1969 The Club’s minor hurling team qualified for the North Board Final without playing a game as Shehana failed to field a team. Turloughmore were no match for Athenry in the final and in the County semi-final they defeated Oranmore/Maree by 1-8 to 0-6 to qualify for their fourth successive minor hurling final.They defeated Craughwell in the Final by 5-11 to 4-8. “Athenry win thrill-a-minute minor final” was the caption on a report of the game in The Connacht Tribune. At Pearse Stadium, in one of the best games of the year, playing fast, open and continuously attacking hurling both teams thrilled the small attendance. The scoring started in the very first minute when Luke Glynn sent over a point but Athenry squandered several scoring chances. Suddenly they clicked and scores followed in quick succession, the two best from long range by Tom Burke, Athenry’s centreback. He was the rock on which almost every worthwhile Craughwell attack floundered. His first score was a goal from a seventy-five yard shot and he followed it with a magnificent point from a sideline cut. Athenry led by 2-6 to 2-1 at the halftime. At the start of the second half, no nonsense Athenry began as if they were going to win easily, making use of their chances and early dominance. Before Craughwell knew what was happening they whacked in a couple of gaols. With a power packed display, Oliver Cloonan brought Craughwell back into the game with a goal but their defence crumbled and Athenry took full advantage to secure a comfortable winning margin. COUNTY MINOR HURLING CHAMPIONS 1969 Front Row: (left to right) Joe Killeen, Paddy Forde, P. J. Killeen, Leo Coffey, Michael Morrissey, Gerry Kelly (Captain), P. J. Molloy, Patsy McDonagh, Sean Hynes, Gerry Connaughton, Michael Donnellan. Back Row: (left to right) Tom Burke, Eugene Glynn, Johnny Gannon, Kevin Donoghue, Michael Poniard, Pakie Flannery, Luke Glynn, Pat Kilkelly, Francis Joyce and Kieran Barrett. 1968-9 Minor Hurling The Connacht Tribune stated “Credit for Athenry’s great victory must go to their brilliant halfback line of Francis Joyce, Tom Burke and Kieran Barrett and their midfield man Luke Glynn. Up front P.J. Molloy and Eugene Glynn shone.” After the game Mattias MacDonagh presented the County Cup to Athenry Captain Gerry Kelly before the team and officials ajourned to the Hilltop Hotel for a well deserved meal and to watch Kilkenny defeat Cork in the All-Ireland Hurling Final. MINIOR HURLING FINAL PRESENTATION Chairman of Coiste Iomana na Gaillimhe Maitias MacDonnacha presents the County Minor Cup to Athenry captain Gerry Kelly. Officers and team officals during the 1960’s Pake Ruane, Gerald Corbett and Tommy Lally helped to establish the Club as a major force in under age competitiions.
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