ATHENRY ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB INTERVIEWS I-L

Interview with hot prospect "Adam Kelleher"

1. You started playing football with Athenry FC then moved to Mervue Utd, how was your experience with Mervue?
- I moved to Mervue when I was 12 years old and during my time I played with some great players, won titles and cups going unbeaten in Galway for 5 years, including two Connacht Cups and getting a runners up medal in the Irish Cup, being coached by some great managers in the club.

2. While you where with Mervue you played in the same team as Aaron Connolly! What was the difference between Aaron and all the rest?
- Aaron joined Mervue from Maree Oranmore FC the same time I did along with other players. I knew Aaron from the Galway town set up from u12, in the five seasons I played with Aaron he always stood out as a player who wanted it that bit more than others, both technically and mentally which he still shows today.

3. You returned to Athenry FC at U17 and went on the win the U18 Premier Division, how good was the squad? Can you name the three best players?
When I returned to the club it took me awhile to settle back in but there was still quality in the team and going unbeaten the year we won the u18 first division and getting to the last 16 of the Irish cup was great to achieve, to name three of the best would be tough as there was quality throughout the squad.

4. The Galway FA U21 League started two seasons ago, the lack of games and structure has been frustrating. As a player this is difficult, how do you feel the league can be prioritised more by all the clubs involved?
- As a young player new to junior football, games down come around to often and with the lack of game time in the U21 league it is difficult to keep match sharpness, but the league is only new and hopefully it can run smoother next season if all the clubs are as dedicated as the squad we have.

5. Has the U21 league helped you and five others from the squad transition into Junior football?
- Some players like to use the U21 league as a platform to impress there junior managers and the standard in the league is strong. It is good to be able to play as much games as possible to try and work my way into junior football, I’m still young so I have a lot to learn.

6. How has your experience been with the first team?
- From a young age I suppose I’ve always been competitive and having that mentality throughout the squad is good to have, being used to a high standard football from a young age and then stepping it up to a junior team like Athenry, means I’m always learning and I couldn’t be learning from much more experienced players.

7. What coaches had the most impact on you as a player?
- I’ve had many coaches since I first started playing football but two that had the biggest impact on me are Damien Brennan from Mervue, who I had for the five years I was there along with Galway town and the Connacht set up, he helped me develop from early on. Second would be Stephen Lally, who took me to Mervue and helped me develop as a player with some of the best coaching a young player could get.

8. Having already made your debut, what is next for Adam Kelleher?
- Next would be pushing for a regular start in the junior side and to hopefully win titles in the years to come.

Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc 

 ​Interview with Club Registrar "John Kelly"

1. When did you join Athenry FC?
- I was introduced to Athenry AFC in 2008 when my eldest son (Liam) started the Saturday morning Academy.

2. What roles have you had?
- For a few years, I was just another parent hanging around on the sidelines at training and games. Then when my younger son (Eoin) started Saturday morning Academy in 2015, I was around the Club a bit more. I started helping out and coaching with his group (U7’s) in 2016 and continued until this year. I have not been as involved with his U10’s group (well done to the great team of coaches there, led by Richie & Ronan) this year, as training times do not suit me but I have been available for Oranmore Tournament and friendly games.
- I joined the Committee four years ago and have been Membership Registrar for the past three years.

3. As a coach, what do/did you enjoy the most?
- I enjoy seeing the boys learning and understanding the game and improving their skills year on year.

4. What made you decide to join the committee?
- I didn’t set out to join the Committee as I just attended an AGM which was very badly attended so was persuaded to join on the night (thanks a lot Cormac & Brian).

5. As a committee member, what is the hardest part?
- Not having enough time to do more as I’m also Secretary of Athenry Parish Sports & Community Games. By the way the Club is a great supporter of Community Games with Coaches and Parents entering teams with great successes over the years. Notably, only last year with 2 County Titles - U10 Boys Indoor Soccer and U13 Girls Indoor Soccer.
- I do what I can and hope it helps in some way.

6. What do you enjoy most about being on the Committee?
- Working with some great people, not just the Committee but throughout the Club, who are very passionate about the Club and commit vast amounts of time in the background to make things happen.
I deal with a lot of people in my role so I enjoy meeting them and hoping that I helped them in some way by sorting out their membership queries and assisting them with the online Clubforce membership system and the FAI Registration of players.
- I also feel that I’m giving something back (even if it is only a small amount of time) to a Club that has given and is giving so much enjoyment and opportunities to my sons Liam and Eoin.

7. Can you name three of your most memorable moments with the Club?
- I have many memorable moments from attending games where my sons are playing and I suppose one memorable moment goes back to 2016/2017 season when the U14 team managed by Cormac McCarthy & Brian Sweeney and captained by Liam (sorry, I’m biased here) won the GFA Championship League and Cup double.
- There are a lot of Club successes and memories in the underage teams and long may they continue as those are the players who will go on to represent the Club at Senior level.
- Another great memory is the great night at The Chaser. A great fundraising event for the Club and well done to all those on the sub-committee for all their hard work.

8. What are your ambitions for the next three years?
-"To see the Club teams progressing in their respective leagues and of course the progress to the final completion of the Athenry AFC & Athenry AC joint venture pitch and athletics track.
- Also to see some more new volunteers as there is always something to be done and you don’t need to be knowledgeable about football or a player/ former player to make a difference to the boys and girls who just want to play football.

Thank you,
@athenry_afc /#athenry_afc 

Interview with Goalkeeper "Kieran Kilkelly"

1. When did you join Athenry FC and when did you leave?
- I joined Athenry when I was 13 and it was my first and only soccer club through my playing career. I was asked to join Salthill U18s when I was in my final year of U18 but it was never a runner for me as I always wanted to be loyal to Athenry no matter what. I finished my career early, in June 2011 when I was just turned 26. I decided to move abroad to Canada for work purposes, which in my work career was a great move for me but it was also a decision which still very much hurts me from a soccer career perspective.

2. Who was the biggest influence on you?
- I had a few role models within the club, each in there own different ways. Peter Gilhooley & Tommy Fahy got me started from a young age and encouraged me to learn always from my mistakes and be part of a team. When I was 14/15 looking at Mickey and Paddy Quinn playing first team so young and then Stephen Rabbitte and Cathal Fahy playing shortly after, that was where I wanted to be playing as well. Adrian Cronin was a big influence when I did break through on the first team as he really developed my skill set as a goalkeeper in a short space of time, which really played a big part in me having the success I had.

3. What did you achieve in your time at the Club?
- I won 3 Premier Leagues, 4 Connaught Cups and 1 league cup with the first team and also a lower division league with our second team, I cant remember if it was division 2A or 2B at the time.

4. What are your three most memorable moments with Athenry FC?
- There are so many... My favourite memory is winning the Clubs third Connaught Cup against Hibs in Terryland 2-1 in 2010. In the 2nd half I stepped up and made a couple of big saves when needed and I got great personal satisfaction from that in doing my bit to help us win as a team that day. I always remember hugging my parents after that game on the pitch and there were both emotional about it, that was really special.
Second best memory was in Mervue in May 2008, when I witnessed possibly one of the greatest individual goals scored from an unknown striker playing for us from Poland - Vlasta. We were going for the league, playing our biggest rivals away from home, the other league chasers - Hibs, all at the game chearing for Mervue to do them a favour and beat us. We were 2-0 up after 40 minutes, playing very solidly and Vlasta picked up the ball just inside the centre circle in our half. He skipped by one challenge, turned and handed off another opposition player, stayed sprinting towards their box. Another slide tackle from a mervue player was missed, Vlasta then skipped by their centre half, got to the edge of the box, mervue keeper was out to the penalty spot and Vlasta smashed a bullet of a shot from the 18 yard line off the under side of the cross bar and in. We went wild, Hibs lads left at half time, the league was won after that goal, it was an unreal piece of skill!
Third memory was every night & nights out after we won a trophy! We always deserved our trophies we won as we had some great teams that put in a lot of hard work to win them. The feeling of winning and celebrating with everyone from players, management and supporters was just unreal - an honourable mention goes to a certain house party in Packies house after we won our second Connaught Cup, that was unforgettable HAHA

5. What three things did you enjoy most about playing for Athenry FC?
- Simple answer... all my teammates, managers and supporters through the years. All were top quality in their own ways and just added to the enjoyment of playing for the club every week.

6. Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
- Mervue were always the toughest I thought, all the way from underage to first team. They always played good football, they were always physically hard in games, always had a great local spine of a team which made them so tough to beat. When and if you ever did beat them in any competition, it was always satisfying as you knew it was an achievement to do so.

7. In all the squads you have been part of can you name the following:
Funny Guy - Paddy Quinn - Should have been a stand up comedian outside of soccer
Tough as Nails - Emmett Byrne - You always wanted him on your side!
Fastest player - Johnny 'speedy gonzales' Mernagh
Most Skillful - Ollie Keogh, Gary Forde and Alan O'Donovan with a wand of a right foot!
Most Grumpy - Packie Byrne and maybe Stephen Rabbitte in his younger days but that's when they played their best though when grumpy!
Best Player - Very difficult decision for me between Jamie O'Driscoll and Cathal Fahy. Genuinely, I couldn't pick one over the other, top class players both on and off the pitch.

8. From all the players you have played with, name your strongest five a side team which includes yourself:
Defender - Mike Fahy
Defender - Aiden Fahy
Midfielder - Shane Gilhooley
Striker - Cathal Fahy
Manager - Timmy Feeney
Team Name - Lesters Clowns

Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc 

 Interview with Midfielder "Elliott Langan"

1. What year did you join Athenry FC? When did you make your debut for the first team?
Joined Athenry in 2004. Made my first team debut in April 2019.

2. Can you name three of your biggest personal achievements to date?
Making the Connacht and Galway U18 development squads.
Winning the U18 Premier league unbeaten.
Playing with the first team.

3. Who is the best coach you have had? And why?
Roger Cronin. We were young when he took us over, but he demanded a lot from us which helped us to mature and become better players and a better team.

4. Do you feel that U21 football needs to be prioritised more in Galway? Why in your opinion has there been difficulties?
Yes. I think there has been difficulties because the league isn’t taken seriously and the fixtures are all over the place.

5. If there was no U21 League in Galway, what would you be doing now?
Sleeping and working.

6. Who is the best player you have played with?
Jackson da Silva

7. Who is the best player you have played against?
Conor Higgins (Tuam Celtic)

8. What are your ambitions at Athenry Football Club?
To start consistently for the first team and win championships with the first team and the U21's.

For the record at AFC U21 IYO:
1. Funny Guy - Nathan Healey
2. Hard Man - Chris Burke
3. Speed Merchant - Dali Mbongo
4. Best Tekkers - Dara Noone
5. Most Grumpy - Morgan Leggett
6. Best Player - Dara Noone

Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc 

 Interview with "Benny Lawless"

1. When did you join Athenry FC?
- Joined for the 07/08 season and stayed til 2012 but missed the 09/10 season due to injury. Previously played with Mervue Utd., Galway Utd and Sligo Rovers.

2. Who was the biggest influence on you?
- Manager - Two people stick out – Tommy Lally, well known in Galway sporting circles, my first introduction to him was when he was Manager of Galway U-15 team to play against Manchester Utd in Terryland. Our first training session one of the best players in Galway at the time (I won’t mention names) arrived 5 mins late and Tommy sent him packing…everyone was fully focused from there…we beat them 3–2 to a packed Terryland…Seamie Rabbitte scoring the winner with a 30 yard free kick in the last few mins…great memories. I first played adult soccer with Mervue back in the Connacht Senior League in 1998 under Stephan Lally. He wasn’t afraid to throw you in and always filled you with confidence, an excellent man manager and coach. Both Stephan and Tommy were actually over Mervue when I won my first Connacht Cup in 2002.

Teammate, I’ll have to give it to my fellow Menlo man Seamie Crowe. An Athenry man now for sure ye can keep him but one of the best known sportsmen in Galway and has all the accolades to back it up. When he burst onto the local scene at around 13 or 14 clubs in England were lining up to bring him over for trials, the same year he was player of the tournament for Galway Tony Forrestal hurling and played for Newcastle Utd. in the Milk Cup a huge tournament at the time, was pipped for Player of the Tournament by Joe Cole, almost signed for Newcastle under Kevin Keegan but settled on Wolves in the end. Plays a bit of golf now I think…and junior hurling.

3. What did you achieve in your time at the Club?
- Won a Premier in 2007/08 and two Connacht Junior Cups in 2008 & 2011.

4. What are your three most memorable moments with Athenry FC?
- Have many great memories with Athenry but the Connacht Cups for me personally were the big ones in 2008 and 2011 as I scored in both finals and the celebrations of course. Really thought the 2011 squad could have won an Irish Cup but we lost to Pike Rovers in the Qtr. final in Moanbaun, I remember it vividly as I thought we had it, but they got two late goals with a galeforce wind behind them. Huge crowd in Moanbaun, great atmosphere, I would love to see a Galway team win the Irish Cup, long overdue, that was my last chance and still sticks in my head.

5. What are your three favourite football memories? - too many but got to play in Terryland Park many times and Noel Connolly always had it immaculate, was a privilege to play there.

6. Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
- Hibs at Bohermore, played most of my days on the left wing so came up against some serious right backs/right wingers none tougher than Mixie Harty, Babs, Johnny Walsh, Anthony Kelly…

7. In all the squads you have been part of can you name the following:
Funny Guy – Conor Cannon always laughing what’s the story.
Tough as Nails – Gary Delaney/Eric Browne/Mike O'Malley
Fastest player – David Goldby
Most Skillful – Cathal Fahy/Matthias O’Malley
Most Grumpy – see below
Best Player – Alan O’Donovan/Seamie Crowe/Noel McDonnell – take your pick

8. From all the players you have played with, name your strongest five a side team which includes yourself:
Goalkeeper – Mark Cobey
Defender – Emmet Byrne
Midfielder – Gary Forde
Striker – Cathal Fahy
Manager – Gabriel Glavin

Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc 

 Interview with Club Member "Mark Lawless"

1. How long have you been a member of Athenry FC?
- I'm a member since I started playing football, so that would be 20 years ago now.
I have been coaching since I was 19 and been on the Committee for two and half years.

2. Can you name three of your own achievements over the years?
1. Winning the Lillis Cup in 2016 on penalties. I was lucky enough to save two in the shootout.
2. Winning the Under 18 Championship with Colin. An unbeaten season in the league and unlucky not to make the Connacht final.
3. Debut season with the first team, winning the Michael Byrne Cup, scoring against Mervue Utd in Fahy's Field and scoring both goals against Galway Hibs away in a 2-1 win.

3. This season you are coaching the U21's and Academy. Do you prefer to coach younger or older age groups?
- There is plenty of differences between both groups. Each group challenges me in different ways which I like as then each session is different but I won't pick one, as I honestly feel they are equally enjoyable.

4. Recently you managed a Galway team which done very well. How was that experience?
- Last season, I managed the Galway FA U12s. Great season with them, we won the provincial final and we were unlucky in the national semi against a very good Donegal side. Great to see 8+ players get selected for the national assessments and most recently a large number getting signed for the Galwau United U13's. I was very fortunate to have Roger Leggett as my assistant, his knowledge and love for the game made it easy for me to coach with him, the players really enjoyed the sessions. Hopefully in the future we could go back to the GFA set up. Definitely something I want to do again in the future.

5. You have managed the U21's for the last two seasons now, since the GFA have introduced the league! In your opinion, what have been the difficulties with getting games played?
- It was always going to be a tough to get played at the start due to clashing with junior teams and lack of venues with floodlights. It will take time for this league to run smoothly but hopefully in the near future we can prove any doubters wrong. Big credit needs to go to the GFA and Tom Trill who have been driving hard to get this league running. I think the junior game in Galway will benefit greatly from this league in the coming years.

6. You recently completed your second Goalkeeping course and coach the academy keepers. How did you get into Goalkeeping having been a striker for most of your playing career?
- It wasn't something I had planned to do. At the time, the B team the keeper we had which was Aaron Leggett was getting trials for Galway and Ireland which meant he would being missing an number of games. I wasn't starting so I thought to myself, I had nothing to lose and missed not getting a game time. Since then its been interesting, plenty of ups and downs but still enjoying it. I won't rule out a return to outfield in the future

7. Having been involved with a wide range of roles at the Club, what role do you prefer and why?
- I have enjoyed all the roles I have been involved in over the last few years. I would like to stay coaching and playing. I want to continue with the young keepers in the club and still have some involvement with the under 21s.

8. Lastly, your U21 squad now has 6 players in the first team set up, is there a sense of pride in that? And how important is the success of the U21 league?
- Yes, its great to have 6 players in the first team squad. I am proud what they have achieved so far but there is still plenty to do. We have another 6-8 players who are not far off being able to make the transition to the first team squad. If I was to advise them or any young players in the club, just be patient, keep working hard and you will get your chance.
- I think we have to give all the credit for the ability of the current group to the coaches they had at underage. Coaches like Mike, Roger, Barclay, Colin, Clive, Noel, Joe, Tony, Michelle and Sean. They have all played a massive role in developing these players to what they are now.

Its massively important the league is a success, without this league only a handful of young players will make the transition to the Junior game. This will give them more time to develop, those extra couple of years will make the move easier. If we look at the current league their is 8 teams, each teams averages a squad of 18-20 which means there is 144-160 players staying on to players, these age group usually have one of the highest drop off rates. To have 8 teams and 160ish players in a newly set up league us not a bad start. If we look at Athenry FC right now we have the right people involved at under 18s , 21s and Junior level, all these coaches want the players too develop and progress as high as each individual player wants too. This gives the players a clear pathway which will give the club a bright future.

Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc 

 Interview with "Michelle Leggett"

1. When did you join the Club and when did you finish with AFC give a brief bio?
- I joined the Club in 2009. A sideline mammy waiting and watching my sons Aaron & Morgan at underage training. I started as an enthuastic mother with a strong background in sport and ended up with 12 years under my belt volunteering at AFC. I’m still doing a bit at the club coaching the Athenry Town team and supporting the continued success of the teams and club.

2. You were instrumental in bringing girls football back to AFC. When did it restart, who helped, how important is it to have girls in the club?
- Mike Noone over Morgan’s 2000-year in 2008/2009 boys age group had two girls who trained with the lads. I obliged Mike by staying on as an extra pair of eyes for support to the girls. One thing led to another and soon there were 6 girls and more wanting to play week in week out.
Double digits and I started to take the girls on quarter of the astro for the training sessions.
The numbers jumped to 21 all of a sudden. Help arrives Brid Sheehan started like myself waiting on the sideline for her daughter Aishling as she enjoyed her training. Brid started to help and it snowballed from there. By the end of the season with a mix of all age group girls together we had 46 religiously attending training. At this stage I had to chat to the committee and encourage them to avail the girls of a specific training slot on Saturday and one during the week for the older girls. So 2010 and the 1st season started for AFC girls with an increasing number to 130 on registration. Thanks goes out to the women that made it happen Brid Sheehan, Juliet Feeney, Fiona Lane, Tina O’Shaughnessy, Maura Tully, Anne Treacy, Grainne O’Hara, Brenda O’Shae, Jackie Lynskey, Collette Madden, Margaret Donohue, Eileen Cannon, Julie Tuohy, Megan Depina, Karen Burke & the men Roger Leggett, Colga Coye, Eamon Murray, & Jimmy Kinsella. 10 years on since the girls getting back into football at AFC and they are a huge contribution to the club giving young girls an opportunity to be part of an ever growing success story.

3. You were Chairperson for three years, what would you say your biggest achievements were?
- Yes I chaired the club for a three-year term. I think my greatest achievements were generating a positive vibe around the clubhouse on a Saturday morning. I just loved the camaraderie with Sharon Cooley on the front desk sorting the registration and membership details and Kathleen Caulfield with the shop giving the club that extra special inclusion feel.
Knowing that the children would come down all excited to be part of something they could enjoy, be part of and belong to.
Most of our time was spent working on ways to sort out Halloween, Christmas, Easter and St. Patrick’s Day events for the kids so they had a truly wonderful juvenile club experience. Many laughs were had and strong life bond friendships forged. Between 9am and 1pm every Saturday over 250 boys and girls would be coached.
The chair role had huge consequence in relation to abiding by rules and laws set by FAI, Galway FA and the government. With a huge support from my husband Roger we got the implementation set for child welfare and garda vetting, coach manuals and introductions procedures along with code of ethics for volunteers. For the club to generate and progress there was a huge push put on volunteers to be educated and achieve their club coaching badges from the FAI. I am proud that we had both male and female coaches ranging from ks1, ks2, Goalkeeping & youth cert awards in place for our club, which were the most abiding club at the time.
Setting up the Athenry Town Team. This team means the world to its players and me. World Cup Wednesday every Wednesday. We have lost a true captain and friend in Conor T (RIP) two fast years since yesterday actually 14th April 2018 who was the guiding force of it all.
Between fancy dress fundraisers, hitting the square inn for pints to watch Liverpool and setting foundations of friendship and social interaction for players that might not have an opportunity to be part of a team is truly a wonderful achievement. Working with the Brothers Of Charity and Skylark has really made this possible. Johnny Morris Burke is a steadfast supporter to us getting us involved with the Community Council for Football for All. This team also supports the TY students for work experience and Gaisce awards. This was then incorporated into the Saturday morning coaching to assist with the growing numbers of players as coaches were under pressure.

4. What are your three fondest memories being with the Athenry FC?
- Fundraising for the club - Sorting out the Fifty Shades of Grey Fundraiser with Sharon & Kathleen. We laughed so much. Bus trips to the Aviva for Ireland games, good times. FAI Easter camps for Girls and Summer camps for all what a buzz around the club.
Taking the u12 & u14 girls to Wales for a fantastic tournament. The bodhran got some belting and we flew our colors well. We brought home a huge CUP for team of the tournament. u14 Girls & u15 Boys trip to Salou 49 went out 49 come home. I believe that some of the most fantastic memories have been made for these players on that trip. 3 years ago today 15/04/2017 we were enjoying the finals in Salou.

5. Having organised and set up the Town Team, What has it brought to the players?
- Words cannot express the inclusion, enjoyment and team spirit generated by this group of players over the last 8 years. Sadly we miss our Conor T McNamara who was out on his own for interest, enthusiasm and love of the club. He branched into coaching as a support to me achieving his KS1 cert. Everyone is capable of achieving if given the opportunity and support. Cathy Vaughan rallied to get this off the ground. AFC can be delighted that it is a constant in the lives of local people with special needs. I am humbled by their commitment to making a go of this team. Peter Gilhooley would pop in on occasion to see the progress and I believe as Chairperson he is proud of this section of the club. Current Captain Pat Smyth just recently reminded me of things he cherishes in relation to his involvement with the club and this is what makes it all worthwhile for the members of Athenry Town. So from the bottom of my heart I give you Athenry Town Team by name:- Captain Pat, Lady Lisa, Doodles Siobhan Best Girl, Matthew, Niall, Shona, Tara, Cathal, CianO, Sinead, Seana, Tony Mc, Kevin, John, Robert, Patrick, John Michael, Chelsea, Ian and a special mention to their support workers Caroline, Suzanne, Dora & Jim and the fabulous Louise Yaxley.

6. What would you say are the strengths of the club?
- Established in the Galway FA as one of the flag ship clubs. Always striving to achieve success at all levels from teams to club needs.
Peter Gilhooley & Tommy Fahy's unrelenting support for the cause of AFC. Their passion and selflessness has no bounds.
Fresh blood in the structure of the Club with youth, experience and intelligence driving the club forward. Colin Bane, Mark Lawless & Retired players getting involved to keep the club driven forward for the current young players to have exceptional support.

7. What are the weaknesses or areas to be improved in AFC?
- In the past we have had amazing volunteers run the club all chaired with goals and passion for the club. I believe for a strong bright future for AFC we need to have an Air Tight Business/Development plan run by a committed committee, active members & steadfast volunteers who believe in the plan which should be the AFC Way. This should set a common goal for everyone rather than individual goals and achievements been met at the expense of the plan. More Volunteers bringing their expertise to the table from surveying, accountancy,
marketing, fundraising, coaches & management education, physiology, physiology, 1st aid, photographers, journalists, and Tech wizards to mention but a few anyone that can give their expertise to make the club the best it can be. I feel that the biggest problem in the past has been over jobbed volunteers holding committee rolls, club rolls & team rolls all in the one season, 50:50 visions for the club ethos, and non-accountability to club structure.

8. You’re currently involved with East Galway Celtics Basketball Club. How’s that going?

Would you consider getting back into girls football in some way?

Yes I’m Currently coaching the u15 boys at EGC basketball Club. I’m enjoying the coaching of the sport that’s my passion. I play for the Senior Ladies which is a team laying foundations for the rise of the upcoming girls.

In relation to getting back into girls Football at AFC I would never say never but needed a break from the club after my stint as Chairperson it really did take its tole on me.

On reflection of this read I have no wins to report with silverware but definitely had little wins for the club in relation to development of players and different aspects of the club. From Little stars, Girls, Special needs all part of the legacy I leave. My family is football crazy from pitch to sideline and it was to be part of their world I got involved. I’m very proud of our involvement with AFC as a family in general.

Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc 

 Interview with first team coach "Patsy Lynch"

1. Before Athenry FC, had you been involved with any other clubs?
- I was with Mervue Utd for a few years at underage level and Maree Oranmore FC for five seasons.

2. How long have you been in your role at Athenry FC?
- This is my fourth season.

3. What has been your most memorable moment involved with the first team?
- Winning the league and cup double in the first season.

4. Can you name three of the most difficult players to manage in the squad?
- Colm O'Donovan, Dan Cunningham & Ryan O'Shaughnessy
(but all top class players, who would win any game on their own.)

5. Who would you say are the funny guys in the group?
- Paddy Quinn and Adam Duffy.

6. From the players replies to Q&A's who would you say is the fastest player in the squad?
- I would have to give it too Gary O'Connell, he is the only player who can lap Duffy.

7. Who is the best and worst trainer in the squad?
Best trainer Duff, worst Cathal.

8. Finally, from all the squads you have been involved with, how good do you reckon this current squad is?
- I would rate the current squad the best I have been involved with, all top class players and they play very well together as a team.

* May I add I am disappointed in the decision in letting Adam go.

Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc