Athea Utd.

by Pat Mulvihill

“DALY GIVES ATHEA DESERVED CUP SUCCESS”

DESMOND U/17 CUP FINAL

Athea Utd  2 Rathkeale 1.

Scorers: Kevin Murphy, Danial Daly

Last Saturday afternoon in Clounreask Athea Utd lifted the Desmond U/17 Cup for the second time with a narrow two one win over a fancied Rathkeale side having also won the inaugural cup in 2003. A tough task faced us but in fairness all the players stood up to the plate and this was a big factor in this win. The opening half was devoid of clear cut chances and this wasn’t very surprising given the tricky conditions both sides had to face but come the second half there was a marked improvement from both sides. Our first chance of note was shot by Kevin Murphy that was saved comfortably by the keeper, Ryan Carroll was just over with a free kick while Maurice Hayes and Daniel Daly also went close. From a defensive viewpoint we were composed with Mark O’Connor continuing from where he left off in the semi final win away to Bally Rovers again dominating with skipper Jamie Sheehan at left back equally as assured.

The second half was much better than the first game and just short of the hour mark came the games opening goal and it went the way of Rathkeale when a shot came back off the bar only for the ball to rebound kindly to their striker to who finished to the net. However this Athea side has bags of character and this was borne out as within minutes we were on level terms when centre forward Dylan Griffin got on the end of a Ryan Carroll free kick and forced the keeper to make a save and from the rebound Kevin Murphy was in the right place to head to the back of the net. The game evened out for a while after this until disaster struck for us when we had a player sent off early in the final quarter and it looked like the tide was turning against us but the determination of this bunch of players said different. Often in the past we have seen teams with a numerical disadvantage triumph and two minutes after that red card we hit the front for the first time when a peach of a cross by Maurice Hayes picked out its intended target Daniel Daly and the winger rounded the goalkeeper before firing into the empty net. Dylan Griffin nearly got his third goal in two games only to head narrowly over from another Ryan Carroll delivery while match winner Daniel Daly was inches away from his second of the day, his effort from a Kevin Murphy pass going just past the post. In the last minute of normal Rathkeale had a great chance of equalizing themselves but a brilliant save by Jonathan Fitzgerald from close range preserved our slender lead and after a few minutes of stoppage time referee Sean Harnett sounded the final whistle to great acclaim from the Athea players and supporters

So another great day for Athea Utd who lifted the 17s cup for the second time and a deserved reward for a great bunch of players. They have being together since under tens when we won the division one title with a playoff with Creeves but until last season when we won the 15s cup these players haven’t had much success in between. That has all changed now and last Saturday our two one win was deserved so well done to all the players who have played in this cup this season, the gaffer Kevin O’Keeffe and his assistant John Cotter and not forgetting our fantastic band of supporters who were marvellous again.

After the game Athea Utd captain Jamie Sheehan was presented with the 17s Cup by Limerick Desmond League Chairman Mike Hanley while Daniel Daly was the recipient of the ma of the match award and was presented with the trophy by Frank Neligan, PRO of the Limerick Desmond League.

Team: Jonathan Fitzgerald, Michael Mullane, Jamie Sheehan, Mark O’Connor, Ryan Carroll, Mark Horgan, Shane Mulvihill, Maurice Hayes, Daniel Daly, Kevin Murphy, Dylan Griffin. Sub used: David Sheehan. Also Dan Mullane, Jason Flaherty, Gary Vaughan, Peter O’Connor.

DIVISION 1 LEAGUE CUP S/F

Abbeyfeale Utd B 1 Athea Utd  A 2

Scorers: Kevin O’Keeffe, Darren Murphy.

An under strength Athea Utd reached the divisional cup final with a slender two one win away to Abbeyfeale Utd B last Sunday afternoon. Despite only having ten players we went into an early lead through Kevin O’Keeffe and were playing well considering the numerical disadvantage. By half time though the homeside had levelled but with eight minutes left Darren Murphy got the winner to put us into the final where we will play either Kilcolman or Ballingarry.

Team: Timmy Enright, Michael Reidy, Tom Collins, Ger Collins, Padraig Reidy, Conor Mullane, Kevin O’Keeffe, Darren Murphy, Joe Vaughan, Padraig Horgan

 

DIVISION 1 LEAGUE

Abbeyfeale Utd B  1 Athea Utd  A 4.

Scorers: Darren Murphy (2), Kevin O’Keeffe, Padraig Reidy

The A’s completed their league programme with a comfortable four one away win over Abbeyfeale Utd B. Darren Murphy gave us an early lead but very early in the second half the homeside levelled. Kevin O’Keeffe restored our lead soon after and further goals from Padraig Reidy and a Murphy penalty gave us a deserved three points.

Team: Timmy Enright, Michael Reidy, Mathew Tierney, Martin Chawke, Ger Collins, Brian Ahern, Conor Mullane, Padraig Reidy, Kevin O’Keeffe, Darren Murphy, Steven McEnery.

Sub Joe Vaughan.

 

U/12 CUP

Newcastle West B  2 Athea Utd  1.

Scorer: JJ Sheehy

The twelves ended their season last Sunday evening when losing two one in the cup away to NCW B in a game that was there for the taking but missed chances were to prove our undoing. We got a great start when JJ Sheehy rattled the NCW net and we had more chances to add to our lead including a missed penalty when the ball hit the post. The homeside scored a penalty and got the winner five minutes from time and they go on to the semi finals.

Team: Timothy Tierney, Donnacha McEnery, Ronan Hayes, Cillian Liston, Michael Dalton, JJ Sheehy, James Ryan, William Sexton, Sean Ryan, Jack Vaughan, Shane Dalton.

Subs: John Sexton, Andy Ahern, William McEnery, Padraig O’Sullivan, Jerry Barrett, Jack Gleeson.

 

 

FIXTURES

Thursday May 26th

U/8 Bs away to Kilcolman at 7.15pm

Sunday May 29th

Division 1 League Cup Final v Kilcolman or Ballingarry. (in Clounreask) (time tbc)

 

COMMUNITY GAMES SOCCER

In the community games Boys U-12 Soccer Athea will play Foynes this Thursday evening and this game will take place at The Vales at 7pm. All support will be greatly appreciated.

 

DESMOND SCHOOLBOYS AWARDS NIGHT

This Saturday night May 21st The Limerick Desmond Schoolboys/Girls League will have its Annual Awards Night which takes place at The Gables here in Athea. Like last year Athea Utd are represented again this year with two winners namely Luke Gleeson who is a joint winner in U/8 Division 1 while Kevin Murphy is the U/16 Division 1 winner.

Also on the night the Limerick Desmond U/11 Academy Squad that recently won the Quadrangular Inter League Tournament will be presented with their winners medals and here we are doubly represented with Timothy Tierney and Sean Ryan members of this successful squad. So another good season for Athea Utd players with the Limerick Desmond Schoolboys League.

 

LOTTERY RESULTS MAY 16th

The results of our lottery draw for Monday, May 16th at The Gables are as follows—Jackpot was €7300. Numbers drawn were 9, 14, 15, 16. No Jackpot winner.

Lucky Dips to Liam Murphy, Athea. Denise O’Mahony, Kilcolman. Sean Fitz c/o Batts Bar. Kayla Sheehy, Ardagh. Nora Crowley, Ardagh.

Sellers Brown Joe’s, John Horgan.

New jackpot will be €7400 on Monday, May 23rd at JP’s.

 

Coiste na nÓg

Matches:

U-10 Blitz in Dromcollogher:
We travelled to Dromcollogher on Friday evening last to play our first blitz of the season. We had one team of 14 players and they played three 20 minute matches against Dromcollogher/Broadford, Abbeyfeale and St. Kieran’s. On a cold evening all the players did their best against very strong teams putting into practice what they have being learning in Páirc na nGael over the past few weeks. The following players all played their heart out in the maroon and white of Athea, Sean Sheehan, Jack O’ Connor, David O’ Connor, Laura Dalton, Alex McEldowney, Jamie O’ Mahony, Eoin Sheahan, Aidan Curry, Danny Brady, Thomas McEnery, Luke Gleeson, Sean Barrett, Jack Hunt & Rhys Keily. Coaching will continue on Friday evening at Páirc na nGael at 6:30pm.

The club would like to thank Dromocollogher/Broadford who hosted the Blitz and a special thanks to all the parents who travelled on the night.

 

U-16’s:

Monday 16th of May:
Athea 6-8  Cappagh 0-3.
The Athea Under 16’s had yet another great win against Cappagh at home in Parc na Gael on Monday Night last. Athea got off to a excellent start, playing against a strong wind when Peter O’ Connor scored a goal within 2 mins, followed by a point by Jamie O’ Brien who is a new member to Athea Club. Dylan Griffin showed his usual flare and scored 2 points towards the end of the 1st half. Cappagh played a strong game putting 3 points on the score board but Athea were still in the lead 1-3 to 0-3 at half time.
In the second half, we got off to a good start with a goal from Jamie O’ Brien. Dylan Griffin followed it up with his third point of the game. Peter O’ Connor got a cracking goal taking Athea well in to the lead, followed up by points from Jamie O’ Brien & Joey Kelly. Peter O’ Connor was on fire at this stage and scored his third goal for  Athea. The full back line and goal keeper were strong in there defence and no ball got past them. Jonathan Fitzgerald was a towering presence in full back. The half back line were outstanding. The mid field players worked tirelessly all night. The point of the night was scored by Thomas Sexton who scored from about 50 yards out. Mid way through the second half James Ryan replaced Joey Kelly as Athea continued to score points with ease. Jack Denihan made way for William Sexton who came on towards the end of the second half. Athea continued to tack on the scores with Dylan Griffin, Roger Carmody and Peter O’ Connor adding points and goals towards the end. The final score to a deserving Athea side was 6-8 to Cappagh’s 0-3.

Team: Kieran Hartnett, Jamie O’ Brien, Jonathan Fitzgerald, Dan Mullane, William Mullane, Thomas Sexton, Jason O’ Flatherty, Roger Carmody, Gary Vaughan, Peter O’ Connor, Dylan Griffin, Jack Denihan, Joey Kelly, James Ryan, & William Sexton.

Training:

U-6’s, U-8’s & U-10’s: Training continues for the U-6’s,U-8’s & U-10’s this Friday evening 20th of May from 6:30pm to 7:30pm in Páirc na nGael.

U-12’s: Training for U-12’s will be this Wednesday evening 18th of May from 7pm to 8pm in Páirc na nGael.

U-14’s: Training for the U-14’s continues next Tuesday evening the 24th of May at 7pm in Páirc na nGael. Players are asked to be at the field for 6:50pm.

 

Fixtures:

Wednesday 18th of May:

U-13’s: Athea U-13’s are away to Ballybrown on this evening Wednesday 18th of May at 7pm. A bus will be leaving the village at 5:45pm.

Friday 27th of May:

U-8’s: Athea U-8’s have a Blitz in Foynes on Friday evening the 27th of May. Time to be confirmed.

 

Annual Church Gate Collection:

Athea Coiste na nÓg would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to their church gate collection last weekend. Your support as always is greatly appreciated.

 

First Holy Communion:

Congratulations and Best wishes to all the boys and girls who will be receiving their First Holy Communion this Saturday. May God bless you all. Hope you all have a wonderful day.

 

GAA Vhi Cúl Camp:

Once again this year the Cúl Camp will be taking place in Páirc na nGael (The High Field) from Monday 11th of July to Friday 15th of July. Cúl Camps provide boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 13 with an action-packed and fun-filled week of activity during the summer holidays. More details to follow in the next few weeks.

 

Club Jackets:
Orders are now being taken for Athea Coiste na nÓg club jackets for both adults and children. The jackets are maroon and navy with the newly designed club crest on them. They adult jacket cost €27 each. If you would like to order one please contact Jacqueline O’ Connor on 086-0670091 for more details.

Athea GAA Club Draw 2011:

Club Members are calling door to door selling tickets at the moment (See advert for details of prizemoney) . Your support would be greatly appreciated.

 

Athea G.A.A.

 

CLUB DEVELOPMENT DRAW  2011

€11,200 PRIZE MONEY

8 DRAWS

Prize Money

1^st Prize                €400             2^nd Prize              €250

3^rd Prize                €150 4^th Prize                €150

5^th Prize                €150           6^th Prize €150

Tickets €80 or €10 per draw

 

Athea Golf Society

Last Saturday morning the golfers of Athea headed for Dundrum in Tipperary. This is a lovely parkland course with some fine features. Although the day was showery it did not affect the golf for this team event. The winners were: Stephen Reidy, Thomas Sexton and Tommy White with Ann O’Keeffe, Ned Mahony and Michael O’Connor coming second. Captain, Gerry Tuohy got the longest drive and Maurice Cuddigan was nearest the pin. Congratulations to all.

Our next outing is to Killorglin on June 18th. More news about this trip at a later date.