MATCH REPORTS 2023/24

 ATHENRY 3-1 CORRIB CELTIC 17/02/2024

Noone x1, Crowley x1, Jordan x1

Huge congratulations to our u17 girls who became back to back Connacht Cup Champions yesterday following a victory over Corrib Celtic in Lecarrow. On a rain sodden pitch, the girls started brightly and dominated play throughout the first half. Corrib Celtic defended well however the breakthrough came on the 20th minute when Mollie Noone was brought down in the box and the referee awarded a penalty to Athenry. Mollie dusted herself off and calmly slotted the ball home despite the best efforts of the Corrib Celtic keeper.   

Athenry doubled the lead on 29 minutes following some great footwork along the end line by Kerri O'Driscoll who squared for Clodagh Crowley to fire home. 

To their credit Corrib Celtic never gave up and, following a ball over the top, scored on the 36th minute to make it 2-1 at half time. 

Corrib Celtic threatened early in the second half but could not breach the Athenry rearguard, expertly marshalled by Katie Noone Tarron Kilkenny, Cora Sweeney & Kate Kennedy, who were all excellent throughout the afternoon. Athenry scored a third goal on the 65th minute with the illusive Anna Jordan cutting in from the right wing and firing a left foot strike into the top corner. A goal worthy of any cup final. Some big shifts today all around the pitch with midfield trio Sophie Costello, Clodagh Crowley & Niamh Kilgannon working tirelessly throughout and the front three of Mollie Noone, Kerri O’Driscoll & Anna Jordan a constant threat. 

A strong bench of Amira Bouhlel, Alison McGreevy, Hazel Burke, Sarah Egan & Chloe Mchugh all came on and played their part in the win.

Captain - Kerri O Driscoll, Player of the Match -  Mollie Noone.

Management Team: Mike Noone and Brian Sweeney.

Special thanks to team sponsors Frank Sweeney Auctioneers , Wildfire Gourmet Food Truck , Paddy Kennedy, David Burke, The Galmont Hotel & Spa  and the great support in the stands. 

Also sincere thanks to the the referee and officials, Connacht Football Association for facilitating today's final and Gerry Tully for his presentation. 

Enjoy all the celebrations girls. 

Boys U14 Div 2 (sun 3rd dec 2023)

Athenry B 4-0 Salthill Devon

Athenry played Salthill Devon today in great conditions in Moanbaun. The game started at a fast pace with both side looking to play the ball into their forward lines and it was Athenry who scored first with a lovely ball played to Robert Eastwood who controlled the ball and rifled to the back of the net inside 7 mins of the start. That spurred Salthill Devon into action and they enjoyed a lot of time in the Athenry half looking to release their forwards, thankfully the Athenry back 4 were strong in defence and the half finished with one goal. 

Athenry, looking to take control, did so in the opening minutes of the half with Miguel Oliveria racing down the line, into the Devon box before crossing into Robert Eastwood to finish to the back of the net. Athenry settled into the game and Robert duly scored his 3rd and the hat trick. Athenry made changes and all the subs made an impact when brought on. Athenry got a 4th when Miguel Oliveria pushed the ball past the final defender to enter the box and with a great strike beat the keeper. Great performance from the whole squad. Capt: Oisin Potter MOTM: Robert Eastwood. As always many thanks to Supermac's & Papa John's Athenry  for their support.

 U14 BOYS league Div2 (sat 25th Nov 2023)
Athenry 2-1 Gort

Athenry welcomed Gort to Moanbaun this morning in a very entertaining game. Athenry dominated their opponents early on getting joy down both wings especially down the right through Aidan Murphy. This is where the opening goal came from, when a ball switched over to the right wing was collected and drilled home for 1-0 to Athenry by Aidan Murphy. Gort came in to the game more as the half continued but went in 1 down at half time. 

Gort started the second half much better and were unlucky not to equalise only for a super save from Matthew Keogh in the Athenry goal. Gort continued to have good possession but didn't create many opportunities but managed to equalise from a very dubious penalty awarded by the referee. Both teams wouldn't settle for the draw and with the game heading  into injury time Robert Eastwood blasted into the top corner after some lovely build up play and an assist from Miguel De Oliveria. Best for Athenry Aidan Murphy first half but Nathan Flannery gets the call for a fearless performance all through.
Thanks to our sponsor @supermacsofficial Supermac's & Papa John's Athenry. Keep it up boys. 

 U14 Girls SFAI trophy (sun 19th nov 2023)

Athenry 1-2 Moyne Villa

Heavy winds made this game unpredictable. Overall, the Athenry girls played the better football . Sofija continued with her second game between the posts for the injury recovering Brynn, who was watching from the side lines, and making virtual saves. Jenna again stepping back to a strong defensive performance. The first half Athenry had the winds at their backs , they created many chances and won many corners in the opening 20 mins . Aisling Higgins opened the scoring from a long range effort going into the bottom right corner, Athenry 1 up. Lauren Duane also hit a rocket of a shot from just past the half way line only to hit the base of the right post. A paint touch up on the post may be required ! More shots were aimed at the Villa goal , but only for the many blue blocking shirts could not grab another goal before half time .  

The 2nd half now brought the heavy winds into the faces of Athenry girls who had to be more decisive with their passing and kicks. Villa were now taking shots from long distances and were soon rewarded with 2 goals both of the same finish, high into the net .The second goal coming with only 5 mins remaining.The Athenry girls fought hard for an equaliser, but the clock ran out. A harsh score line, the girls well deserved a result from this game as they had more possession , more shots and played really nice football in difficult conditions. 

Thanks to all the home supporters on the side lines. 

Athenry Team ; Sofija, Rachel, Jenna, Lauren, Aisling K, Erin, Aisling H, Aebha, Nicole, Ciara, Sophie (C) ,Rebecca, Amy Rose, Dearbhla, Brynn