ATHENRY ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB INTERVIEWS M-P

Interview with "Cormac McCarthy"

1. When did you join Athenry FC?
- Neville Hynes, Davy Crimmins, Frank Flannery, Martin Morrissey and my goodself all played in the same U12 team in the 1983-84 season under manager Michael Morrissey. First soccer team ..... great times ! I was an Army Officer based in Cork and the Curragh so football involved constant travel for me, but played in Athenry, NUIG, Killtullagh and Coill Dubh Kildare. Enjoyed every minute of it!

2. Who was the biggest influence on you?
- Michael Morrissey, Tommy Fahy and Peter Gilhooley in my early years, at school Dominic Coll and at NUIG John Clarke. Grateful to each one of them.

3. You are currently a UEFA B holder, what would you say your strengths and weakness are a coach? What do you enjoy the most about coaching?
- I’d like to think that a strength is that I encourage children to take risks, lots of risks to play attractive football. Undoubtedly a weakness is an expectation of high standards, sometimes too high! If you concentrate on skills the results will follow... there is serious satisfaction watching young players develop over time.

4. What have you achieved in your time at the Club?
- I played for Athenry FC at the start and at the end of my career, in the interim I picked up Collingwood Cup, Budweiser League Cup, Crowley and Harding Cups with a few Premier and Divisional Cups thrown in along the way. I've always coached since my teenage years and I feel it’s so important to give back what you have received. I have been privileged to serve as Chairman, Secretary and Director of Football in this Club.

5. What are your three most memorable moments with Athenry FC?
- (1) We won a divisional cup in Terryland ( the pitch was the other way!) maybe 1990/1991, which was big at the time for me as I'd never won anything at soccer.
(2) I returned to Athenry FC to play with Eddy Fox, Davy Crimmins and my brother Kevin Mc before I finished, and that time just to stay in the Premier League was an achievement!!
(3) This year managed our u12s to Connacht Regional Cup glory....... the future is bright!

6. Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
- Whether in the Connacht Senior League or the Junior League Mervue United were the benchmark for us. Ollie Neary (Mervue), Dermot Mc Sweeney (Hibs) or Alan O'Donnell (Renmore) all players to be admired.

7. In all the Athenry squads you have been part of as a player can you name the following:
Funny Guy - The witty brother Mickey Quinn
Tough as Nails - Tommy Fahy
Fastest player - Eddy Fox
Most Skillful - Tony O'Shaughnessy
Most Grumpy - It’s a tie .......Colm Branagan & Brian Sweeney (still are!)
Best Player - Jamie O’Driscoll
Best Corkman - Davy Crimmins

8. From all the players you have played with, name your strongest five a side team which includes yourself:
Goalkeeper - Willy Killeen
Defender - Mackie Killeen
Midfielder - Peter Gilhooley
Striker - Tommy Fahy
Manager - PJ Killeen
( You would nt necessarily need shin guards just a good pair of ear defenders !)

Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc 

 Interview with Committee Member & U11 Coach "Brian McDermott"

1. When did you join Athenry FC?
- I have only been personally involved within the club in the last year or so...my son is playing with the club for the last 6 years, so that is why i got involved. I am on the committee and also a coach with the U11 boys.

2. As a player, what are your fondest memories?
- I have never played for Athenry FC, but always played Junior Soccer. I played for my local club, Lough Harps, in the Roscommon District league. Unlike the achievements of Athenry FC we would have had modest achievements. What sticks out for me is gaining promotion from Division 3 to the Premier Division and winning Division 1 along the way, also playing with great players down through the years and being apart for many years after we all finished and getting back together after many years to play in the master league, great craic. I also managed the masters team for a few seasons.

3. As a coach, what do/did you enjoy the most?
- I coached the Lough Harps Junior B Team for two seasons, it was enjoyable but tough at the same time. We struggled with numbers at times and found players not as commited as the first team players. All in all it was a good experience. I am currently helping out now with the Athenry FC U11 boys. There is a great group of coaches and great bunch of players, lots of talent in the squad and most importantly it is lots of fun for all. I really enjoying it.

4. What made you decide to join the committee?
- I didn't realise I was on the Committee until I got an email from Colin for the "next Committee meeting"
This came about from the AGM last year which had record attendence numbers, (well done Pete) so i am on the committee for attending the AGM
No regrets. I am enjoying helping out in a small way and there is a great bunch on the Committee.

5. As a committee member, what is the hardest part?
- I don't find being on the Committee hard as its only been a year or so, finding the time to attend meetings perhaps, but no not hard, enjoyable.

6. What do you enjoy most about being on the Committee?
- Feeling part of something, seeing all the hard work that individuals put into the Club.
All the hard work that goes in behind the scenes that goes unnoticed.
AFC is a brilliant Committee to be involved with.

7. Can you name three of your most memorable moments with the Club?
- I am not long enough here to have to many memories, but my highlight so far is "The Chaser" fundraiser (not sure how I ended up on the Fundraising Committee either) but I have to say the satisfaction I got from it all was brilliant. The support I got from all the local businesses without any hassle, it is a credit to them, also businesses far afield also they came on board. As for the Financial Committee, what can I say, it was great craic, very professional and good friends were made from it plus a great night in the Raheen Woods Hotel. I am very proud to have been a part of that and hopefully the next fundraiser too.

8. What are your ambitions for the next three years?
- I would love to see the U11's devolop and move on to great things. They have great potential. I would like to do more coaching courses, I hope to become more involved with Club and help out as best i can.

Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc 

 Interview with "Mark Moran"

1. When did you join Athenry FC?
- joined Athenry in January 2008(or 09) I think from Galway Hibs. Played with NUIG/Corrib Rangers before.
When did you leave the Club?
- retired in 12/13/14 season I think.
Thinking of making a comeback!!

2. Who was the biggest influence on you?
- There has been many, from John Joyce/Dick Dunne with underage in Newcastle, Pat Minogue/Mike Corbett at Corrib Rangers, John Clarke at NUIG and Dermot McSweeney/Kevin Cassidy and the great Joe O Reilly at Galway Hibs.
Too many players to mention, I’ve been very lucky to play with a lot of talented lads.

3. What did you achieve in your time at the Club?
- Won premier league titles and Connaught Cups.

4. What are your three most memorable moments with Athenry FC?
1) the great sense of unity within the team/club. The trainings were always fierce and after-match antics were..... good fun!!
2) Connaught Cup victory against Ballinasloe in Lecarrow. We won 2 nil but should of been 8-0
3) loosing to Pike in 1/4 final of Irish cup. Think we threw away an Irish cup that year. #biggestregret.

5. What three things did you enjoy most about playing for Athenry FC?
1) the lads
2) the crack
3) watching Tommy Fahy getting wound up at every match

6. Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
- Played against a lot of great teams down through the years. Would have to say Tommy Walsh of Mervue Utd was one that stood out. He nearly had everything as a baller!!

7. In all the squads you have been part of can you name the following:
Funny Guy(daftest) - Emmet Byrne, I once saw him try head the ball while he was lying on the ground!!
Tough as Nails - Stumpy
Fastest player - Benny/Dunzey,
Most Skillful - Summit Chawla
Most Grumpy - Seamus Crowe
Best Player - Alan Murphy/Keith Gilroy(Sligo)

8. From all the players you have played with, name your strongest five a side team which includes yourself: I won a lot of 5-a-sides so I’ll manage them.
Goalkeeper - Mark McPhiliban
Defender - Tommy Walsh
Midfielder - Seamus Crowe/Ollie Keogh
Striker - Barry Moran
Manager - Me

Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc 

 Interview with first team player "Gary Mullin"

1. You have been with Athenry FC for a few seasons now, how has it been for you?
It's been an absolute pleasure. I nearly packed in playing due to injuries before moving to live in Athenry and I can't speak highly enough of the lads and those involved in the club.

2. What other Clubs have you played for in your career?
Riverside Celtic, St. Pat's, Cross Celtic, Salthill Devon, NUIG, Galway United.

3. If I am not mistaken, you have played for Ireland at underage level? When, what was that like for you?
Yep, back at U15 level. It was a good time for me. The experience of going up to the AUL Complex and training with the best players was a privilege. The training and drills were done at a level that I had never experienced before so it was an eye opener. Throwing on the Irish gear for a match and even for training is something I'll always appreciate.

4. I do believe football is not your first sport? Is Footgolf?
Football will always be my first sport for as long as I'm able to play. That being said FootGolf will be a life long sport due to the fact I will hopefully be able to play it for the next 30/35 years. It's certainly become a passion of mine and I've been able to combine my love of football and golf together in one nice package.

5. You have represented Ireland on the International stage with Footgolf, Yes?
Yep, I have indeed. I've been fortunate enough to play all over Europe and at two World Cups (Argentine 2016 and Morocco 2018).

6. What has been your achievements? (Regarding Footgolf)
I've won more in FootGolf in 5 years of playing than in 20 playing Football but the biggest achievements would be.
- Irish National Champion 2015 and 2019 (The only player so far to have done that twice)
- Finishing 14th at the World Cup in 2016 from a field of 250+ players.

7. Back to Athenry FC, what brought you to the Club?
I actually moved to live in Athenry a couple of years back. At the time, I wasn't sure I'd keep on playing but seeing the group of lads that were playing with the club, I couldn't resist the temptation to get the boots on and link up. Part of the reason for joining was to play with a Junior Club that are serial winners, a type of setup that I hadn't been a part of up until then.

8. As a person with experience, what are your thoughts on Athenry FC as a Club?
I think the club is a fantastic one with great people involved at all levels. I see the vision that the club are trying to achieve with Moanbaun and I'm really excited to be a part of that. The folks behind that and pushing for the quality facilities that will provide deserve all the credit they can get. I just hope I'm still playing when it opens. I do feel the club are missing an opportunity to really develop its players by not having an outdoor Astro available with a suitable surface for at least 9 a side games.

9. You have done some coaching sessions with our Academy players, do you think this is something you would like to do in the future? (coaching)
100% - I actually managed the NUIG Junior Team for a season and a half which had it's good and bad moments. I've also done coaching sessions with various age groups over the years and I'd recommend it to everyone as it's a fantastic way to share your passion and knowledge for the game with others.

10. Finally can you name the following from the squad:
1. Funny Guy - Paddy (Spank)
2. Hard Man - Jackson (Strong as a horse)
3. Speed Merchant - Jason Gorham
4. Best Tekkers - Lucas
5. Most Grumpy - I enjoy Shox arguing with the ground and Dan arguing with everything else. Probably the grumpiest though would be Colm after I kick him in the shins and that tends to happen a lot at training!

Thank you.

#athenry_afc #footgolf #ireland 

 Interview with "Neil Murphy"

1. When did you join Athenry FC and when did you finish up?
- Joined Athenry FC in 1993 when I was 15 years old and played for all age groups and levels up until I finished in 2017. I did join Renmore for one season after leaving Athenry, but between injuries and old age, I decided to hang up the boots.

2. Who was the biggest influence on you?
- At underage, Johnny Delaney and Timmy Holian would certainly have been key influences. Both were obsessed with winning, but encouraged you to do it by playing the game in the right way.
At junior level, Michael Dunleavy, Timmy Holian and Roger Leggett certainly opened my eyes to different methods and styles of coaching. I certainly enjoyed the coaching experience as a player and hopefully can pass this knowledge on in some form of coaching down the line.
Players who would have been the biggest influence on me at the club, would be David Crimmins, Eddie Fox and Tony Shaughnessy. These lads had brilliant attitudes to training and when playing against or with them, you certainly had to up your game and improve as a player. Great leaders on the pitch also, stood up when it counted the most. All 3 could adapt their game to play in any position if needed and had brilliant long careers at the very highest level of junior football.

3. What did you achieve in your time at the Club? Trophies etc.
Jack Lillis Cup Winners - 2016
Reserve League Champions - 2007
First Division League Champions - 2000/01
Second Division Cup Winners – 2000
Young player of the Year - 2000

4. What are your three most memorable moments with Athenry FC?
- Definitely the year we got promoted to the Premier League for the first time in years, I think it was 2001. We went unbeaten in the league that year, and played some brilliant football. Great craic after games, pints on Sunday followed by the odd late night party in Quinn’s house.
- Any of the FAI junior cups games from 2003 -2006. I just remember the crowds at those games. Raheen would be packed. Beating Usher Celtic 5-0 comes to mind. They were highly fancied to win the tournament but we put them in their place that day.
- Anytime playing in Terryland for the club. Loved playing on that surface.

5. What are your three favourite football memories?
- Brain Costello using cardboard as shinguard's and getting away with it!!
- Away matches in the early days of the FAI junior cup. Always ended in a Sunday session
- Getting the chance to train and play with some brilliant players

6. Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
- Any game against West Utd Fc in the swamp…… Hated it.

7. In all the squads you have been part of can you name the following:
Funny Guy – Definitely Paddy Quinn
Tough as Nails – Emmet Byrne\Ronan Kinneen
Fastest player – Johnny Mernagh
Most Skillful – Gary Coffey
Most Grumpy – Ronan Kinneen
Best Player – Brian Costello

8. From all the players you have played with, name your strongest five a side team which includes yourself:
Goalkeeper – Colie Flannery
Defender – David Crimmins
Midfielder – Gary Coffey
Striker – Brian Costello
Manager – Stuart Donoghue

Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc 

 Interview with "Mickey Noone"

When did you join Athenry FC, When did you leave Athenry FC:
- 1991, the great Johnny Delaney had the first juvenile training session in Raheen, I was under 13, there are still photos of that day going around, lads like Paddy Quinn, Mickey Quinn, Gary Coffey, Phili Somers, Paulie McCarthy all were part of the large group that joined that day.

Always played for Athenry.

Finished up in 2012, being away in Dublin with work made it difficult make training and put the time in, still like to think I could play if they brought back the great B Team but the body might disagree.

Who was your biggest influence on you?
- Johnny Delaney definitely started it all off for a lot of us by setting up the Juvenile club, we were on the end of some good beatings all the way up to Under 18 but by then we knew how to play, a bit! Timmy Holian along with Tommy & Peter, then took a group of us into the senior squad in 97/98 in Division 2A, and it took off from there.

What did you achieve in your time at the Club?
- We achieved promotion eventually from 2A and the league Cup in 99/00 , won Div1 the next year with the Joe Ryan Cup.
After losing a Michael Byrne cup final in 03 & a few premier league playoffs against Mervue, we eventually won the 1st premier in 2006/07, along with Connacht cup and Michael Byrne cup, that was a great year for us. Another premier league and Connacht cup in 09/10.

What are your 3 most memorable moments with Athenry FC?
- Winning promotion to the premier, scored a winner against Loughrea in the 90th min to get us up, Paul Cullen nearly killed me on the pitch celebrating.
Winning the first Premier league in Drom after all the work and near misses over the previous 5 years.
The general team spirit and craic with all the squad, supporters and families when we went from Division 2A right up to winning the premier league, Spanky and Mernagh are some dancers and they done a great version of westlifes “we got a little world of our own"

What 3 things did you enjoy most about playing for Athenry FC?
- The craic we had was unreal even in training. We knew how to have fun but on the pitch everyone done their job and it paid off.
The away days in the FAI Junior Cup & Connacht Cup were always brilliant, even the train home from beating Dublin Bus in Dublin, was like a nightclub.

All the support we got, Noreen Quinn, Willie Killeen & Terry Nolan were always there too, along with our number one supporter, the great Conor T McNamara, we had brilliant days & nights, and usually great results.

Who was your toughest opponent you ever played against?
- Willie Grant's West Utd sides in the swamp were always a good battle and Mervue FC in Fahy's Field was another very tough one. Always black and blue after matches in Mervue but we usually got a result in there to their surprise, which was sweet after years of underage trouncing’s.

In all the squads you have been name the following:
Funny Guy – Spanky of course
Tough as nails – Emmet Byrne, Ronan Kinneen , (always felt sorry for the striker going up against the two lads at center back, he was in for a tough day) and Kevin Quigley
Fastest player – Merman ( Johnny Mernagh)
Most Skilful – Gary Coffey, Ollie Keogh & Seamie
Most Grumpy – Adrian Cronin (He loved the attention really)
Best player –Jamie O Driscoll & Seamie

From all the players you have played with name the strongest five a side team!
Goalie: Adrian Cronin
Defender: Davey Crimmins / Emmet Byrne
Midfielder: Jamie O Driscoll
Striker: Johnny Mernagh
Manager: Timmy Holian

Thank you.
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc 

Interview with Committee Member and Club Coach "Mike Noone"

1. When did you join Athenry FC? What roles have you had?
- Around 2005 or 2006 I think. Still not sure how it started. Was kicking a ball around with my 5/6 year old while my older lad trained and a few more young lads joined in. The numbers grew and next thing you're the coach.

2. As a player, what are your fondest memories?
- I played most of my football with Renmore AFC. We were fairly successful under age although played u17 and u18 with Salthill Devon as we had no team in Renmore by then. In fact there were only 3 teams in the U18 galway league. Salthill, Corrib Shamrocks and Mervue so a big difference to nowadays where there are 4 divisions at U17/18.
At Junior level, I won two Premier league titles with Renmore AFC. Also a Connacht Senior Cup and a Michael O'Byrne Cup. Got to an FAI Junior Cup semi final around 93 or 94 but beaten 2 nil by a superb Clonmel Town side who would go on to win the final 5 - 1. In fact ourselves, Bohs and Hibs would reach the Irish cup semis 3 years in a row so the standard in the Premier league was high then.
Finished off my playing days in the lower leagues with St. Ellen's for 3 years and Claregalway Celtic FC for 3 years winning leagues and promotions and a few divisional cups with both of those clubs. In fact while playing for St. Ellen's we beat a highly fancied Athenry team who were 2 or 3 divisions above us in the Irish Cup . Some night in Laffertys after that one.
Also won a schools All-Ireland with the Bish and a few Connachts.

3. As a coach, what do/did you enjoy the most?
- I don't particularly enjoy coaching to be honest but I do enjoy my teams playing matches. Although saying that, I am really enjoying helping coach the U12 and U13 girls. We have over 50 girls at most sessions and 7 or 8 coaches. Girls soccer and girls sport in general is really growing which is great and the standard is very good.

4. What made you decide to join the committee?
- Low numbers at that years AGM. I think most people there ended up on the committee 

5. As a committee member, what is the hardest part?
- Trying to persuade Thomas Fahy to spend money.

6. What do you enjoy most about being on the Committee?
- End of season night out.

7. Can you name three of your most memorable moments with the Club?
- Won U18 Premier league 2 years ago for the first time in the clubs history, drawing one game and winning the rest.
Winning the U16 SFAI Connacht Regional Cup final this year with a very small squad of 15 players.
Having four Athenry girls on the Galway U13 squad this year. All 4 were on the pitch when Sophie Costello got the winner against Clare just before the lock down.

8. What are your ambitions for the next three years?
- To win trophies

Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc 

 Interview with "Alan O'Donovan"

1. When did you join Athenry FC?
- I joined Athenry in 2006. Prior to that I joined Mervue U21’s in 2000, from Corofin Utd and went onto to play for the Mervue Juniors until the beginning of 2005. I then spent a season with Galway United in 05. Seamie convinced me to join Athenry in 06.

2. Who was the biggest influence on you?
- In the early days with Corofin United FC Sean Harty and Frank McCormack couldn’t do enough for ya. Then Stephen Lally who signed me for Mervue initially and then for Galway United. Always learned from fellow players aswell, Noellie Mc and Gary O'Connor come to mind. Probably have to include Seamie Crowe as he’s the reason I signed for Athenry.

3. What did you achieve in your time at the Club?
Very fortunate to have many successful years with the club, won at least one cup every season. Winning 5 Connacht Cups probably the standout.

4. What are your most memorable moments with Athenry FC?
The sessions on Monday’s, Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s after we win something 
One of the best memories is winning the triple in my first year, brilliant team that season.
Won a few leagues on the final day or in playoffs also a highlight.

5. What three things did you enjoyed most about playing for Athenry FC?
1 Always challenging for silverware every year
2 Great bunch of lads who were very close, knew when to be serious and when to have the craic
3 Cleaning Mickey Quinn in training but unfortunately got so bad for him he had to move to England

6. Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
Team - Mervue United AFC, Best pitch is Galway and always a great battle
Opponent - Tommy Walshe, top quality defender

7. In all the squads you have been part of can you name the following:
Funny Guy - Paddy ‘Strwberry Blonde’ Quinn, still rings me daily telling me how good he’s going
Tough as Nails - Gary Delaney
Fastest player - Johnny Mernagh, Adam Duffy (you’re doing great Adam)
Most Skillful - too many - Ollie Keogh, Benny Lawless, Gary Forde & Colm
Most Grumpy - Seamie Crowe closely followed by Conor Cannon
Best Player - Jamie O'Driscoll

8. From all the players you have played with, name your strongest five a side team which includes yourself:
- Can I pick 2 for each position?
Goalkeeper - Kieran Kilkelly & TJ
Defender - Spanky & Emmet
Midfielder - Jamie & Seamie
Striker - Cathal & Johnny Mernagh
Manager - Davey Crimmons
Not a team blessed with great speed 

Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc 

Interview with Veteran Midfielder "Jamie O'Driscoll"

1. Who is the the toughest opposition you have faced in your time at the Club?
There really is never an easy opposition. On any given day if your head isn't right or you don't treat the opposition with respect you can nearly beat yourself.

2. Over the years who would be your favourite opposition to face?
Again I wouldn't have a favourite team to play against- obviously looking back there are games that you would have enjoyed and more you would want to forget.

3. What venue is the best you have played on?
Eamonn Deacy Park, Terryland at its best, has to be up there.

4. Is there a venue that you do not like to play on? Any reason?
Any astro pitch - way to quick for me - there was a time I would have loved astro.

5. Who is the best player you have played against in your career?
There really are some great players in the galway league - Ollie Keogh comes to mind - I've only played against Jackson & Colm in training - if that counts.

6. Who has been your biggest personal rival?
Ronan Caldwell comes to mind - it's not personal but we just clash every time - I think we both just hate losing.

7. What are your three fondest memories being with Athenry FC?
Castlebar FAI semi final, Connacht Cup 7 nil and celebrations in general.

8. In your opinion what are the best things about playing for Athenry FC?
When things are getting to serious in life, just go training - it's a great switch off - bunch of big overweight kids.

9. Could you name three of your biggest personal achievements at Athenry FC?
Nothing really stands out - I suppose just making squads/teams - every day is an achievement at this stage.

10. What do you plan to do when your playing career comes to an end?
I'll be like Pete G - still down on the astro playing at 60.

Thank you,
#athenry_afc

Interview with "Conor O'Grady"

1. When did you join Athenry FC and when did you finish up?
- I think I was in 6th class in the boys school and someone said there was an underage soccer team starting up in Athenry. So I went along for a kick about one evening in Raheen and that was the start of it. I started playing with Athenry FC when I was 12 years old and began with the U-13's. Much credit has to go to Johnny Delaney and also Kevin Callanan for getting the underage teams started in the club and to Peter Gilhooley and Tommy Fahy for continuing the strong underage set up. I left for a year when I moved to Dublin and played a season up there with a team in Crumlin but it was nothing compared to playing for your home club. Luckily I got to move back home and played another season or 2 with the club before progressing to the Over-35's. 

2. Who was the biggest influence on you?
- Johnny Delaney for getting me interested in soccer & Dunners and Timmy for their coaching from U-18's up to Senior.
Pete and Tommy too as they were always there supporting teams from the club.

3. What did you achieve in your time at the Club?
- First Division, 2A & 2B titles, back in the 00's. They were great years and we were on a roll. I remember getting to the Michael O'Byrne cup semi final and losing on pens to Renmore. They went on to be beaten by Mervue in the final but I always wonder what may have been if we'd got to the final. The way we were playing I think we would have had a chance.

4. What are your three most memorable moments with Athenry FC?
The two league titles we won with the B team and scoring in a league title playoff against Medtronic.
Celebrating the above in The Hop.
Playing alongside by brother Darren for the club. (He occasionally reminds me of a match we played together for the 'D' team when he scored 4!)

5. What three things did you enjoy most about playing for Athenry FC?
Playing football with mates who you'd grown up with. Winning leagues/promotions of course and the general set up of the club from underage to Senior level shows why the club is one of the best in the county if not the country.

6. Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
- For me I never liked playing West Utd. Tough team with good players and the occasional off the ball incident.

7. In all the squads you have been part of can you name the following:
Funny Guy - Paddy 'Spanky' Quinn
Tough as Nails - Derek McDonagh
Fastest player - Paul 'Chopper' Neary
Most Skillful - Wayne Finn
Most Grumpy - on the field Neville Hynes (a gent off it).
Best Player - Gary Coffey

8. From all the players you have played with, name your strongest five a side team which includes yourself:
Defender - Niall Tomas
Defender - Emmet Byrne
Midfielder - Gary Coffey
Striker - Vlasta
Manager - Dunners

Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc 

 Player interview with "Adam Pomphrett" U21 Co-Captain

1. When did you join Athenry FC?
2004, I’ve never wanted to play anywhere else.

2. What personal achievements have got while being with Athenry FC?
Won the U18 premier division, for the first time in the clubs history (unbeaten).
Made my senior debut, beating mervue in Fahy's Field.
I’m the currently co-captain of the u21 squad.

3. Who is the best coach you have had?
They have all been brilliant.

4. Do you think U21 Football is needed in Galway? And Why?
Yes, it gives players a chance to adjust to playing with and against older men. It also gives some valuable playing time to those who are fighting for places in their senior squads.

5. If there was no U21 League in Galway, what would you be doing now?
I’m not sure what I’d be doing without U21 football to be honest, I’d probably be playing on the B team that would be in place instead.

6. Who is the best player you have played with over the years?
Nathan Healey

7. Who is the best player you have played against?
Aaron Connolly (Mervue Utd)

8. What are your ambitions at Athenry Football Club?
I hope to challenge for every title year in year out, like we are right now.

For the record at U21 IYO:
1. Funny Guy - Adam Kelleher
2. Hard Man - Chris Burke
3. Speed Merchant - Jason Gorham
4. Best Tekkers - Adam Kelleher
5. Most Grumpy - Dali, when he's just out of bed.
6. Best Player - Nathan Healey

#athenry_afc