Athea United Soccer
U-10s CLINCH LEAGUE
U-10 DIVISION 4 (Sat, April 11th)
Glantine 0 Athea Utd 0
Last Saturday morning our tens headed for Glantine knowing that if we avoided defeat we would win the division four league. However it would be a tough game as if you remember back to the corresponding fixture at The Vales earlier in the season we lost five one. Since then we won all our games but manager Mike Buckley had his team prepared for a tough game.
The game started with Glantine on the attack in the early stages as they needed the win to get a league playoff but our defence weren’t yielding with Michael Walsh, James Hunt and Calum Gleeson clearing any danger while keeper Donnacha Barrett was very solid between the posts. Indeed Donnacha made the best save of the first half when he did brilliantly not only to save a powerful shot from the edge of the area but to hold on to the ball as well. At the other end our midfield were working hard to create openings for our forwards, Evan Curry on the left of midfield and Callum Buckley in the centre displaying plenty of energy as was James Lee. Up front the trickery of James Broderick. Overall in that first half we had a few half chances but at half time the game remained scoreless.
The second half started like the first did with Glantine pressing in the early stages but again the Athea defence were keeping their lines intact. From an attacking point of view we weren’t as fluent in this half as we have being at other times of the season in terms of clear goal scoring chances. As the half wore on Glantine were seeing more of the ball and had numerous corners, including a spell where they had four in a row but our defence, where again James Hunt, Michael Walsh and Calum Gleeson were excelling. It meant a frustrating time for the home side
as there was nearly always an Athea player to get a block or a tackle in at the crucial point. Keeper Donnacha Barrett again showed the worth of a good goal keeper with another solid half , just as he did in the first half. The game rolled on before ending nil all to give Athea the point required to win the league amid great scenes amongst players and supporters alike.
It was great to see all the support for the boys last Saturday and a huge thanks to the parents who supported the team at all the home and away games.
After the game John Phillips from the LDSL presented Athea Utd captain Michael Wash Sexton with the league trophy.
Team – Donnacha Barrett, James Hunt, Michael Walsh, Calum Gleeson, Evan Curry, Callum Buckley, James Lee, Louis O’Sullivan, James Broderick, Josh Quilter, Ciaran Hunt, Rory Cleary, Timmy O’Keeffe
U-8 FRIENDLY v CARRIG CELTIC (Sun, April 12th)
Last Sunday evening our under eights played their first home friendly when Carrig Celtic were visitors to The Vales. On a beautiful evening both sides took to the pitch eager to show the supporters what they could do. It was Carrig who scored the opening goal when their striker did well to find the net. After this we settled into the game and played some nice soccer which yielded some great goals, Jack Sexton and Eric Barrett both scoring twice while Louis O’Sullivan also finding the net.
Well done to all the Athea Utd players and thanks to Carrig Celtic for the game on Sunday, looking forward to the return game in the near future.
Team – Jamie Collins, Sean Toomey, Jamie O’Mahoney, Jamie Flynn, Eric Barrett, Louis O’Sullivan, Fionn Histon, Jack Sexton, Jim Ahern, Tony Ahern.
U-8 TRAINING TAKES PLACE NEXT SATURDAY MORNING ON THE ASTRO PITCH AT 11am.
FIXTURE
Sunday, April 18th
Junior As home to Killeaney at 2.30pm
TRAINING AT THE VALES
In 2008 we undertook a major development with the installation of a synthetic training area, known as ‘FIELDTURF’ which is the only one of its kind in Co. Limerick and is approved to FIFA standards. There has being a hugh amount of interest from clubs, leagues, companies in the years since. To book your slot for either training or leisure contact Pat on (087)7934417 or Denis on (087)2069900. Slots are very limited so ring us today.
ATHEA UTD LOTTERY RESULTS FOR TUESDAY, APRIL 14th
Our weekly lottery draw was held last night, Tuesday, April 14th at Whites Bar. We will have the results in next weeks edition.
LAST MAN STANDING
Our last man standing competition continues this weekend with round eleven. Going into last weekend we had seven still standing but a defeat for West Brom and a West Ham draw saw us lose four so as it currently stands we have three remaining, Diarmuid H, Breda Ahern and Anto Collins. Best of luck to our three remaining contestants.
Brown Joe’s Bar are sponsoring this Last Man Standing Competition with €300 going to the winner and the club thanks them for their sponsorship. We also have a €50 sellers prize to the person that sells the winning line.
Athea GAA
Matches:
Friday April 10: Junior B League:
Athea 2-05 Glin 0-10.
Athea Junior Bs travelled to Glin on Friday evening last to take on the locals in the first round of the league. Glin were first on the scoreboard with a point, but we soon equalized when Neilo Keane tapped over after great work by Ger Collins and Jason Kelly. We found scores hard to come by and wasted some good scoring opportunities; meanwhile the home side added two more points to lead by two points midway through the half. Neilus Hunt scored two great points to bring us level, but Glin rallied again and went two points ahead. Just before the break Pa Kiely scored a great free to leave us just one point behind at half time, Athea 0-04, Glin0-05. The locals extended their lead early in the second half scoring two points and looked like pulling away. But Athea were having none of it, Neilo Keane won possession around the middle of the field, shook off a couple of tackles before off-loading it to Tomás Mullane who sent in a high ball into the square and Ger Collins was there to punch the ball to the net. The sides were level with ten minutes remaining, but once again Glin went into a two point lead after raising the white flag twice in quick succession. Athea attacked again and a great move ended when Brian Ahern was fouled inside the square and Steven McEnery made no mistake from the penalty spot slotting the ball low to the corner of the net to give us a one point lead. The home side attacked and equalized, but with time almost up a super long range effort from Tomás Mullane split the post to give Athea the lead and the win on a score line of Athea 2-05, Glin 0-10. Team: Sean Ahern, Eoin McCarthy, Raymond Brouder, Garry Carroll, Tommy Quaid, Tom Collins, Jason Dalton, Neilus Hunt (0-2), Ger Collins (1-0), Sean Brouder, Brian Ahern, Jason Kelly, Neilo Keane (0-1), Tomás Mullane (0-1), Steven McEnery (1-0). Subs: Pa Kiely (0-1) (Sean Brouder), Paul Mahony (Garry Carroll) & Dan McMahon (Jason Kelly).
Fixtures:
West Intermediate Football Championship Semi- Final:
Saturday April 18:
We will play St. Senans in the West Intermediate Football Championship Semi-Final this Saturday April 18 at 7pm in Glin. All support would be greatly appreciated.
Club membership:
For those who have not yet become members of Athea GAA Club they can still do so. This is a great way of supporting the Club at only a cost of €20 for the year. This also entitles you to put your name in for match tickets for every championship game Limerick will play and also All Ireland Final tickets. The GAA has the largest membership of any sports organization in Ireland. When one becomes a member of Athea GAA club, they become part of our GAA family and part of a great community based organization that continues to enhance the lives of so many people both young and old. If you would like to become a member of our Club please contact any of our committee members or Jacqueline on 086-0670091.
Limerick Club Development Draw:
The Limerick Club draw known more commonly as the Mackey Stand draw will commence in March. This is a hugely important source of revenue for our Club. It costs €100 for the year which enters you in ten monthly draws. For more information please contact Mairead Donovan on 087-7703673. Our ticket sellers are out and about, so if you can please support.
Gym Equipment:
If there is anyone around the Parish with any unwanted gym equipment that they would be interested in donating to the Club e.g. thread mill, Cross trainer, Benches, etc., we would greatly appreciate it. This would be of great help with the training of our senior teams. The benefits and rewards of having such equipment would be an added advantage to our boys. We would gladly collect any item and you can contact Jacqueline on 086-0670091 for more details.
Intermediate Football Championship Draw 2015:
There are two groups of six teams who will contest the Championship.
Group 1: Claughaun, Feohanagh/Castlemahon, St.Senans, Mountcollins, Hospital/Herbertstown & Bruff.
Group 2: Oola, Mungret, Galbally, Cappamore, Athea & Glin
Round 1: Athea V Glin, April 23-26
Round 2: Athea V Cappamore, May 8-10
Round 3: Athea V Galbally, June 5-7
Round 4: Athea V Mungret, August 7-9
Round 5: Athea V Oola, August 28-30
Quarter-Final: September 5
Semi-Final: September 19
Final: October: 3
West Junior B Football Championship Draw 2015:
We are in group B in the Junior B Championship along with Rathkeale, Ballysteen, Glin and St. Kierans.County Minor 13 aside Football Championship Draw 2015:
There are eight teams contesting the County Minor 13 aside competition this year. Athea, Castlemahon, Crecora Manister, Mountcollins, Kilteely/Dromkeen, Croom, Galtee Gaels & Granagh/Ballingarry.
West Minor A Football Championship Draw 2015:
There are four teams contesting the Minor A Championship Athea/Mountcollins Rangers, Ballysteen, Deel Rangers and Gael na Sionna.
Munster Minor Championship:
The Club would like to wish James Ryan who is a member of the Limerick Minor football panel all the best as Limerick play Cork in the Munster Minor Football Championship on Wednesday April 15.
Athea Coiste na nÓg:
Matches;
Wednesday April 8: U15s:
Athea 2-04 Rathkeale 1-09
Our U 15s played Rathkeale in the Bog Garden on Wednesday last in their second game of the league. A strong home side scored two early points to take the lead, but our boys responded well. Jack O’ Connor scored our first point after great work by Brian English and Shane Dalton. Shane Dalton leveled the match when he pointed a free and we went ahead when Shane Ambrose tapped over from close range. Shortly after, we worked the ball into the square and Seamus Leahy was there to score a goal to give us a four point lead. The home side responded well and scored three unanswered points to close the gap. A great save by David O’Sullivan in goals just before half time left us a point ahead at the break, Athea 1-03, Rathkeale 0-05. Playing into the wind in the second half was always going to be tough and Rathkeale hit a purple patch scoring 1-03 to take a commanding lead. Our boys did not give up, great work by Andy Ahern ended with Shane Dalton blasting low into the net to close the gap. Rathkeale scored a point of their own, but we hit back with a super point from the hard working Shane Dalton. Time was running out and we tried hard to find a winner, but it was not to be and we lost out by two points on a score line of Athea 2-04, Rathkeale 1-09. Team: David O’Sullivan, Joseph Dalton, Micheál Dalton, Jamie O’Mahony, David O’Connor, Shane Ambrose, Alex McEldowney, Seamus Leahy, Shane Dalton, Jack O’Connor, TJ White, Brian English, Jack Hunt, Andy Ahern, Ryan Greaney, Luke Gleeson & Pauric Enright.
Friday April 10: U12s:
Our under 12s had their first game of the year against Fr. Casey’s in Abbeyfeale on Friday night last. It was a very enjoyable game with great football from both sides in a very evenly contested game. There were great skills on display as the ball was moved quickly and constantly from end to end. These are a fine bunch of players and I’m sure they will continue to improve as the year goes on. The game was played over four ten minute quarters, with four different goalies used and some players playing in a variety of positions to help them to become better all-round footballers. Team: Michael Tierney, Conor Mullane, Pierce O’ Brien, Dermot Pierse, Gavin Ambrose, Gearoid O’ Sullivan, Andrew O’ Riordan, Eoin O’ Shea, T.J. Hunt, Pauric Enright, Cillian O’ Connor, Daire O’ Shea, Adam Byrne, Gavin Mulvihill & Brandon Finucane.
Friday April 10: U10s:
Our Athea boys and girls played three games on Friday night last in Knockaderry. They played Rathkeale, Castlemahon and Askeaton and from start to finish played very well. So well done to all the team and players, football was the winner on the night. Panel: James Lee, Brid Hunt, Evan Curry, James Hunt, Calum Gleeson, Ailísa Ahern, Niamh Ambrose, Callum Buckley, James Broderick & Ciarán Hunt.
Monday April 13: U16s:
Athea 6-08 Fr. Caseys 4-06.
Our U16s made the short journey to Abbeyfeale to take on Fr. Casey’s in the second round of the league and pulled a performance right out of the top drawer to beat the home side by eight points on the night. Athea got off to a blistering start with two goals inside the first five minutes to rattle the home side, John Sexton with the first one and Brian Sheahan with the second. Fr. Caseys scored a point of their own, but we extended our lead when Sean Ryan scored two great points. Fr. Caseys threatened and a powerful shot which was heading to the roof of the net was brilliantly saved by David O’ Sullivan in goals. We got our third goal when Andy Ahern found the back of the net after great work by Cillian Liston. Fr. Caseys hit back with a goal of their own, but Sean Ryan scored his second goal of the night after a pin point pass from Alan Kelly. The very impressive Liam McAuliffe who had an outstanding game rose the white flag and this was soon followed by another point from Sean Ryan. A second goal for Fr.Caseys gave them hope, but Liam McAuliffe scored Athea’s fifth goal following a surging run by Cillian Liston. The home side got their third goal late in the half and just on the stroke of half-time Liam McAuliffe scored another point to leave the half time score Athea 5-5, Fr.Caseys 3-2. In the second half Fr.Caseys had the wind at their backs, but it was Athea who scored first when Sean Ryan scored a super point from thirty yards out. Fr Casey’s pilled on the pressure and scored a goal and three points without reply to close the gap. They continued to pile on the pressure, but our backs lead by Shane Ambrose, Cillian Liston and Micheál Ambrose were outstanding, never giving an inch and continuously breaking down the home sides attacking play. We came back into the game again when Jack Vaughan scored a goal and a point and Sen Ryan tapped over a point to increase our lead. Fr.Caseys got another point late on, but at the final whistle Athea had won on a score line of Athea 6-8, Fr.Caseys 4-6. Overall this was a fine team performance and we look forward to our next match in a couple of weeks. Team: David O’ Sullivan, Mark McAuliffe, Shane Ambrose, David O’Connor, Cillian Liston, Micheál Ambrose, Micheál Dalton, Alan Kelly, Shane Dalton, Liam McAuliffe, Sean Ryan, Jack Vaughan, Brain Sheahan, Andy Ahern, John Sexton, Daniel McEldowney & Jack O’Connor.
Fixtures:
U8s Football Blitz:
Our U8’s have a football blitz this weekend April 17/18. Time and venue to be confirmed.
Monday April 27: U16:
Athea U16s will play Askeaton/Ballysteen on Monday evening April 13 in Páirc na nGael at 6.15pm. Players to be at the field for 5.30pm. All Players must have gum shields.
Training:
Friday April 17:
U6 & U10:
Training continues for U6s and U10s this Friday April 17 in Páirc na nGael at 6.30pm. All Players must have gum shields.
U16:
Training continues for U16s in Páirc na nGael this Monday evening April 20 at 6pm. All players must have gum shields.
Tuesday April 21:
U14:
Training continues for U14s in Páirc na nGael this Tuesday evening April 21 at 6.30pm. All players must have gum shields.
Cúl Camp:
This year’s Cúl camp will be held on the week of July 6th to 10th. Further details to follow or please contact Jacqueline on 086-0670091.
County:
Best of luck to James Ryan and the Limerick Minor footballers who take on Cork in the first round of the Munster Minor Championship in The Gaelic Grounds this Wednesday evening April 15.
Congratulations:
Congratulations and best wishes to John and Nora Hunt who were blessed with a baby girl during the week.
County Football League Division 3 Results:
Round 4:
Kilteely/Dromkeen 3-05 3-12 Mungret/St.Pauls
Glin 2-14 0-07 Cappamore.