny. Galway footballers, under the new rules, defeated Armagh with a convincing display by 1-12 to 0-9.
GAAforALL Medal presentation
The GAAforALL finished up for the year with a presentation of medals and new club gear. The gear was sponsored by Panalok (www.panalok.ie). A special thanks to Panalok and General manager Ollie Freeney for the fantastic contribution. We were also delighted to welcome Anne Rabbitte TD Minister for state with responsibility for Disability who made the presentations. GAAforAll is a GAA initiative to give children with additional needs an opportunity to play our games and be a part of our club. Thanks to all the parents, coaches and officials who make this possible.
Three-in-a-row Senior Champions Honoured at County Final
At halftime in the County Senior Hurling Final the Club's three-in-a-row winning teams of 1998, 1999 & 2000 were honoured by Galway Hurling Committee. During their glory years the team also won three All-Ireland Club Hurling Titles in five years. Former Club Chairman Dermot Monaghan led the players, mentors and officials onto the field. Photo: Former Club Chairman Dermot Monaghan leads the team on to Kenny Park at halftime during the County Final
While 2024 will be remembered for many memorable success’s on the field it also had a downside with the sad passing of Club President Bobby Gardiner and Vice President Mattie Feeney. They were former players with the Cussane Hurling Club with Bobby later helping Athenry win the 1957 County Junior Final. Both will be fondly remembered for their passionate support for the Club and encouragement for players in their team management roles.
All positions filled at Club's Annual General Meeting
The recent Club AGM was well attended with all executive positions filled including Joe Kelly (Chairman) Anne Monaghan (Secretary) and Darragh Loughnane (Treasurer). In total, 51 positions were filled with the final appointment of the night saw Tom Cloonan take the position of Club President. Tom spoke of his lifelong passion for the GAA and his Club and of the honour he felt at being appointed Club President.
Welcome County Senior B Hurling Title
Athenry prevailed against there keenest past rivals Portumna to record a 1-21 to 3-13 victory at Duggan Park and secure promotion to Senior A next year. The game was full of incident and late drama but Athenry were the better team, admirable overcoming several setbacks to cliam the title. Cian Burke sent over ten frees with great support from Ronan Hardiman and Jason Rabbitte. Conor Lawless put the shackles on Joe Cannning confining him a single point from play. Photo: Captain Shane Quirke receives the Cup from Clive Geoghegan.
County Junior A Hurling Champions
For the eight time in the GAA's one hundred and fifty years Athenry were crowned County Junior A Hurling Champions when at Kenny Park they defeated Loughrea by 2-16 to 1-12. Two cracking goals in the final minutes by Sean Keogh, a late sub, ended a compitative and entertaining Final with captain Gary Moroney collecting the Cup.
