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.
Magnificent Minors win County Final
Six points down following two quick Oranmore/Maree goals immediately after half-time Athenry minor team found a way back to capture the Club's 11th County Minor Hurling Title at Kenny Park. Inspired by scoring chief Frank Burke and heroic defending by their backs in the closing stages Paddy Kelly's charges were worthy winners of a classic hurling final. Photo: Captain Eoin Hannon makes his acceptance speech.
John Anthony Kelly R.I.P.
St. Mary's GAA Club offer its deepest sympathies to Della, Mairead, Emer, Liam, Seamus and all the extended Kelly family on the sad passing John Anthony. A former player with Cussane hurling Club, in his early days, John Anthony played a key part in Athenry’s county junior hurling championship success in 1957. A tenacious and lively defender, that win helped establish the Club as a united identity playing senior hurling. A lifelong supporter of the GAA he enjoyed the achievements of the club and county and was always positive and supportive. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
Paddy Gannon R.I.P.
Deepest condolences to the family and friends of Paddy Gannon on the sad news of his passing. Paddy was wing back on the first Athenry hurling team to win a county minor championship in 1966. He was also playing in 1967 when Athenry retained the minor cup. Paddy moved to Galway to work for ClE and played senior with Liam Mellows. He always kept in touch with Athenry and was a selector on several of our junior hurling teams. Paddy will be fondly remembered by many as the bus driver who brought our teams to Dublin on All-Ireland Club Final days. Rest in Peace Paddy.
