26/03/07– The Olive Bar
Numbers drawn were: 15, 18, 23, 28
Match 4 Winners [€2,250] – None
Match 3 Winners [€75 X 2] - Ann McManus, Noel Lennon
Consolation Prize Winner – None

Next Draw: Monday April 2nd in Athlone Town Stadium Bar for €2,400 Jackpot

ATHLONE TOWN have confirmed the details of their home eircom League of Ireland Cup First Round tie against Longford Town.

The game goes ahead in Athlone Town Stadium on Monday April 2nd. Kick-off has been set for 7:30pm.

As this competition now falls under the remit of the FAI, Season Tickets will NOT be accepted for this game. This decision is out of the control of Athlone Town FC.

ATHLONE TOWN made it two wins from two home games on Sunday afternoon, when they convincingly beat Wexford Youths 3 - 0 in the first ever encounter between the two sides.

In a game where Stevie Gavin made his 100th appearance for the Club, the home side were always in control, with Danny O'Leary rarely called into action.

Town showed their intent from the off, when Noel McGee flashed a shot across the face of goal after just two mintes.

Stevie Gavin showed great trickery on the right wing before crossing to Colm Heffernan on 12 minutes, but the left winger put his volley wide from an awkward position ..... More

THE oldest club in the eircom League of Ireland plays host to one of the youngest this Sunday afternoon, when Athlone Town welcome Wexford Youths to Athlone Town Stadium (k/o 3:00pm).

Mick Wallace's club were granted a League place this season, following the demise of Dublin City last season.

They remain unbeaten in their opening two games, having come back from two goals down away to Monaghan United in their season opener to force a 2 - 2 draw.

Last weekend, they recorded their first ever win when a Tom Elmes goal was enough to beat Cobh Ramblers 1 - 0 in their first home game in front of a crowd of over 2,000.

Town have a similar record of a win and a draw from their opening two games, when they followed up their opening day win with a 1 - 1 draw away to the Limerick37 last weekend.

"You're never happy with dropping two points," Town boss Michael O'Connor told athlonetownfc.com, "but in the context of the game with the condition of the pitch, and conditions weather wise, it was nice to remain unbeaten and get a point.

He continued, "I'm very happy with the way we played against Kilkenny in the first game, and if we play the same way - even though we'd respect Wexford and the results they've got - I'd be happy enough with the players we've got to get a result on Sunday."

The Town manager once again has no injury or suspensions worries, and picks from a full strength side.

"Yeah it's great. Three weeks and no worries whatsoever. Long may it continue."

While the game will of course be the first meeting between Athlone Town and Wexford Youths, one player will remember it for an entirely different reason.

Athlone Town winger, and fans favourite, Stevie Gavin, will pull on the famous blue and black jersey for the 100th time in a senior competitive fixture.

The Mayo native was brought to Athlone from Sligo Rovers in 2003 by then manager Jimmy Greene. Bar a brief stint with Galway United last season, he has been here ever since, racking up 99 appearances in the three national senior competitions of the League, FAI Cup and League Cup.

He made his competitive debut at home to Cobh in the opening game of the 2003 season, and scored his first two goals in an enthralling FAI Cup tie away to Bray Wanderers, which eventually ended up 6 - 3 in favour of the hosts.

"To play 100 times for your club is a great achievement for any player," said Michael O'Connor. "Steven is a very good player and we're delighted to have him. It's a great personal achievement for him, and wouldn't it be great if he could finish it off with a goal," he concluded.

The First Round of the 2007 eircom League of Ireland Cup was drawn on Tuesday, and Athlone Town have been handed a home tie against near neighbours Longford Town.

Sixteen clubs were entered into the draw for the First Round of the competition, with a further eight clubs receiving byes into the next round. Clubs were entered into groups based on geographical location, with two fixtures then drawn from each group.

The complete draw is as follows:

Group 1:

Finn Harps v Fanad United

Monaghan United v Galway United ..... More

20/03/07– Nuts Corner
Numbers drawn were: 10, 13, 17, 28
Match 4 Winners [€2,100] – None
Match 3 Winners [€75 X 2] - Aidan St. John, Reece & Andrew
Consolation Prize Winner – None

Next Draw: Monday March 26th in Green Olive for €2,250 Jackpot

ATHLONE TOWN are offering one lucky family tickets to the upcoming Republic of Ireland Vs. Slovakia Euro 2008 Qualifier at Croke Park.

Entry coupons will appear in this week's edition of the Westmeath Independent newspaper. Coupons will also be distributed to local schools this week.

To be in with a chance to win this fantastic offer, just fill in the coupon and return to Athlone Town at next Sunday's (March 25) FAI eircom League of Ireland First Division game against Wexford Youths at Athlone Town Stadium.

The draw will take place at half-time, and if your name is picked out, you must be present to claim your prize.

The prize is a Family Ticket (2 Adults & 4 Children) to see the Republic of Ireland Vs. Slovakia in their Euro 2008 Qualifier at Croke Park on Wednesday March 28th. Kick-off is at 7:30pm.

ATHLONE TOWN took a point from their trip to Jackman Park on Saturday night, playing out a 1 - 1 draw in their first ever game against Limerick37.

Michael O'Connor was able to name an unchanged starting eleven, but played on a soft pitch and in miserable conditions, neither side created really enough chances to merit the three points.

The home side took the lead after 10 minutes when Kevin Waters' free-kick found the back of the net via the underside of the bar, after Padraig Moran was taken down on the edge of the box.

Town drew level just before the break, with last season's top scorer Noel McGee, getting his first of the new season with an acrobatic overhead kick from close range.

Athlone somehow denied Limerick a goal on 64 minutes following a frentic goalmouth scramble, with Moran also shooting wide after doing well to get in down the left.

Substitute Dave O'Dowd had a good chance to take all three points and make it three goals in two games with eight minutes remaining, but his shot went narrowly wide of the right upright.

"It was a fair result, played in terrible conditions on a terrible pitch. But they will cause teams problems throughout the season," Town boss Michael O'Connor told athlonetownfc.com after the game.

LIMERICK37: David Ryan, Nigel Keady, Conor Molan, Paul Finucane, Pat Purcell, Anthony Hayes, Joey Maloney, Kevin Waters, Ross Corgrove, Padraig Moran, David Goldbey. SUBS: Peter McCarthy for Maloney (68), Peter Whyte for Molan (90).

ATHLONE TOWN: Danny O'Leary, Ian Rossiter, Darren Young, Ronan Frawley, Jim Sheridan, Michael Harty, Steven Gavin, Davy Byrne, Noel McGee, Paul McTiernan, Colm Heffernan. SUBS: Dave O'Dowd for McGee (63), Eric Lavine for McTiernan (68).

ATHLONE TOWN face their first away game of the season this Friday, when they travel to Jackman Park and League new-boys, Limerick37 (k/o 7:45pm) .

Town got their season off to the best possible start last Satuday night when they beat Kilkenny City 3 - 0 in Athlone Town Stadium.

Michael O'Connor will be facing a selection headache of sorts after that result, with Dave O'Dowd and Eric Lavine both coming off the bench to score all the goals in that game.

Limerick37 for their part, enjoyed a 2 - 0 win away to Cobh Ramblers in their season opener, with former Town striker Padraig Moran grabbing both goals. Moran is joined at Jackman Park this season by another former Town player, midfielder Anthony Hayes.

With Colm Heffernan having made the switch in the other direction, and with full-back Darren Young also spending time with the mid-west club, there should be an extra bite to the game.

Town manager Michael O'Connor will once again have a full squad to choose from for this early top of the table clash, with no injuries or suspensions to worry about.

Meanwhile, Town's next home game against the League's other new club, Wexford Youths, will take place on Sunday March 25th in Athlone Town Stadium. Kick-off is at 3:00pm.

12/03/07– The Castle Inn
Numbers drawn were: 3, 5, 7, 27
Match 4 Winners [€1,950] – None
Match 3 Winners [€30 X 5] - Robert Connaughton, Joe Byrne, John Harney, '3+1', Kendra Hussey
Consolation Prize Winner – None

Next Draw: Tuesday March 20th in Nut's Corner for €2,100 Jackpot

DAVE O'DOWD fired himself in the history books, by grabbing the first and second competitive goals to be scored in the new Athlone Town Stadium on Saturday night.

Town left it late, but goals from second half substitutes O'Dowd and Eric Lavine ensured that Athlone got off to a winning start in their new home, beating Kilkenny City 3 - 0.

The home side dominated throughout, and had their first shot on goal in the opening minute when full back Darren Young shot wide from range.

Colm Heffernan played a one-two with Noel McGee before aiming his shot just past the far upright after four minutes.

McGee pounced on a poor kick-out after 13 minutes, but after playing a one-two with Paul McTiernan, he saw his attempted lob easily dealt with by City 'keeper John McGuinness.

Paul McTiernan shot just wide from 30 yards on the half hour mark, but the visitors had their first real chance just before the break. Francis Rockett had Town 'keeper Danny O'Leary scampering somewhat, but had to watch as his free-kick went just wide.

Rockett had another free on 49 minutes, but this time failed to keep it down. Paul McTiernan shot over from inside the box on 54 minutes, when he pounced on a poor clearance following a Town free.

Noel McGee had a shot from the edge of the box go wide on 69 minutes, before being replaced by Dave O'Dowd five minutes later.

O'Dowd was only on the pitch five minutes when he sent the near 2,000 crowd into raptures. Stevie's Gavin's cross was punched clear by McGuinness, but O'Dowd got on the ball, turned and fired to the back of the net.

Before the crowd had time to settle down, O'Dowd produced an almost exact replica of his first to send Athlone into a two goal lead.

Eric Lavine wrapped things up in injury time when he burst in from the left before shooting into the far corner of the net, and send Athlone to the top of the table on goal difference.

Speaking to athlonetownfc.com after the game, Town manager Michael O'Connor said, "The lads were disciplined, they kept playing and that's important. The level of fitness told in the end. The kept doing the right things - they kept getting the ball out to our wingers and that's the whole answer to it.

"It was great to see Dave and Eric come on and score. That shows people that we're not just eleven, we have a whole panel. We have other lads who couldn't even make the bench.

"I'm delighted for everyone but lets not get carried away. We'll take the plaudits because at the end of the day the players deserve them, they've worked hard. We're going to have good days and bad days. We'll need the support in the bad days as well, not just the good days," he concluded.

ATHLONE TOWN: Danny O'Leary, Ian Rossiter, Darren Young, Ronan Frawley, Jim Sheridan, Michael Harty, Steven Gavin, Davy Byrne, Noel McGee, Paul McTiernan, Colm Heffernna. SUBS: Dave O'Dowd for McGee (74), Eric Lavine for McTiernan (76).

KILKENNY CITY: John McGuinness, Ian Nagle, Francis Rockett, Kiernan Fitzgerald, Colin Falvey, Stephen Grant, Michael Comerford, Paraic Fogarty, Ted O'Connor, Martin Tynan, Andrew Polewczak. SUBS: Kevin Walsh for Tynan (72), Daragh Hayes for Polewczak (85).

REFEREE: Padraigh Sutton (Clare)

ATHLONE TOWN will create history on Saturday night when they play host to Kilkenny City in the new FAI eircom League of Ireland First Division.

After bidding a tearful farewall to Saint Mel's Park last November, Town welcome Kilkenny City as the first visitors to the Club's new Athlone Town Stadium at Lissywollen in the town.

It has been a long time since the idea of moving to a new ground was first mooted, but when the gates are opened for the first time on Saturday, everyone will agree that it was worth the wait - Athlone Town have a home to be proud of.

And there will be no-one prouder than Athlone Town manager Michael O'Connor, who will take charge of his new look side for the first time from his shiny new dugout.

"It's great for everyone. It's great for the players and the supporters and the Club as a whole. It's brings the Club up to a new level. Now we have to make sure we do the same on the pitch," he told athlonetownfc.com.

"We've been training now for what seems forever. It's great to get the real stuff started on Saturday. There will be good support there on the night, but it's up to us to keep them coming back.

"We've no injuries, and no suspensions, no excuses. While you respect everyone in the Division from Shelbourne down to Kilkenny and Monaghan, it's up to us to do our stuff on the pitch and start off with a win," he concluded.

Another man who will be looking on with immense satisfaction on Saturday night is Tom Burke. As Project Manager, he has overseen the transformation of a greenfield site into a state-of-the-art football stadium.

"I think everybody associated with the Club should feel pleased and happy with the development, particularly those of us who are keen sports fanatics. It's something that an awful lot of people wanted to see. I think the credit has to go to people like the Project Team for the amount of work and dedication and commitment that they have shown. Obviously a lot of problems along the way were encountered, but they tackled them one by one and the end result is there to be seen.

He continued, "I think as we all know, it's a huge step forward. It has to be a new dawn for Athlone Town Football Club. Now at least, you have a very very presentable, up to standard stadium. I'm sure players, number one, must be happy with and spectators have no reason for not coming out and supporting now. They have facillities that are comparable with the best in the country.

And Athlone's chances of opening the Stadium with a win? "I think Athlone have a stronger squad, they're physically stronger. They look a better squad than last season, and I'd be optimistic - I just saw them in one of their pre-season games and I was quite impressed so I think they'll do the business on Saturday night."

Building up to the historic game, a Mad As Cootes Select XI will take on an Athlone Town Legends XI in Saint Mel's Park.

Former favourites like Shane Curran, Val Keenan, Frank Darby and Rod de Khors to name but a few, will strut their stuff against members of the Mad As Cootes Independent Supporters Club. Refreshments will be served after in The Olive Bar (Green Olive) on the Ballymahon Road, before making the short stroll down the road to Lissywollen for the big kick-off.

Mad As Cootes Select XI Vs. Athlone Town Legends XI - Saint Mel's Park - 2:00pm
Athlone Town Vs. Kilkenny City - Athlone Town Stadium - 7:00pm

ATHLONE TOWN finally wrapped up their pre-season campaign with with a 3 - 1 over current Under-21 League champions Salthill Devon on Tuesday night.

Paul McTiernan became the first ever Athlone Town player to score in the New Stadium when he got on the end of Ian Rossiter's cross in just the second minute.

Town made it 2 - 0 on the hour mark when Dave O'Dowd did well to hold off two defenders before shooting into the far corner of the net.

The visitors pulled one back with eight minutes remainaing, before Adrian Carberry recorded another first when he slotted home from the penalty spot in the 87th minute.

ATHLONE TOWN (First Half): Danny O'Leary, Ian Rossiter, Darren Young, Ronan Frawley, Jim Sheridan, Mixie Harty, Steven Gavin, Davy Byrne, Noel McGee, Paul McTiernan, Colm Heffernan.

ATHLONE TOWN (Second Half): Ciaran Kelly, Robbie Hamm, Ryan Casey, Des Hope, Brian McCarthy, Carmine Russo, Declan Fallon, Luke Hardy, Eric Lavine, Dave O'Dowd, Adrian Carberry. SUBS: Stephen Ryan for McCarthy (76), Colm Jinks for Robbie Hamm (76).

REFEREE: John McLoughlin

ATHLONE TOWN will start their 2007 FAI eircom League of Ireland First Division season with a full squad, following the release of a list of suspensions carried over from last season.

However, some of Town's early opponents have been hit, with Kilkenny City, Limerick 37 and Dundalk FC all missing players for their games against Athlone.

See here for the full list of suspensions carried over.

05/03/07– Durty Harrys
Numbers drawn were: 8, 16, 19, 25
Match 4 Winners [€1,800] – None
Match 3 Winners [€50 X 3] - Jimmy West, Robyn Geoghegan, Sean O'Gallchoir
Consolation Prize Winner – None

Next Draw: Monday March 12th in The Castle Inn for €1,950 Jackpot

ATHLONE TOWN concluded their pre-season campaign with a 3 - 0 defeat away to Galway United on Saturday afternoon last.

Tony Cousins' side stormed into an early lead and were 2 - 0 up after just six minutes. First Stephen O'Flynn capitalised on a defensive mistake to slot past Ciaran Kelly in the Town goal after two minutes.

Derek O'Brien made it 2 - 0 after 6 minutes with a move down the left before cutting back in from the endline and blasting a great shot past Kelly.

The result was put beyond doubt in the 25th minute when Alan Murphy met a low and hard Ciaran Foley cross, his first time effort leaving Kelly with no chance.

Town's best chance of the game came on the hour mark when Colm Heffernan's cross from the left found Davy Byrne free at the back post, but the midfielder miscued his shot and the ball went harmlessly wide.

The home side might have added a fourth on 71 minutes when Barry Moran did well to round Kelly, but delayed in taking his shot and was pushed wide by Ronan Frawley. Moran's eventual shot crashed off the upright and Frawley was on hand to clear Derek Glynn's follow up off the line.

ATHLONE TOWN: Ciaran Kelly, Ian Rossiter, Ryan Casey, Des Hope, Ronan Frawley, Mixie Harty, Darren Young, Davy Byrne, Dave O'Dowd, Paul McTiernan, Colm Heffernan. SUBS: Steven Gavin for Young (22), Noel McGee for O'Dowd (HT), Robbie Hamm for Rossiter (57), Jim Sheridan for Hope (57), Adrian Carberry for Heffernan (63), Declan Fallon for McTiernan (75)

ATHLONE TOWN and Longford Town met in the memory of former player of both clubs, Shane Brennan, when they clashed in Flancare Park on Tuesday night.

The only goal of the game came after 21 minutes, when Damien Brennan headed past his own 'keeper from a Davy Byrne free-kick. Byrne had earlier seen his 30 yard effort whistle past Mick Dempsey's right upright.

Steven Gavin went even closer on 66 minutes, when his free from just outside the box crashed off the angle of the crossbar before being tipped out for a corner.

Longford thought they had found an equaliser with just five minutes remaining when Mark Rutherford shot past the advancing Ciaran Kelly from the left, but Des Hope made a tremendous clearance off the line.

This Saturday afternoon Athlone travel to Terryland Park to take on Galway United. Kick-off is at 3:00pm.

ATHLONE TOWN: Danny O'Leary, Ian Rossiter, Darren Young, Des Hope, Jim Sheridan, Mixie Harty, Steven Gavin, Davy Byrne, Eric Lavine, Paul McTiernan, Colm Heffernan. SUBS: Ciaran Kelly for O'Leary (HT), Ronan Frawley for Sheridan (HT), Dave O'Dowd for Lavine (HT), Robbie Hamm for Rossiter (HT), Ryan Casey for Young (HT), Adrian Carberry for Byrne (50), Noel McGee for McTiernan (59), Carmine Russo for Heffernan (71), Luke Hardy for Gavin (74).

Meanwhile Town manager Michael O'Connor has confirmed some final last minute changes with his squad. Out go Steve Feeney (Monaghan United) and Istvan Lakatos, while in comes Ryan Casey. The former Swansea City, Cork City and Galway United player can play anywhere on the left and brings with him a wealth of experience.

Athlone Town's squad for the 2007 FAI eircom League of Ireland First Division season is: Davy Byrne, Adrian Carberry, Ryan Casey, Declan Fallon, Ronan Frawley, Steven Gavin, Robbie Hamm, Luke Hardy, Mixie Harty, Colm Heffernan, Des Hope, Ciaran Kelly, Eric Lavine, Brian McCarthy, Noel McGee, Paul McTiernan, Dave O'Dowd, Danny O'Leary, Ian Rossiter, Carmine Russo, Stephen Ryan, Jim Sheridan, Mark Sherlock, Darren Young.

ATHLONE TOWN have announced their Season Ticket details for the 2007 FAI eircom League of Ireland First Division, which kicks off on Saturday March 10th when Town welcome Kilkenny City to Athlone Town Stadium.

Offering truely excellent value for money, an Adult Stand Season Ticket will cost just €150, while an Under-16/OAP Stand Season Ticket will cost only €75.

An Adult Ground Season Ticket is set at €120, with an Under-16/OAP Ground Season Ticket costing just €60.

Admission to the Main Stand will cost €15 (Adult) or €7.50 (Under-16/OAP), with admission to the Ground costing €10 (Adult) or €5 (Under-16/OAP).

As you can see from the above, an Adult Stand Season Ticket offers amazing value for money, with a saving of at least €130 over paying game-to-game.

A full list of Season Ticket stockists will appear here shortly.

26/02/07– Higgins' Pub
Numbers drawn were: 5, 22, 24, 27
Match 4 Winners [€1,650] – None
Match 3 Winners [€150 X 1] - Kevin Francis
Consolation Prize Winner – None

Next Draw: Monday March 5th in Durty Harry's for €1,800 Jackpot

ATHLONE TOWN went down 3 - 0 to UCD in their third game of pre-season on Saturday night last.

Town started well, but the Premier Division side struck on 32, 67 and 79 minutes.

This Wednesday night, Athlone travel to Flancare Park to take on Longford Town in the Shane Brennan Memorial Cup. Kick-off is at 7:30pm.

Then on Saturday afternoon, Town face Galway United at Terryland Park at 3:00pm before the big kick-off against Kilkenny City on Saturday March 10th.

ATHLONE TOWN: Ciaran Kelly, Ronan Frawley, Ian Rossiter, Des Hope, Jim Sheridan, Mixie Harty, Dave O'Dowd, Davy Byrne, Paul McTiernan, Eric Lavine, Stevie Gavin. SUBS: Danny O'Leary for Kelly (HT), Stephen Grant for Sheridan (HT), Noel McGee for McTiernan (54), Declan Fallon for Lavine (64), Mark Sherlock for O'Dowd (68), Luke Hardy for Gavin (78).

REFEREE: Richie Winter (Wicklow)

THE FIXTURES for the 2007 FAI eircom League of Ireland First Division have been released.

Athlone Town will play their first game in their New Stadium at Lissywollen against Kilkenny City on Saturday March 10th. Athlone Town will play all their home games this season on a Saturday, with a 7:00pm kick-off.

This is followed up with a trip to Jackman Park to take on Limerick 37, before the first ever encounter with Wexford Youths the following weekend.

Speaking to athlonetownfc.com following the release of the fixtures, Athlone Town manager Michael O'Connor was pleased to start off with a home game.

"It's great to have a home game to start off with. I'd never like to disrespect anyone, but it's great to get a home draw against Kilkenny to be honest with you. Hopefully we can get up and running straight away.

We're going into our New Stadium. We can't concentrate on other teams. If you respect everyone and treat everyone the same, whether it's Shelbourne now, or Dundalk or Wexford Youths or Kilkenny City, you treat them all the same. You get the same three points for each game," he concluded.

The full list of fixtures is available here.

19/02/07– Carey's Pub
Numbers drawn were: 10, 18, 23, 25
Match 4 Winners [€1,650] – None
Match 3 Winners [€75 X 2] - David Allen, Levina Flanagan
Consolation Prize Winner – None

Next Draw: Monday February 26th in Higgins' Bar for €1,650 Jackpot

Athlone Town got their pre-season campaign off to a double winning start after two training games against Dubin side Broadford Rovers on Saturday.

In the first game at Willow Park at 2pm, Athlone ran out 3 - 0 winners thanks to goals from Mark Sherlock, Colm Jinks, and Brian McCarthy.

In the 5pm game in Saint Mel's Park, Town won 1 - 0 with new signing Davy Byrne squeezing the ball in at the new post from Darren Young's corner on 75 minutes.

Town travel to Flancare Park to take on Longford Town on Wednesday 28th, before taking on Galway United in Terryland Park on Saturday March 3rd. The games kick-off at 7:30pm and 3pm respectively.

ATHLONE TOWN I: Ciaran Kelly, Robbie Hamm, Brian McCarthy, Luke Hardy, Des Hope, Carmine Russo, Declan Fallon, Colm Jinks, Mark Sherlock, Stephen Ryan, Niall Scullion. SUBS: Dave O'Brien for Ryan (48), Gordon Brett for Hope (66)

ATHLONE TOWN II: Danny O'Leary, Ian Rossiter, Darren Young, Ronan Frawley, Jim Sheridan, Mixie Harty, Dave O'Dowd, Davy Byrne, Eric Lavine, Steven Gavin, Colm Heffernan. SUBS: Stephen Grant for Harty (HT), Noel McGee for Lavine (56), Istvan Lakatos for Gavin (56).

Athlone Town F.C. would like to hear from any individual who feels they can help out in anyway, no matter how small, on a voluntary basis during the forth-coming season.

Anyone interested is asked to contact the Club Secretary at 086 8752842.

12/02/07– The Grove, Baylough
Numbers drawn were: 4, 6, 9, 25
Match 4 Winners [€5,550] – Paul Kelly
Match 3 Winners -
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday February 19th in Carey's Pub for €1,500 Jackpot

The Football Association of Ireland has invited Wexford Youths to become members of the Eircom League of Ireland.

Wexford Youths have been awarded a First Division Licence for the 2007 season by the FAI’s First Instance Committee following a successful application.

Eircom League of Ireland Director Fran Gavin said that the presence of Wexford Youth would greatly enhance this season's First Division.

Gavin added: “With Wexford Youths we are bringing League of Ireland football to a new corner of the country so it is going to be an exciting time, especially in the south-east.

“Kevin Doyle is a prime example of the talent that there is in Wexford and the presence of a League of Ireland club in the county offers a new platform to players in that region.”

The FAI Licensing Department is currently processing one other application for a First Division licence. This process was delayed for two weeks by a High Court injunction and the Licensing Department is currently working flat out to process this application as quickly as possible.

05/02/07– Potter's
Numbers drawn were: 8, 9, 16, 26
Match 4 Winners [€5,400] –
Match 3 Winners [€150 X 1] - C Keogh
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday February 12th in The Grove, Baylough for €5,550 Jackpot

MICHAEL O'CONNOR has concluded his close-season dealings by adding another three players to his 2007 Athlone Town squad.

O'Connor has agreed deals with goalkeeper Ciaran Kelly, and defenders Darren Young and Luke Hardy.

Ciaran Kelly joins from Castlebar Celtic, but has previously played with Sligo Rovers and Derry City in the eircom League. The Mayo native spent two seasons at the Showgrounds before moving to the Brandywell and Premier Division football in 2004.

Darren Young was born in Whitehaven in England, but has represented New Zealand from underage level up to Under-20, winning 20 caps at Under-20. He can play at left back, left midfield or centre midfield. He played with Waterford United in the Premier Division last season, and has also played with Limerick FC.

Luke Hardy left Welsh Premier League side Carmarthen Town after two seasons to make the move to Ireland at the end of the 2005/06 season. He has experience of playing in Europe when Carmarthen faced up to one of Athlone Town's former European Cup opponents FC Copenhagen, in the UEFA Cup Second Qualifying Round in 2005. Carmarthen beat Longford Town 5 - 3 on aggregate in the First Qualifying Round.

Speaking to athlonetownfc.com, Michael O'Connor said, "That's Athlone finished signings players now. We have our squad complete and I'm very happpy with what we have.

"With Ciaran signing, we now have two very good keepers, both very experienced. Darren can play anywhere on the left and Luke on the right. Then you have Colm Heffernan who can play on either side. We have cover everywhere really. I'm extremely happy with what we have and am looking forward to getting the season off to a start," he concluded.

The Athlone Town Squad for 2007 is: Davy Byrne, Adrian Carberry, Steve Feeney, Declan Fallon, Ronan Frawley, Steven Gavin, Robbie Hamm, Luke Hardy, Mixie Harty, Colm Heffernan, Des Hope, Ciaran Kelly, Istvan Lakatos, Eric Lavine, Brian McCarthy, Noel McGee, Paul McTiernan, Dave, O'Dowd, Danny O'Leary, Ian Rossiter, Carmine Russo, Stephen Ryan, Jim Sheridan and Mark Sherlock, Darren Young.

30/01/07– The Castle Inn
Numbers drawn were: 11, 16, 18, 24
Match 4 Winners [€5,250] –
Match 3 Winners [€150 X 1] - John Cunnane
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday February 5th in Potter's Bar for €5,400 Jackpot

ATHLONE TOWN commenced pre-season training on Monday evening, with another new face amongst the squad.

Colm Heffernan becomes Michael O'Connor's sixth close season signing, joining from his hometown club, Limerick FC.

An out-and-out winger, Heffernan has played with Limerick and Sligo Rovers, and also spent a season in the Premier Division with Waterford United in 2005.

Speaking about his latest signing, Michael O'Connor told athlonetownfc.com, "I've been after Colm Heffernan since the very start. He is a Premier Division player that can play on the right side, or his preferred side on the left wing. He could have gone to two Premier Division club, but he's come here. I'm delighted to have him.

"Training got off to a great start tonight. I was delighted with how it went. We had a full turnout of people. Now it's competition for places, everyone wants to play in the team. But as I've said before, everyone is talking about the new signings, but there are still some other very good that are already there.

"Some of the best teams in the world can't get through things unless they have a good, big panel. We didn't have that last year, we have it this year. I'm looking forward to it to be honest, we have some smashing players here now," he concluded.

The updated squad list now reads as follows: Davy Byrne, Adrian Carberry, Steve Feeney, Declan Fallon, Ronan Frawley, Steven Gavin, Robbie Hamm, Mixie Harty, Colm Heffernan, Des Hope, Istvan Lakatos, Eric Lavine, Brian McCarthy, Noel McGee, Paul McTiernan, Dave, O'Dowd, Danny O'Leary, Ian Rossiter, Carmine Russo, Stephen Ryan, Jim Sheridan and Mark Sherlock.

22/01/07– The Coosan Tavern
Numbers drawn were: 8, 12, 16, 27
Match 4 Winners [€5,100] –
Match 3 Winners [€40 X 4] - Nancy Reilly, '67', Tommy Collins, Jean Irwin
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday January 29th in The Castle Inn for €5,250 Jackpot

THE AGM for Mad As Cootes, Independent Athlone Town Supporters Club which had been set to take place tonight in Durty Harrys, will now take place in the Green Olive instead.

Proceedings get underway at 7pm.

STADIUM fundraising steps up a gear following hot on the heals of the success of the Athlone Town Stadium open days, and the promotion of the Seat Sale & Draw.

There was good attendance on both days and visitors were impressed with the Stadium Development.

Now, Athlone Town Stadium Project Team have announced details of this years Dinner Dance. The 2007 event will again be the Valentine's Dinner Dance on Saturday February 10th next at the Radisson SAS Hotel in Athlone ..... More

THE AGM for Mad As Cootes, Independent Athlone Town Supporters Club has been provisionally set for Tuesday 23rd January 2007 at 7pm in Durty Harrys.

This meeting is open to all supporters and 2007 membership forms will be available on the night.

15/01/07– The Green Olive
Numbers drawn were: 1, 18, 22, 26
Match 4 Winners [€4,950] –
Match 3 Winners [€75 X 2] - Eamon Carey, 'Fab Four'
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday January 22nd in The Coosan Tavern for €5,100 Jackpot

ATHLONE TOWN manager Michael O'Connor has made another addition to his 2007 squad, with the acquisition of Mixie Harty from Galway United.

The 27-year-old has spent his entire League career to date with the Tribesmen, having joined from local side Galway Hibs in 2001/02.

Michael O'Connor told athlonetownfc.com, "Mixie is a versatile player. He can play centre of midfield, right side of midfield or right full. It gives us great options and it gives us some cover in the middle of the pitch.

"Really we need to have a panel to get through the season this year, not just the starting eleven. We need a whole panel, so that when people are suspended or injured, others can come in and do a job. That's what we need I believe to make us competitive.

"I'm happy with the way things have been going so far. We have some smashing lads. I'm very happy with everyone of the players that have come in. But I'm also happy with the players we had already. The players coming in seem to get all the limelight, but lets not forget Eric Lavine, Steve Feeney, Ian Rossiter, Jim Sheridan, Des Hope, Danny O'Leary, Noel McGee, Brian McCarthy, we have some good lads there. But it is great to have a couple of Premier Division players coming in. Any player that will improve the side will be brought," he concluded.

Athlone Town's squad now reads as follows: Davy Byrne, Adrian Carberry, Steve Feeney, Declan Fallon, Ronan Frawley, Steven Gavin, Robbie Hamm, Mixie Harty, Des Hope, Istvan Lakatos, Eric Lavine, Brian McCarthy, Noel McGee, Paul McTiernan, Dave, O'Dowd, Danny O'Leary, Ian Rossiter, Carmine Russo, Stephen Ryan, Jim Sheridan and Mark Sherlock.

08/01/07– Nut's Corner
Numbers drawn were: 13, 14, 21, 23
Match 4 Winners [€4,800] –
Match 3 Winners [€150 X 1] - Matthew Molloy
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday January 15th in The Green Olive for €4,950 Jackpot

ATHLONE TOWN boss Michael O'Connor has made a double dip into the transfer market, as he continues to strengthen his side ahead of the 2007 season.

O'Connor has signed centre-midfield player Davy Byrne from neighbours Longford Town, and centre-forward Dave O'Dowd from Galway United.

Byrne (27), has formerly played with St. Patrick's Athletic, Derry City and Shelbourne, and won a League Championship medal with the Tolka Park outfit in 2001/02, and also has a Cup runners-up medal from his time with St. Pat's.

O'Dowd (24), spent the first five seasons of his career with Sligo Rovers, before moving to Galway United in 2004.

Speaking to athlonetownfc.com about his new signings, Michael O'Connor said,"Dave is a proven centre-forward. He'll add that extra little bit to us. He'll bring to four the number of recognised centre forwards we have at the Club - Paul McTiernan, Eric Lavine, Dave O'Dowd and Noel McGee. So there will be great competition for places up there.

"Davy signing, is like Paul McTiernan. It's great to have Premier Division players like them coming to play for Athlone Town. He is a fabulous player. He and Steve Feeney will give us a strong midfield, but we still have two more centre-midfield players to come in.

"We have to be serious about having a strong squad. Last season, when we had our best eleven out, we weren't bad. But when we were hit with injuries we were struggling. We need a squad rather than a team to get us through the whole season," he concluded.

Athlone Town's squad now reads as follows: Davy Byrne, Adrian Carberry, Steve Feeney, Declan Fallon, Ronan Frawley, Steven Gavin, Robbie Hamm, Des Hope, Istvan Lakatos, Eric Lavine, Brian McCarthy, Noel McGee, Paul McTiernan, Dave, O'Dowd, Danny O'Leary, Ian Rossiter, Carmine Russo, Stephen Ryan, Jim Sheridan and Mark Sherlock.

ATHLONE TOWN have announced details of their first two pre-season friendlies.

On Wednesday February 28th, Town will make the short trip across the midlands to take on Longford Town. Kick-off at Flancare Park is at 7:45pm.

Then, on Saturday March 3rd, Town are again on their travels when they head to Terryland Park to take on Galway United. Kick-off here is at 3:00pm.

THE GATES of the Athlone Town New Stadium will be swung open to the public, with two open days at the venue this weekend.

On both Saturday December 30th and Sunday 31st, members of the public will be welcomed in to view the fantastic facilitiies at the New Stadium at Lissywollen, Athlone.

Members of the Stadium Project Team will be on hand at the New Stadium from 3pm to 6pm on both days.

CENTRE HALF Ronan Frawley has become Michael O'Connor's second close season signing, as the Town boss aims to have his side fighting for promotion next season.

Frawley (26) spent the past three seasons with Galway United, but after turning down a new contract offer from the Terryland Park outfit, he returns to his hometown club where he made his eircom League debut in the 2000/01 season.

Speaking to athlonetownfc.com, Michael O'Connor said, "It's great to have such competition for the centre half positions. They can fight amongst themselves to see who gets them," he joked.

He concluded, "Once you have competition, it means you are going in the right direction."

Frawley joins Paul McTiernan on the 'Player In' list, with the squad now reading as follows: Adrian Carberry, Steve Feeney, Declan Fallon, Ronan Frawley, Steven Gavin, Robbie Hamm, Des Hope, Istvan Lakatos, Eric Lavine, Brian McCarthy, Noel McGee, Paul McTiernan, Danny O'Leary, Ian Rossiter, Carmine Russo, Stephen Ryan, Jim Sheridan and Mark Sherlock.

18/12/06 – Palacae Bar
Numbers drawn were: 4, 11, 15, 20
Match 4 Winners [€4,650] –
Match 3 Winners [€40 X 4] - Gail Farrell, James & Anne, W. Walshe, John Keane
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday January 8th in Nut's Corner for €4,800 Jackpot

ATHLONE TOWN boss Michael O'Connor has made his first close-season signing.

Paul McTiernan, who left Sligo Rovers in recent weeks, has put pen to paper on a deal that will see him play in the blue and black in 2007.

Boyle native, McTiernan, started 19 games in the Premier Division last season, finding the back of the net six times, with two more in the FAI Cup.

McTiernan was at the Showgrounds for six seasons, having joined from junior club Boyle Celtic in 2001/02 and scored 44 First Division goals in five seasons. He is pictured left receiving the Soccer Writers Association Player of the Month Award for June of this year.

Speaking to athlonetownfc.com about his new signing, Michael O'Connor said, "I'm delighted. Paul became available because he wouldn't go full-time with Sligo Rovers, with regards his job. But he is a proven goal scorer in both divisions and I'm delighted that he has come to Athlone. It's great to see Athlone in the market for top quality players.

"We said at the start that we were going to bring in seven or eight players. Paul is the first of them. They are good players, and that is all we're going to bring in, good players.

"We have to be serious next year on the pitch. We are going into our new stadium, so let's get a team on the pitch that matches that. All the talking has to be done on the pitch next season," he concluded.

Staying on from last season's side are: Adrian Carberry, Steve Feeney, Declan Fallon, Steven Gavin, Robbie Hamm, Des Hope, Istvan Lakatos, Eric Lavine, Brian McCarthy, Noel McGee, Danny O'Leary, Ian Rossiter, Carmine Russo, Stephen Ryan, Jim Sheridan and Mark Sherlock.

THE Football Association of Ireland has announced the 12 clubs that will compete in the eircom League of Ireland Premier Division next season.

The announcement was made following a meeting of the FAI Board yesterday afternoon where the recommendations of the Independent Assessment Group were approved.

The 21 clubs which took part in the process were ranked on the basis of points scored as a result of their achievements over the past five seasons on the pitch and how they measured up against specific criteria covering areas such as infrastructure, governance, strategic planning, finance, youth development and marketing.

The 12 clubs selected for the 2007 Premier Division are (in alphabetical order): Bohemians, Bray Wanderers, Cork City, Derry City, Drogheda United, Galway United, Longford Town, St Patrick’s Athletic, Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne, Sligo Rovers, UCD

The remaining nine clubs will participate in the First Division. They are (in alphabetical order): Athlone Town, Cobh Ramblers, Dundalk, Finn Harps, Kildare County, Kilkenny City, Limerick*, Monaghan United, Waterford United.

*Limerick’s participation depends on the club receiving a First Division licence on appeal.

11/12/06 – Durty Harry's
Numbers drawn were: 8, 17, 26, 28
Match 4 Winners [€4,500] –
Match 3 Winners [€75 X 2] - Tommy Kelly, Donagh McCormack
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday December 18th in The Palace Bar for €4,650 Jackpot

ATHLONE TOWN were among 20 of the 21 eircom League clubs to obtain a FAI Club Licence last week for the upcoming 2007 season.

Meanwhile, former Athlone Town Chairman Paddy McCaul was elected unopposed to the position of Chairman at the First Annual Convention of the new FAI National League which took place on Friday.

The make-up of the new FAI National League will be announced tomorrow, Monday.

The following suspensions and sanctions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 15th November 2006 and are effective as and from Wednesday, 29th November 2006 unless otherwise stated.

This Press Release is for information purposes for members of the media and the general public.

Bray Wanderers were fined €100 for the improper conduct of their players (five players carded) v Derry City (03.11.06) ..... More

04/12/06 – The Grove, Baylough
Numbers drawn were: 5, 8, 9, 15
Match 4 Winners [€4,350] –
Match 3 Winners [€50 X 3] - P. McGee, Lena Healy, Damien Lynch
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday December 11th in Durty Harry's for €4,500 Jackpot

TONIGHT's live Q&A session with Athlone Town Manager Michael O'Connor is now over.

Thanks to everyone who particiapted, and Michael has agreed to hold another before the start of the new season.

20/11/06 – Samz Tavern
Numbers drawn were: 14, 24, 27, 28
Match 4 Winners [€4,050] –
Match 3 Winners [€150 X 1] - Kevin O'Connor
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday November 27th in Carty's Pub for €4,200 Jackpot

GOALS from Carmine Russo and Kevin Williamson secured all three points for Athlone Town in this 2 - 0 win over Limerick FC in Hogan Park on Saturday night, bringing the curtain down on the 2006 eircom League First Division season.

Russo, making his first start for the senior team, put Athlone ahead on 15 minutes when his shot from the edge of the box took a deflection enroute and crept just inside the right post.

Another player making his first start for the senior side, Declan Fallon, supplied the cross to Kevin Williamson on 71 minutes that saw him shoot to the back of the net at the back post ..... More

ATHLONE TOWN travelled to Dundalk on Sunday last for an 11am kick-off and came away with all three points after a 2 – 0 win over the home side for their first away win of the season.

There were very few chances created in the first half as both teams were very evenly matched. But Athlone should have taken the lead after twelve minutes.

A great move between Craig Tone and Simon Lawless saw the left midfielder pick up a great return pass and cut inside the right full, before hitting a screamer from 20 yards only to see his shot come off the underside of the cross with the keeper rooted to the spot ..... More

Historic Night Ends In Disappointment

IT WAS one of the few occasions in modern football that the occasion completely outweighed the significance of the result. For the record, Athlone Town surrendered a two-goal lead to give Monaghan a share of the spoils but from the outset, it was all about the club's last night at Mel's.

It was fitting that local boy Padraig Moran lead out the last Athlone Town team and in a nice touch each of the eleven players handed a ball to the crowd. It was that sort of night.

For the opening half, it looked as if Monaghan had read the script, Athlone thundered into tackles and invariably won then while Monaghan seemed content to play their part in proceedings ..... More

IN order to avoid a clash with tonight's Ireland Vs. San Marino game at Landsdowne, the online Q&A with Michael O'Connor will now take place after the end of the season, next Wednesday November 22nd.

We apologise for any inconvenice caused.

13/11/06 – Carey's Pub
Numbers drawn were: 2, 14, 16, 17
Match 4 Winners [€3,950] –
Match 3 Winners [€75 X 2] - Tony Derwin, Dee & Mee
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday November 20th in Samz Tavern for €4,050 Jackpot

ATHLONE TOWN Under-21's were knocked out of the eircom Under-21 League at the last 16 stage, going out on penalties away to Sligo Rovers.

Town took the lead through Mark Sherlock after just 16 minutes, and held it until the second half when Mikey Creane equalised for the home side.

Neither side could force a win in normal time, nor two periods of extra-time and so it went down to the dreaded penalty shoot-out.

Sligo came out tops 4 - 2 in the shoot-out, and now to on to face Derry City away in the quarter-finals.

A huge well done to Colm Muldoon, Joe Dunne and all who represented the Under-21's throughout the season.

ATHLONE TOWN: Lee Gaffey, Robbie Hamm, Adrian Carberry, Stephen Ryan, Brian McCarthy, Anthony Hayes, David O'Brien, Carmine Russo, Mark Sherlock, Noel McGee, Declan Fallon. SUBS: Niall Scullion for O'Brien, Keith O'Reilly for Sherlock.

The following suspensions and sanctions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 8th November 2006 and are effective as and from Wednesday, 22nd November 2006 unless otherwise stated.

This Press Release is for information purposes for members of the media and the general public.

Declan Cahill (Cork City) suspended for ONE (1) Under 21 competitive match and fined €15 as a result of reaching four (4) penalty points ..... More

ATHLONE TOWN Manager Michael O'Connor will be online on Wednesday evening November 15th, here at athlonetownfc.com to host a Q&A session with supporters.

The session will get underway at 8:30pm, and all are welcome to participate.

Please note the new date for event.

31/10/06 – Biddy Mulligan's
Numbers drawn were: 9, 12, 14, 20
Match 4 Winners [€3,600] –
Match 3 Winners [€75 X 2] - Brian Frawley, Warren Curtin
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday November 6th in Biddy Mulligan's for €3,750 Jackpot

ATHLONE TOWN suffered their heaviest defeat of the season at home to Galway United on Saturday night last in Dubarry Park, Athlone. Played at the home ground of Buccaneers Rugby Football Ground, Athlone went down on a rugby scoreline of 0 - 5.

Speaking to athlonetownfc.com about the defeat, Town boss Michael O'Connor said, "It was our worst defeat of the season, and a terrible performance. I have never slated my players in public and I won't start now. I'm the person that puts the team on the pitch, my responsibility.

"We're human as well. We had a great performance against Shamrock Rovers in the Cup and we should have won. I think that knocked the stuffing out of us a little bit. We've beaten Galway twice this season, and drawn twice against them. They came down and they stuffed us on Saturday night, we just buckled. They were far more motivated than we were.

"But there are no excuses, it wasn't a good performance. We let ourselves down, and that's it. If people want to look at the negatives and focus on that, they can. If they want to look at the positives during the season, I think it has been a very positive season," he concluded.

A full match report will follow later.

FRIDAY, the 10th of November 2006 will be an historic night for Athlone Town Football Club.

On that night, the visit of Monaghan United will see the last competitive senior match to be played in St. Mel's Park.

St. Mel's Park has been home for Athlone Town Football Club for 78 years, since 1928. It has served the Club well and has played host to some great games, some great teams and some great players. The ground holds some magnificent memories for so many and has been a special place for Athlone people ..... More

FORMER PRO of Athlone Town, Tadhg Carey, will give a lecture to the Old Athlone Society this evening on the history of Athlone Town FC.

The talk will focus on the Club's first seasons in the League during the 1920's, with particular attention paid to the Club's 1924 Free State (FAI) Cup win.

The talk will get underway at 8pm in the Prince of Wales Hotel, Church Street, Athlone this evening, Tuesday October 31st.

The following suspensions and sanctions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 18th October 2006 and are effective as and from Wednesday, 1st November 2006 unless otherwise stated.

This Press Release is for information purposes for members of the media and the general public.

Dessie Baker (Longford Town) suspended for ONE (1) eircom League match and fined €50 as a result of being sent off v Cork City (06.10.06). Automatic suspension in next eircom League match as per FIFA directive already served ..... More

THE draw has been made for the knock-out stages of the eircom Under-21 League.

As the fourth placed team in the Mid-West Section, Athlone Town Under-21's must travel to face the winners of the Northern Section, Sligo Rovers. The tie is due to be played this weekend coming.

ATHLONE TOWN Under-21's secured their place in the knock-out stages of the eircom Under-21 League with an emphatic 7 - 1 win over Mayo League in Saint Mel's Park on Tuesday evening.

Town took the lead after just 4 minutes, when Steve Feeney knocked an Anthony Hayes free-kick back across the face of goal, leaving Mark Sherlock with the easy task of side-footing the ball home from close range.

Hayes and Feeney again combined for Athlone's second, when the ex-Sligo Rovers man picked his spot with a free header from Hayes' cross from the right ..... More

The following suspensions and sanctions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 18th October 2006 and are effective as and from Wednesday, 1st November 2006 unless otherwise stated.

This Press Release is for information purposes for members of the media and the general public.

Dessie Baker (Longford Town) suspended for ONE (1) eircom League match and fined €50 as a result of being sent off v Cork City (06.10.06). Automatic suspension in next eircom League match as per FIFA directive already served ..... More

TONIGHT'S eircom Under-21 League game between Athlone Town and the Mayo League kicks off in Saint Mel's Park at 8:00pm.

A win will guarantee Athlone a place in the knock-out stages of the competition.

Meanwhile, the First Team's final game of the season away to Limerick FC has been switched from Friday November 17th, to Saturday November 18th. Kick-off in Hogan Park is at 7:45pm.

23/10/06 – The Castle Inn
Numbers drawn were: 2, 8, 16, 18
Match 4 Winners [€3,450] –
Match 3 Winners [€75 X 2] - Michael McDonnell, Michael White
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Tuesday October 31st in Biddy Mulligan's for €3,600 Jackpot

A LATE goal from Eric Lavine gave Athlone Town a share of the spoils from their clash with Kildare County at Station Road on Saturday night.

The home side took the lead after 16 minutes. Philip Gorman knocked a corner back across the face of goal, and Ger Robinson bundled the ball home from close range.

Kildare could have gone two up after 32 minutes, but Jim Sheridan did enough to clear Gorman's dangerous square ball in the box ..... More

ATHLONE TOWN Under-21's welcome Mayo League to Saint Mel's Park this Tuesday evening, knowing a win will guarantee them a spot in the knock-out stages of the eircom Under-21 League.

Town slipped up at home to Kildare County on Sunday afternoon, conceding the only goal of the game with just two minutes remaining.

Town, Mayo League and Longford Town all have a chance of clincing the last qualifying spot, with even a draw in Tuesday's game more than likely enough to qualify Athlone from the group.

The following suspensions and sanctions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 11th October 2006 and are effective as and from Wednesday, 25th October 2006 unless otherwise stated.

This Press Release is for information purposes for members of the media and the general public.

Tunji Ajisimo (Lifford) suspended for ONE (1) competitive match and fined €25 as a result of reaching four (4) penalty points ..... More

The CISM European Qualifier Military soccer championships will take place in Dublin from the 17th – 21st Oct with Ireland facing stiff competition from Holland and Greece if they are to progress to the World Military Games in India next year.

The competition which will involve three teams, Ireland, Greece and the Netherlands, will involve all teams playing each other once, in a round robin series of games over three days in Dublin. The top team at the end of the tournament will qualify as European representative for the World Military games in India in 2007. The games will be held in Home Farm FC in Whitehall and Tolka Rovers grounds ..... More

17/10/06 – The Palace Bar
Numbers drawn were: 13, 16, 24, 26
Match 4 Winners [€3,300] –
Match 3 Winners [€150 X 1] - Amanda Kelly
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday October 23rd in The Castle Inn for €3,450 Jackpot

10 Man Town Steamrolled

ATHLONE TOWN left Oriel Park with their tails between their legs after the League's most in-form side hammered four past a nnumerically disadvantaged visiting side. Dundalk took a deserved one nil lead in at the break after a Philip Hughes goal had opened the scoring. However, it was in the second half that the damage was done. Jim Sheridan picked up a second yellow card and with Athlone playing with just ten men, Dundalk started to run riot. They scored from the free kick Sheridan gave away and after that it was a case of how many the Lilywhites would score.

Athlone started brightly and were the first to threaten. Dundalk's Robert McAuley went through the back of Eric Lavine to concede a free kick. Jim Sheridan headed Colin Fortune's free kick dangerously across the area but no one was at the back post to capitalise ..... More

ATHLONE TOWN Under-21's slipped up last weekend when they went down 3 - 0 away to Longford Town.

A win for Athlone would have guaranteed them a spot in the knock-out stages of the League as one of the top four teams in the Mid-West Section. As things stand now, Athlone are two points ahead of Longford with both sides having just two games remaining.

Already sure of a home tie in the knock-out stages, Kildare County are the visitors to St. Mel's Park this Sunday afternoon. Kick-off is at 2:00pm. Then on Tuesday October 24th, Mayo League come to St. Mel's Park for the final Section game ..... More

SHAMROCK ROVERS went back to the top of the eircom League First Division with a 2 - 0 win over Athlone Town at Tolka Park on Monday evening.

Former Town favourite Andy Myler struck in the third minute, after Danny O'Leary did well to block his initial close range header. However, the Town netminder had no chance from his follow up effort.

Despite coming into the game and dominating the next twenty minutes, Athlone found themselves further behind on 22 minutes. Tadhg Purcell squared the ball back into the box for Ray Kenny who did well to scoop the ball into the net as it was slightly behind him ..... More

ATHLONE TOWN went down 4 - 0 to Dundalk FC at Oriel Park on Thursday evening in the eircom League First Division.

The home side took the lead against the run of play when Philip Hughes ran on to a flick on and blasted the ball home from the left hand side of the box. Danny O'Leary got a hand to it, but the shot was too powerful and gave Dundalk a 16th minute lead.

Athlone could have been a few up before this with Eric Lavine dragging a shot badly wide after two minutes. Padraig Moran forced a good save from Chris Bennion after six minutes, while Colin Fortune was only denied by the woodwork after good approach work before his volley from the edge of the box ..... More

TG4 will make history on Saturday October 28th when they will screen the first-ever live broadcast of a First Division fixture since the advent of the two-tier league in the 1985/86 season.

Athlone Town take on Galway United at Dubarry Park with a 7.30pm kick-off and the TG4 cameras will be there – as they were for Athlone Town’s FAI Carlsberg Cup quarter-final against Shamrock Rovers last month.

Ross' Is The Boss

A GOAL of the season contender from Ian Rossiter gave Athlone Town all three points and a morale-boosting win last Friday night.

Athlone came into this game on the back of last week’s devastating loss in the cup when Shamrock Rovers struck twice in the dying minutes to deny the midlanders a place in the cup semi final.

On the plus side, Michael O’Connor was able to name an unchanged 11 for the first time this season and the continuity clearly helped as the home side settled quickly into the game but Cobh had the first real chance of the game after ten minutes. Willie Bruton and Graham Cummins combined well for the Cork men and Cummins got to the end line and needed only a simple square pass to a team-mate to give his side the lead. However, Jim Sheridan emerged from nowhere to deny the visitors a chance with a brilliant sliding tackle ..... More

ATHLONE TOWN Under-21's consolidated their qualifying spot in the eircom Under-21 League Mid-West Division with a 3 - 1 win away to Mullingar Athletic on Monday evening.

Istvan Lakatos gave Athlone the lead just before the break. The home defence failed to fully clear an Anthony Hayes free-kick, and when the ball came to the Hungarian, he crashed the ball off the underside of the bar and to the back of the net from the edge of the box.

Athletic were back on level terms just five minutes into the second half. A kick-out from the Mullingar 'keeper eventually found it's way to the edge of the Athlone box, with Robbie Hamm's last ditch tackle ricocheting against the attacker and past his own 'keeper Lee Gaffey ..... More

09/10/06 – The Grove, Baylough
Numbers drawn were: 11, 12, 13, 21
Match 4 Winners [€3,150] –
Match 3 Winners [€50 X 3] - Claire Burke, D Mackey, Mary O'Brien
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Tuesday October 17th in The Palace Bar for €3,300 Jackpot

The following suspensions and sanctions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 4th October 2006 and are effective as and from Wednesday, 18th October 2006 unless otherwise stated:

This Press Release is for information purposes for members of the media and the general public.

Ian Brazil (Kildare County) suspended for ONE (1) Under 21 competitive match and fined €25 as a result of being sent off v Cork City (24.09.06). Automatic suspension in next Under 21 competitive match (as Kildare County are out of Enda McGuill Cup) as per FIFA directive already served ..... More

ONE of Athlone Town's more senior squad members has informed manager Michael O'Connor that he intends to 'take a break' from football.

"Tom (Silke) feels that he wants to take a break from football. It's a pity, but you move on," O'Connor told athlonetownfc.com.

"Tom has been a great servant to Athlone over the last number of years. He has come through an injury, and battled himself back into contention, but he wants to take a break from it now. I wish him the best of luck," he concluded.

The 29-year-old centre-half first nailed down a spot in the Athlone Town first-team in the 1997/98 season after impressing at the tail-end of the previous campaign. He left for Terryland Park in 2000 when Liam Buckley took up his second stint in charge at St. Mel's Park, before moving on to Longford Town.

He was brought back to Saint Mel's Park by Aaron Callaghan in 2004 and later became Club Captain of his home town club. We wish Tom the very best.

ATHLONE TOWN put the disappointment of their FAI Cup exit behind them when they overcame Cobh Ramblers 2 - 1 in Saint Mel's Park on Friday night last.

Noel McGee gave the home side the lead after just 15 minutes when he headed past James McCarthy in the Cobh goal. That lead lasted until just after the hour mark when Alan Carey levelled matter with a great free-kick.

However, Athlone grabbed all three points when full-back Ian Rossiter intercepted a throw out from McCarthy and coolly lobbed the Cobh 'keeper with ten minutes remaining ..... More

ATHLONE TOWN Under-21's make the short trip to Mullingar this evening to take on Mullingar Athletic in Gainstown. Kick-off is at 8:00pm.

With just four games remaining, Town find themselves in the last of the four qualifying spots for the knock-out stages of the Dr. Tony O'Neill Under-21 League. They are two points ahead of Longford Town in fifth spot, with the two sides still yet to meet again in Flancare Park. A win this evening will go a long way to securing fourth spot and prolonging the Club's interest in the League ..... More

02/10/06 – Potter's, Irishtown
Numbers drawn were: 3, 22, 24, 25
Match 4 Winners [€3,000] –
Match 3 Winners [€50 X 3] - Ciara O'Meara, Willy Earley, John Mullen
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday October 9th in The Grove, Baylough for €3,150 Jackpot

Brave Town Foiled At The Death

THERE is a scene in the film ‘Any given Sunday’ where an American football team coach played by Al Pacino gives a speech imploring his team to fight for every inch and that the difference between winning and losing was only a matter of inches.

In Dubarry Park on Saturday night, it wasn’t so much a case of inches as centimetres. Stevie Gavin almost wrapped up the game and a memorable win for Athlone when he crashed a shot off the inside of the post with eight minutes to go. The ball rolled along Rovers line and away to safety. Noel McGee picked up the ball in midfield and fed Gavin, the former Galway United man seemed to hold possession too long before unleashing a shot that almost sent Athlone into the last four. Almost ..... More

"THE lads couldn't have done any more on Saturday night. We got every little bit out of everyone of them" - Michael O'Connor lauds the performance of his players following last Saturday night's gutting defeat to Shamrock Rovers in the FAI Carlsberg Cup.

Clearly upset at the result when speaking to athlonetownfc.com on Monday evening, he continued, "But it's not time to start dissecting it, and say what's wrong here, or who did what where. Maybe I could have done things differently, maybe some of the players could have done things differently. No, there is no point. If we had a bit of luck on the night, we would have won the game. If you dissect something and break it down into little pieces, you will always find fault with it. I think it was a huge performance from the lads, and a great home support. It just shows you that if we do get things right, that there is a base there to keep the Club going forward.

Perhaps upset at the result, but the Town boss is not going to let his side wallow in self pity for the rest of the season. "The one thing that I have learned in this game is that there are enough people out there being critical of Athlone Town. Just waiting for things to fail and have a go. I'm not one of them, I'm going to take positives out of everything.

"There were some great performances from the lads. The experienced lads you'd expect it off, and Jim Sheridan and Des Hope were excellent. But also Noel (McGee) is starting to mature, and isn't that something to take positives out of.

He continued, "Noel McGee, Brian McCarthy and Carmine Russo were signed professionally by us, ten or twelve weeks ago - before Noel was in scoring goals and before he was doing well. Because there is potential there, and that's what we're in it for. To get good players from Athlone to play for Athlone.

"Their futures are secure, now we need to get the lads up for Friday's game against Cobh. Because I want to go on now and win every match. We have eight games left in the League and we'll see how high we can finish," he concluded.

Match Report will follow later.

ATHLONE TOWN'S postponed League game away to Shamrock Rovers has been re-fixed for Monday October 16th. Kick-off at Tolka Park is at 8:00pm.

Meanwhile, the Under-21's are in League action tonight (Tuesday) when they welcome Salthill Devon to St. Mel's Park. Town are just one point behind fourth placed Mayo League, with two games in hand and with a superior goal difference.

The top four placed teams from each section will qualify for the knock-out stages of the eircom Under-21 League. Kick-off in Saint Mel's Park is at 8:00pm.

Feeney's Late Late Show Wins It For Town

STEVE Feeney’s 90th minute header sent St. Mel’s Park into ruptures as Athlone came from behind to grab all three points in their clash with Finn Harps on Friday night.

In the programme notes, Michael O’Connor made no secret of the fact that he was resting some players before next week’s game against Shamrock Rovers in the FAI Cup. Regulars like Colin Fortune, Padraig Moran and Jim Sheridan were left on the bench with Stevie Gavin starting on the left side of midfield while Tom Silke and Des Hope paired up at the heart of the defence. Harps, playing in their change strip of yellow, only named 15 players for the game with manager Anthony Gorman picking himself to play in midfield ..... More

IN start contrast to their seniors, Athlone Town Youths were the beneficiaries of a last minute goal to salvage a point from this DDSL Under-18 Super League meeting with Kildare County, when sub Afeeze Shalola pounced to score a 90th minutes equaliser.

Indeed, it was nice to see first team manager Michael O’Connor at the game after the disappointment the night before against Shamrock Rovers.

Athlone Youths while grateful for the point should rue this game as points dropped. At times they were much the better side but could not shrug off a very physical Kildare team ..... More

The following suspensions and sanctions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 20th September 2006 and are effective as and from Wednesday, 4th October 2006 unless otherwise stated:

This Press Release is for information purposes for members of the media and the general public.

Ballinasloe Town were fined €50 for the improper conduct of their players (5 players carded) v Athlone Town (05.09.06) ..... More

Please note that ahead of tonight's FAI Carlsberg Cup quarter-final between Athlone Town and Shamrock Rovers at Dubarry Park, Athlone, tickets WILL be on sale at the ground beforehand.

Tickets are priced Main Stand (€20), Ground (€15) and Under-14 (€5).

THE Club asks supporters to arrive early for this Saturday's FAI Carlsberg Cup quarter-final against Shamrock Rovers at Dubarry Park, Athlone.

There are a limited number of Main Stand tickets (€20) still available from the Palace Bar. Terrace (€15) and Under-14 (€5) are also available from out outlets Ganly's of Athlone, Roscommon Road, Liam McCormack Menswear, Mardyke Street, Peter Keenan Sports, John Broderick Street, and from The Bounty at Dubarry Park.

STEVE FEENEY grabbed a 90th minute winner for Athlone Town as they came from behind to beat Finn Harps 2 - 1 in Saint Mel's Park last Friday night.

The visitors took an early lead when Anthony Gorman's free-kick took a deflection on its way to goal, just about beating Danny O'Leary.

Town levelled matters on 67 minutes when Noel McGee sent a glancing header past Harps 'keeper James Gallagher after getting on the end of Stevie Gavin's cross from the right.

Then with time almost up, Steve Feeney got the goal that he has been threatening to get since his arrival at St Mel's Park. The big midfielder sent a bullet of a header to the back of the net from close range to seal all three points for Town.

Speaking to athlonetownfc.com after the game, Town manager Michael O'Connor has this to say. "It's good to win. It's nice going into the Cup game with a win. I know people would have had a go had we lost after leaving people out and bringing Eric off. But one thing people have to remember is, this is a season, no matter what we did on the pitch, we weren't going to get promoted. We have a huge game coming up and it was the right thing to do. I've stood by it all the way. It's worked out, and we've no injuries, no suspensions, we have our best team to go against Shamrock Rovers. As regards the Club, it should be a great occasion.

"We only got four 4 points out of 27 in the third paart of the League, because we had so many players out. I keep saying that when we have our full side, we're decent. So lets take the win, it moves us up a little bit. But now we concentrate on the Cup. Don't let anyone think that we're just taking part in this.....it's in Dubarry Park and everyone enjoy it and Rovers come down and beat us. No way, we're well there.

"Steve Feeney is a good player. The problem with Steve is that he is just starting off with the Guards, so it's been difficult for him to train. His fitness isn't what he'd like it to be or I'd like it to be. So let's be straight about it. There is no question about Steve Feeney as a player, otherwise he wouldn't be here.

"Mark Sherlock is a young lad who has come here, he's very inexpereinced. But he's been doing great. He has a lot to learn but he's willing and I'm glad to have him. And young Noel McGee is doing well too. It's great to have lads like that around the Club. We're decent, and I keep saying that.

"People want to start supporting us, and stop knocking it. It's very easy knock it and get on to players and abuse them. They can abuse me all they want, and I keep saying that. I'm in football a long time, I'm well used to it. Support the lads that are on the pitch, because as people saw tonight, come to the 90th minute you can still win a game or get back into a game like we did down in Galway. Abusing players is not going to make them do any more," he concluded.

ATHLONE TOWN: Danny O’Leary, Ian Rossiter, Kevin Williamson, Tom Silke, Des Hope, Steve Feeney, Istvan Lakatos, Damien Rushe, Eric Lavine, Noel McGee, Steven Gavin. SUBS: Mark Sherlock for Lavine (68), Jim Sheridan for Silke (86).

FINN HARPS: James Gallagher, Shaun McGowan, Jonathan Minnock, Eloka Asokuh, Shane Bradley, Michael Funston, Barry Curran, David Bell, Stephen O’Donnell, Darren Meenan, Anthony Gorman. SUBS: Matthew Crossan for Meenan (59).

REFEREE: Neil Doyle (Dublin)

TICKETS for Athlone Town's FAI Carlsberg Cup quarter-final against Shamrock Rovers at Dubarry Park, Athlone, have now gone on sale.

Since Thursday evening, tickets have been available from the Palace Bar, Market Square. Tickets will go on sale at the other outlets, Ganly's of Athlone, Roscommon Road; The Bounty, Dubarry Park; Liam McCormack Menswear, Mardyke Street and Peter Keenen Sportswear, John Broderick Street from Friday September 22nd.

Please note that stand tickets will be available ONLY from the Palace Bar.

Tickets are priced €20 (Main Stand), €15 (Ground), and €5 (Under-14's).

O'Connor Adamant That Resting Players Is The "Right Thing To To"

ATHLONE TOWN manager Michael O'Connor has defended his decision to rest some players during his team's recent league games - preferring instead to focus on the upcoming FAI Cup quarter-final against Shamrock Rovers.

Although reaffirming a desire to finish as high as possible in the league, O'Connor believes his recent selection strategy will help Athlone when the cup game comes around on this Saturday week, Saturday 30th ..... More

Lestor Catches Town With A Sucker Punch

FOR the second time in 72 hours, Athlone Town lost a game they should have won. Limerick fans left St. Mel's Park on Friday night lauding the 'Super Blues' (who looked decidedly green) after John Lestor's late goal won the day. The home side had the best of the chances in a game that produced few chances and little quality football, but had to play second fiddle to the visitors.

Injuries and suspensions meant a bit of shuffling from Michael O'Connor. Tom Silke partnered Jim Sheridan at centre half while while Robbie Hamm was at right back. The unavailability of both Noel McGee and Eric Lavine meant an unfamiliar strike force: Steve Feeney partnered for St. Peter's player Mark Sherlock up front ..... More

A Case Of What Might Have Been

IT IS well established by now that there is little to choose between any of the teams in this division and Tuesday night re-inforced that notion.

The last time these teams met, Monaghan left St. Mel's Park after thumping four goals past Michael O'Connor's side. Athlone went into this one after knocking in three against Kilkenny and would have fancied their chances in Century Homes Park ..... More

The following suspensions and sanctions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 6th September 2006 and are effective as and from Wednesday, 20th September 2006 unless otherwise stated:

(This Press Release is for information purposes for media and the general public.)

Robbie Clarke (Shamrock Rovers) suspended for ONE (1) competitive match and fined €25 as a result of reaching four (4) penalty points ..... More

18/09/06 – The Bounty
Numbers drawn were: 5, 9, 12, 16
Match 4 Winners [€2,700] –
Match 3 Winners [€30 X 5] - Jack & Conor Ryan, Glynn Williams, ' 2&2', Amy & Nicole James, '67'.
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday September 25th in Nut's Corner for €2,850 Jackpot

The following is the address given by Athlone Town Chairman Ken Bryan to a press conference held on Friday September 15th in relation to the Club's FAI Carlsberg Cup quarter-final against Shamrock Rovers.

ATHLONE TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB is pleased to announce, in co-operation with Buccaneers Rugby Football Club, and with the approval of the Football Association of Ireland, that the FAI Carlsberg Cup quarter-final against Shamrock Rovers will take place in Dubarry Park, Athlone on Saturday September 30th 2006.

The game will kick off at 7:30pm and will be televised live by TG4 and broadcast live on RTE Radio One ..... More

WHAT a difference a week can make. Just seven days after beating Kilkenny City 3 - 0 in St. Mel's Park, Athlone Town went down 1 - 0 to Limerick FC on Friday night, after also losing 1 - 0 away to Monaghan United in midweek.

John Lester grabbed the only goal of the game on the 75 minute mark. Lester blasted home from the edge of the box from a Limerick free-kick.

Athlone were always going to find it difficult with Eric Lavine (suspended) and Noel McGee (ankle) both missing the game. However, they looked like good value for an, albeit, uninspiring draw, until Lester fired home 25 minutes from time.

Limerick 'keeper Austin O'Neill saved well with his feet from Mark Sherlock on the half hour mark, but after that, the best Athlone could produce were half chances from Sherlock again, Steve Feeney and Istvan Lakatos.

ATHLONE TOWN: Danny O’Leary, Robbie Hamm, Kevin Williamson, Tom Silke, Jim Sheridan, Colin Fortune, Istvan Lakatos, Damien Rushe, Mark Sherlock, Steve Feeney, Padraig Moran. SUBS: Carmine Russo for Lakatos (61), Stephen Ryan for Sherlock (66), Alan Kelly for Moran (70).

LIMERICK FC: Austin O’Neill, Conor Sinnott, Brian Buckley, Paul Finnucane, Pat Purcell, Tommy Barrett, Kevin Waters, John Lester, Robbie Kelleher, Derek McCarthy, Colm Heffernan. SUBS: Garth Cooney for Kelleher (45), Conor Molan for Sinnott (84), John Hayes for McCarthy (90).

REFEREE: Derek Tomney (Dublin).

ATHLONE TOWN Youths recorded their first win of the new season with an excellent 2 - 0 home win over a big physical Dundalk side in St. Mel's Park on Sunday afternoon last.

It was hard to see such a result in the first ten minutes as Athlone were battered. But they refused to buckle and slowly got into the game. Craig Tone had Athlone's two best chances, shooting narrowly wide on 24 and 37 minutes. In between Athlone might have had a penalty, and Aungus Hanna headed wide from a corner, but they were happy to get to half time on level terms ..... More

ATHLONE TOWN can confirm that the Club will play's its FAI Carlsberg Cup quarter-final against Shamrock Rovers, at the home of Buccaneers Rugby Football Club - Dubarry Park, Athlone.

The tie against Pat Scully's men will take place on Saturday September 30th, with a 7:30pm kick-off.

The Club can also confirm that the game will be televised live, on TG4.

ATHLONE TOWN went down 1 - 0 away to Monaghan United in the eircom League First Division on Tuesday evening.

The only goal of the came after 13 minutes, when Jimmy Fullam shot home from the edge of the box.

Things could have been very different, however. On 17 and 24 minutes, Noel McGee was brought down in the box, for what looked like certain penalties to those present. Referee Conor Fitzgerald saw things differently however, and awarded a free out, and actually booked McGee on the first occasion ..... More

Hungry Town Skin The Cats

IN the week when Pat Scully suggested Shamrock Rovers had little to fear from Athlone Town in the FAI Cup, the midlanders won comfrotably against the TV pundit's former club. As Town took their unbeaten run to four games, it's safe to say that more than eight out of ten cats will have left St. Mel's Park disappointed on Friday evening. Two goals from Padraig Moran and one from Noel McGee had the home faithful happy, though as one spectator put it: "On another night that game could have finished 6-3".

Michael O'Connor made four changes from the side which drew with Galway United the previous Sunday. Danny O'Leary returned in goal in placeof Robert Forde; Kevin Williamson came in at left back with Alan Kelly losing out; Istvan Lakatos started on the right wing instead of Stevie Gavin; while Damien Rushe returned from suspension for Steve Feeney at midfield ..... More

ATHLONE TOWN travel to Century Homes Park tonight to take on Monaghan United in the eircom League First Division.

Although going into the game on the back of four games unbeaten, Town will remember when the sides last met in Saint Mel's Park, when they were thumped 4 - 0 by Mick Cooke's men.

Town boss Michael O'Connor, however, is concentrating on the present and looking for maximum points.

"We've set ourselves a target of nine points in a week," he told athlonetownfc.com. "We've got three of them, now lets see can we get the next three. We have three games in seven days, and our target is nine points.

Steve Feeney returns to the squad after missing the win over Kilkenny City last Friday. The only worry is Steven Gavin, who is carrying a knock.

"We're okay. We can deal with one or two injuries. But for weeks we couldn't handle eight or nine. But we played through that, and even in one or two games we could have got something. When we have our full side, we're a match for anyone," he concluded.

11/09/06 – Coosan Tavern
Numbers drawn were: 12, 19, 21, 22
Match 4 Winners [€2,550] –
Match 3 Winners [€150 X 1] - Seamus Dolan
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday September 18th in Nut's Corner for €2,700 Jackpot

ATHLONE TOWN recorded their biggest win of the season on Friday night, when they beat Kilkenny City 3 - 0 in Saint Mel's Park.

Going into the game on the back of a 1 - 1 draw with Galway United - thanks to a late equaliser from Eric Lavine - Town struck early in this game.

Padraig Moran was on hand at the back post after City 'keeper Stephen Cashen couldn't hold Colin Fortune's initial shot in the 2nd minute.

Noel McGee doubled Athlone's lead just after the quarter of an hour mark. McGee latched onto a through ball from Fortune before slotting the ball between Cashen and his near post ..... More

• eL: Galway United 1 - 1 Athlone Town ..... More
• FAI: Athlone Town 3 - 2 Finn Harps AET ..... More
• FAI: Finn Harps 0 - 0 Athlone Town ..... More
• U-21: Ballinasloe 1 - 1 Athlone Town ..... More
• U-18: Rangers CYM 3 - 0 Athlone Town ..... More
• U-18: Athlone Town 1 - 1 Dunboyne AFC ..... More
  

ATHLONE TOWN will face Shamrock Rovers in the quarter-finals of the FAI Carlsberg Cup, after the draw was made in Dublin earlier this evening.

Town will have home advantage for the tie, which will take place on the week ending Sunday October 1st. Incidentally, the sides were due to meet in the League on the same weekend, but this game will now obviously be postponed.

The tie is sure to bring back memories of when the sides last met in the Cup in 1998, when Athlone beat Rovers in Saint Mel's Park, along their way to setting up a semi-final clash with Cork City.

Giving his reaction to the draw, Athlone Town manager Michael O'Connor told athlonetownfc.com, "It's a fabulous draw for Athlone. It's a team in our own Division, so we're boxing off the same weight. The earlier results against Rovers in the League mean nothing, this is the Cup."

"People aren't going to give us a chance, especially Shamrock Rovers. And I've heard the comments from Pat Scully regarding our chances against them. And that's fine, he's entitled to his opinion. But I'm a long time in football, and one of the first things you learn in football is respect for other teams and a bit of humility.

"But we're playing a team in our own division. This is the FAI Cup, and we're in the quarter-finals. I've very proud of our lads. We have a big night in Mel's, which have been few and far between in recent years. We'll have a packed house. The last Cup game against Finn Harps was the best Cup game in Mel's in years, we could be sitting on another one," he concluded.

THE draw for the quarter-finals of the FAI Carlsberg Cup will take place tonight at the Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Club.

The draw will be televised live on RTE Six One News. The eight teams still involved are:

• Athlone Town
• Derry City
• Killester United
• Longford Town
• St Patrick's Athletic
• Shamrock Rovers
• Sligo Rovers
• UCD

04/09/06 – Carey's Pub
Numbers drawn were: 8, 9, 12, 16
Match 4 Winners [€2,400] –
Match 3 Winners [€40 X 4] - Eamonn Cummins, Nancy Reilly, '67', S & J Irwin
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday September 11th in the Coosan Tavern for €2,550 Jackpot

ATHLONE TOWN got their League campaign back on track somewhat with their first point in seven games, when they drew 1 - 1 with Galway United in Terryland Park on Sunday evening.

United took the lead in the 12th minute, when Rafael Cretaro let fly with a long range shot that crept just inside the left upright.

The home side were reduced to ten men on the half hour mark, when Philip Reilly received his second red card in four games for head-butting Ian Rossiter ..... More

THE progress continues at Athlone Town's New Stadium at Lissywollan, with the installation of floodlights on both pitches this week.

Meanwhile, it has been announced that all this season's Athlone & District Schoolboy/Girl League finals will take place at the New Stadium.

ATHLONE TOWN manager Michael O'Connor speaks to athlonetownfc.com after his side's 3 - 2 FAI Cup win against Finn Harps midweek, and ahead of this Sunday League game away to Galway United.

Along with the drawn first game, the victory against Harps ended a six game losing streak - a run that started against the Donegal men back on July 22nd when Athlone went down 2 - 0 in Ballybofey.

"It was an important win for everyone. It broke the back of six defeats, and that was important.

"I think in the first half we didn't play at all. But at least in the second half and extra time we did ourselves a bit of credit. I was very impressed with their fitness and their attitude to be honest."

That attitude saw Athlone keep battling until they retook the lead in the 116th minute of the game, when Damien Rushe fired past James Gallagher.

"That's the one thing, they kept battling away as always. And as I say, I was very happy with their fitness levels.

"Now that the back of the loses is broken, there are still 13 games left in the League, starting with Galway on Sunday. Let's see how we can get on with those, and now we also have the quarter-finals of the Cup to look forward to. Again, this is all a learning thing, we're progressing. It's going to take a while and won't happen over night," he concluded."

Athlone have already beaten and drawn with United in the League this season, as well as knocking the Tribesmen out of the Cup, so will have nothing to feat ahead of their trip to Terryland Park. Kick-off on Sunday evening is at 7:00pm.

28/08/06 – Walsh's Pub, Connaught Street
Numbers drawn were: 10, 13, 21, 28
Match 4 Winners [€2,250] –
Match 3 Winners [€150 X 1] - 'The Boys' c/o TK
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday September 4th in Carey's for €2,400 Jackpot

21/08/06 – The Grove, Baylough
Numbers drawn were: 10, 13, 18, 28
Match 4 Winners [€2,100] –
Match 3 Winners -
Consolation Prize Winner [€50 X 2] – Irene Joyce, Sandra Dempsey

THE draw for the quarter-finals of the FAI Carlsberg Cup will take place on Wednesday September 6th, and Athlone Town will be among the eight names in the drum.

Town ensured this with a dramatic 3 - 2 win over Finn Harps in their third round replay in Saint Mel's Park on Tuesday night.

The game sparked to life in the second half, and Athlone took the lead in the 64th minute. Noel McGee was able to pick his spot after receiving a square ball from Eric Lavine on the right ..... More

ATHLONE TOWN and Finn Harps must do it all again after drawing 0 - 0 in their FAI Cup Third Round clash in Ballybofey on Saturday night.

The hosts attacked from the off and Danny O'Leary was forced into saves from Darren Meenan and Matthew Crossan in the opening three minutes.

David Bell wasn't too far off just before the half hour mark when he tried his luck from range.

Town's best chance of the half fell to Eric Lavine on 39 minutes when he played a one-two with Noel McGee after Steve Feeney's neat through ball. However, James Gallagher in the Harps goal came out quick and blocked ..... More

The following suspensions and sanctions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 23rd August 2006 and are effective as and from Wednesday, 6th September 2006 unless otherwise stated:

This Press Release is for information purposes for members of the media and the general public.

Vinny Arkins (Bohemians) suspended for TWO (2) competitive matches and fined €100 as a result of being sent off v Shelbourne (07.08.06). Automatic suspension in next competitive match (as Bohemians are out of eircom League Cup) as per FIFA directive already served and ONE (1) competitive match as and from Wednesday, 6th September ..... More

Athlone Town Look To Salvage Their Season With Victory In The Cup

IT was an away defeat to Donegal side Finn Harps which triggered Athlone Town's recent run of six straight league defeats.

A 0 - 2 loss to Anthony Gorman's team on a night Jim Sheridan was sent off and Athlone missed several second half opportunities to equalise, was the catalyst for a terrible run of form which has seen Michael O'Connor's side fall from a lofty fourth placed position to third from bottom in the league table. So it would be very apt if O'Connor's battle weary troops could turn their fortunes around this Saturday with victory over Finn Harps in the FAI Cup Third Round (Finn Park, 7:45pm) ..... More

All Roads Lead To Ballybofey

AHEAD of this weekend's FAI Cup game away to Finn Harps, we look back at previous meeting Athlone Town and Finn Harps.

THIS weekend all roads lead to the north-west for our eagerly awaited FAI Cup meeting with Finn Harps.

Indeed this will be our fourth trek to Ballybofey this season. Our first sojourn on the first day of the season back in March was a wasted one with the game called off very late due to a water-logged pitch. We were back on the 17th April on a night when Danny O'Leary was sent off and Noel McGee scored a great goal to earn a 1 - 1 draw. Finn Harps were here on the 12th May last when a Padraig Moran goal was good enough for a 1 - 0 win. We last met, recently, on the 22nd July up in Ballybofey when Jim Sheridan was sent off and Harps were flattered by a 2 - 0 winning margin ..... More

Town Slump To Sixth Defeat On The Trot

"SIX of the best" is a phrase with negative connotations for people of a certain generation. After Friday's defeat at St. Mel's Park, Athlone Town have now lost their last six matches and have slipped into the bottom three. Last weekend, the lively Noel McGee finally managed to end Town's goal drought, which stretched back to their last victory, against Limerick in mid-July. But 13 goals in 23 games tells its own story.

Kildare County could scarecely have complained if Michael O'Connor's side had managed to get a draw. They had much of the possession in the second half and both McGee and his strike partner Eric Lavine looked lively. Yet a second goal remained elusive as Athlone head for next weekend's FAI Cup match in Ballybofey on the back of a horrible run of form ..... More

The following suspensions and sanctions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 9th August 2006 and are effective as and from Wednesday, 23rd August 2006 unless otherwise stated:

Athlone Town were fined €200 for the improper conduct of their players (7 players carded) v Shamrock Rovers (28.07.06).

Bohemians were fined €500 for the lack of organisation in relation to their Under 21 League fixtures v Dublin City (18.07.06) and v Shelbourne (30.07.06) ..... More

Town Fail To Halt Rovers' Halt

ATHLONE TOWN lost their fifth game in a row after this defeat to high flying Shamrock Rovers in Tolka Park last Tuesday.

The Town have suffered lately due to the unavailability of key players for various reasons and seven of the side that had started against Dundalk in Mel's the previous Friday night made Michael O'Connor's first eleven. Town welcomed back midfield lynchpin Colin Fortune in place of Anthony Hayes. Robert Forde took his place in goal with Danny O'Leary not named in the squad. Elsewhere, Jim Sheridan was restored to the centre of defence instead of Stephen Ryan, while Des Hope was back with Kevin WIlliamson making way ..... More

ATHLONE TOWN lost their sixth straight League game on Friday night when they went down 2 - 1 at home to Kildare County.

However, this was probably the cruelest of the lot. The visitors had only two chances in the first half, and took them both.

Kildare took the lead in the 37th minute when Philip Gorman headed past Danny O'Leary following a quick counter attack.

That lead was extended on 41 minutes when Gareth Cristie fired home a rebound from Trevor Bouers' initial effort.

Noel McGee pulled one back for Athlone seven minutes into the second half when he shot home from close range. Steven Gavin hit woodwork in injury time, as Town were denied a share of the spoils, which was the least that they deserved.

Speaking to athlonetownfc.com, Town boss Michael O'Connor was obviously disappointed with the result.

"For the last five or six weeks we've been struggling with players out - players injured and players suspended, but besides that we should have got something out of the Dundalk match, and something out of the Kildare match. It's disappointing but you just keep going. There's nothing you can do about it, but keep going."

The manager also confirmed that both Stephen Mullan, and Town's longest current serving player, Michael Collins have left the Club, and wished both players well.

ATHLONE TOWN: Danny O’Leary, Steve Feeney, Adrian Carberry, Des Hope, Jim Sheridan, Colin Fortune, Istvan Lakatos, Damien Rushe, Eric Lavine, Noel McGee, Steven Gavin. SUBS: Padraig Moran for Lakatos (53), Tom Silke for Des Hope (58), Mark Sherlock for Carberry (87).

KILDARE COUNTY: Brendan Kennedy, John Reilly, Barry Clancy, Alan McDermott, Alan Byrne, Stephen Cooling, Stephen McCrossan, Barry Slattery, Philip Gorman, Trevor Bouers, Gareth Cristie. SUBS: David Scully for Bouers (87).

REFEREE: Aidan O’Regan (Cork).

O'Connor Stays Upbeat Despite A Fourth Straight Defeat

ATHLONE TOWN manager Michael O'Connor is refusing to become despondent despite a deplorable run of injuries and suspensions in recent weeks - and four straight league defeats.

O'Connor's light squad has been stretched to its very limit in recent weeks and the Town boss was forced to pick a team against Dundalk on Friday without TEN first-team squad members.

As a result, two young players, Carmine Russo and Stephen Ryan, made first team debuts in the 0 - 1 defeat, while another youth team product, Declan Fallon was on the bench ..... More

At the eircom League Board of Control meeting held on Wednesday, it was decided to deduct three (3) points from Shamrock Rovers FC for their playing of Paul Shiels while under suspension v Dundalk on July 23rd.

15/08/06 – The Castle Inn
Numbers drawn were: 10, 17, 22, 25
Match 4 Winners [€1,950] –
Match 3 Winners [€50 X 3] - Brendan Kenny, Paddy Galvin, Susan Stephens
Consolation Prize Winner–

Next Draw: Monday August 21st in The Grove, Baylough for €2,100 Jackpot

Hughes Makes It A Dun' Deal

MORE than one Athlone Town fan referred to John Gill as 'Judas' in the past week. The only piece of silver the Dundalk boss is likely to have in mind over the coming months is the Division One trophy though, of course, exactly who will be promoted is open to debate.

It was all such a change from Gill's first visit back to his old stomping ground at the start of the season. Then, the north-easterners had made their worst start to the season for years and left St. Mel's Park after suffering a 2 - 0 defeat. On Friday, however, they faced a severely understrength Town team who looked like they might hold out for a draw but rarely threatened to do any better. In the end, Philip Hughes' goal three minutes from the end left the locals disappointed and 10-man Dundalk jubilant ..... More

The following suspensions and sanctions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 2nd August 2006 and are effective as and from Wednesday, 16th August 2006 unless otherwise stated:

Dessie Baker (Longford Town) suspended for ONE (1) competitive match and fined €25 as a result of reaching four (4) penalty points.

Robert Brooks (Ballinasloe Town) suspended for TWO (2) Under 21 competitive matches and fined €25 as a result of being sent off v Galway United (20.07.06). Automatic suspension in next Under 21 League match as per FIFA directive already served and ONE (1) competitive match as and from Wednesday, 16th August ..... More

O'Connor's Selection Worries Fail To Subside

MICHAEL O'CONNOR does not expect Athlone Town's selection worries to ease this coming weekend.

The Town are at home to Dundalk on Friday at St. Mel's Park (7:45pm), but after missing a hatful of players last weekend against Cobh Ramblers, their problems won't subside this weekend.

Colin Fortune and Jim Sheridan are suspended for the Dundalk match, with Steve Feeney, Noel McGee and Ian Rossiter also ruled out. Des Hope has only a 50/50 chance of coming back from injury ..... More

08/08/06 – Potter's Bar
Numbers drawn were: 3, 19, 23, 24
Match 4 Winners [€1,800] –
Match 3 Winners -
Consolation Prize Winner [€50 X 2] – Bernie Reilly, Conor Hannon

Next Draw: Monday August 14th in The Castle Inn for €1,950 Jackpot

Town Lose In Cobh Ramble

ATHLONE TOWN were always going to struggle in their difficult away tie with Cobh Ramblers, played at St.Colman's Park on Saturday.

But with Michael O'Connor's squad decimated by injury, suspensions and holidays, their task looked almost impossible.

Robbie Hamm and Eric Lavine were serving one-match suspensions while Stephen Mullan and Noel McGee were on holidays and so unavailable to make the long journey south. Steve Feeney was involved with the Irish Garda team in Germany while Des Hope and Ian Rossiter did not play after the pair picked up injuries in the defeat to Shamrock Rovers at St. Mel's Park the previous week. Michael Harney has also left the club recently after obtaining employment in London ..... More

The following suspensions and sanctions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 26th July 2006 and are effective as and from Wednesday, 9th August 2006 unless otherwise stated:

Shane Barrett (Cobh Ramblers) suspended for ONE (1) competitive match and fined €40 as a result of reaching eight (8) penalty points.

David Breen (Cobh Ramblers) suspended for ONE (1) competitive match and fined €25 as a result of reaching four (4) penalty points ..... More

Major Selection Crisis Faces O'Connor As Cobh Awaits

ATHLONE TOWN are facing serious problems ahead of Saturday's league meeting against Cobh Ramblers (St. Colman's Park 7:45pm).

Robbie Hamm and Eric Lavine both serve one game suspensions while Steve Feeney, Stephen Mullan and Noel McGee are all away and unavailable for selection. Both Mullan and McGee are on holidays while Feeney is playing for the Irish Garda team in Germany ..... More

Three 'Rock Rovers Hockey 10-Man Town In Mel's

THE Garda Public Order Unit maintained a discreet presence in St. Mel's Park last Friday, but it was ultimately the Shamrock Rovers players who ran riot. Athlone Town were always up against it following the early dismissal of Robbie Hamm. Though they battled gamely, and were well in the game at half-time, the first Rovers goal opened the floodgates.

One of the largest home crowds of the season joined the forces of law and order in the long stand. They saw a lively enough opening period, with a few hard tackles flying in. The home side had the first real opportunity. Eric Lavine found himself in space in the penalty area and forced a great save from Barry Murphy. Padraig Moran was off target from the rebound ..... More

31/07/06 – Coosan Tavern
Numbers drawn were: 3, 8, 9, 12
Match 4 Winners [€1,650] –
Match 3 Winners [€30 X 5] - Michael Nugent, Donagh McCormack, Frances Flynn, Ritchie Lenihan, Martina Gallagher
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Tuesday August 8th in Potter's Bar for €1,800 Jackpot

Shamrock Rovers v Athlone Town

Please note the above match, scheduled to take place on Sunday 21st May, will now take place on Tuesday 15th August at Tolka Park with a kick-off time of 8pm.

Galway United v Athlone Town, Sunday 3rd September

Please note that the kick-off time for the above match has been changed from 3pm to 7pm.

THE Under-21’s got back to winning ways in the League last Sunday morning, with a comprehensive 4 – 1 win over Mullingar Athletic.

Town took the lead just before the break, when Mark Sherlock headed home from close range following a cross from Keith O’Reilly on the left.

Brian McCarthy made it 2 – 0 on 51 minutes, when he got the slightest of touches on Dave O’Brien’s cross to take it round the ‘keeper and into the back of the net.

Anthony Hayes was taken down in the box on 65 minutes, and Carmine Russo stepped up to despatch the resultant penalty kick to the bottom left hand corner to make it 3 – 0 ..... More

O'Connor Calls Into Question Rovers' Attitude To Athlone

ATHLONE TOWN manager Michael O'Connor believes Shamrock Rovers go into this Friday's eircom First Division league clash at St. Mel's Park with a lack of respect for their Midlands opponents.

O'Connor watched his side crumble to Pat Scully's table toppers on the opening day of the season (0-2), and produce a performance that ranked as the Town's most disappointing display up until the recent home drubbing to lowly Monaghan Utd ..... More

24/07/06 – Coosan Tavern
Numbers drawn were: 3, 6, 10, 24
Match 4 Winners [€1,500] –
Match 3 Winners [€25 X 6] -Marty Lohan, Keira O'Meara, Maureen Brennan, Thomas Egan, Mick Lennon, Pauline O'Connor
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday July 31st in Samz Tavern for €1,650 Jackpot

ATHLONE TOWN went down 2 - 0 away to Finn Harps on Saturday night in the eircom League First Division.

Athlone could consider themselves unlucky not to take something from the match however, with Harps grabbing their second goal on the stroke of full-time.

The home side took the lead after 16 minutes, when Conor Gethins picked out Jonathan Minnock in space on the left. Minnock, who was playing in a record equalling 397th match for Harps, let fly with a great shot, giving Danny O'Leary no chance.

Town centre half Jim Sheridan is the son of the man whose record Minnock equalled, and his night got even worse on 41 minutes, when he received a second yellow card from referee Neil Doyle ..... More

The following suspensions and sanctions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 19th July 2006 and are effective as and from Wednesday, 2nd August 2006 unless otherwise stated:

Alan Carey (Cobh Ramblers) suspended for ONE (1) competitive match and fined €25 as a result of reaching four (4) penalty points.

Sean Cooney (Finn Harps) suspended for ONE (1) competitive match and fined €25 as a result of reaching four (4) penalty points ..... More

THREE of Athlone Town's younger players have signed professional forms with the Club.

Brian McCarthy, Noel McGee and Carmine Russo have all penned their first professional deals.

A pleased Michael O'Connor told athlonetownfc.com, "I'm delighted to be honest. It's the best days work that I've done. This is where the Club should be going", he concluded.

All three players came through the Athlone & District Schoolboy & Girl League, before joining Jimmy Greene's DDSL Under-17 League winning side two seasons ago.

Match Winning Hero Earns Manager's Respect

ATHLONE TOWN boss Michael O'Connor described match winner Eric Lavine's performance against league leaders Limerick FC on Friday as 'outstanding'.

Speaking after Athlone's 2 - 1 win at Hogan Park, a delighted O'Connor said: "Eric Lavine's approach to training and playing has been super since he came here.

"I'm thrilled to have him here. I'm delighted he got his first goal for the club but I was never worried about that, his general play has been outstanding and he gives us so much. Eric is delighted to be playing for Athlone Town and we're very happy to have him."

Lavine struck in the 73rd minute to give Athlone a win that moved them to within four points of joint league leaders Shamrock Rovers and Limerick FC ..... More

Lavine Rises To Conquer

ATHLONE TOWN pulled off possibly their best result of the season so far when they over turned league leaders Limerick in their own back yard at Hogan Park on Friday evening last.

Both sides were coming off the back of poor midweek results. Monaghan shocked everyone when they left St. Mel's Park with a 4 - 0 win while Limerick had slipped up in Oriel Park to John Gill's Dundalk - perhaps it was the Astroturf surface.

Athlone lined out with an attacking formation that included Padraig Moran and Istvan Lakatos pushing up alongside Eric Lavine at every opportunity. However, it was the home side who took the initiative ..... More

The following suspensions and sanctions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 12th July 2006 and are effective as and from Wednesday, 26th July 2006 unless otherwise stated:

Bray Wanderers were fined €100 for the improper conduct of players (5 players carded) v Drogheda United (02.07.06).

Wesley Charles (Bray Wanderers) suspended for ONE (1) eircom League match and fined €50 as a result of being sent off v Drogheda United (02.07.06). Automatic suspension in next eircom League match as per FIFA directive already served ..... More

Town Can't Match Northern Standard

"WHY isn't it a dark night?" asked one man rhetorically as he left St. Mel's Park on Tuesday night, bemoaning the advent of summer soccer. "At least then I could hide!" Yep, this was one to forget all right. Monaghan United came to the midlands bottom of the table, against an Athlone side who had just picked up nine points from their last four outings. They left with only their second victory of the season, having doled out a 4 - 0 thumping to their hosts. It wasn't supposed to be like this.

Town showed just one change from the side which had beaten Kilkenny City the previous Saturday. Eric Lavine, sent off in Buckley Park, was serving an automatic suspension. Noel McGee replaced the former Barbados international up front ..... More

17/07/06 – The Grove
Numbers drawn were: 6, 10, 18, 24
Match 4 Winners [€2,400] – Pauline O'Connor - Congratulations Pauline!
Match 3 Winners -
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday July 24th in The Coosan Tavern for €1,500 Jackpot

ATHLONE TOWN Under-21's were again in action against their Longford Town counterparts on Monday night, this time in the Enda McGuill League Cup.

The sides met just a week ago in the League, when Longford ran out 4 - 1 winners. However, it was the home side who had the better of it this time round and progressed to the next round on a 2 - 1 scoreline.

Stephen Mullan grabbed Town's first goal after 11 minutes, when a good ball in from Carmine Russo wasn't fully cleared, and the striker finished well from the right hand side of the box.

Kevin Cummins extended the lead six minutes into the second half, when getting on to a flicked-on Robert Forde kick-out, before cooly slotting the ball past the advancing 'keeper.

Longford made for a nervous final ten minutes, when they pulled one back after a quick break from a Town corner. However, they couldn't force the games to extra time, and Colm Muldoon's men deservedly progressed.

Galway United v Athlone Town

Please note that the above match, originally scheduled to take place on Friday 1st September, will now take place on Sunday 3rd September at Terryland Park with a kick-off time of 3.00pm.

THERE was mixed fortune for Athlone Town in their last two eircom League First Division games.

On Tuesday evening last, they welcomed bottom of the table Monaghan United to Saint Mel's Park. Going two down inside the opening eight minutes, Town never recovered and went on to the lose the game on a shocking 4 - 0 scoreline. David Lee grabbed a hat-trick, with former player Michael McCann also getting on the scoresheet.

However, Michael O'Connor's side then travelled to League leaders Limerick FC on Friday night and came away with a 2 - 1 win.

Town went behind in the 9th minute when Pat Purcell finished home from close range.

Captain Padraig Moran levelled matters on the half hour mark when he headed home from Colin Fortune free-kick. Eric Lavine grabbed his first goal in Town colours when he also headed the ball home with 17 minutes remaining ..... More

THE Under-21's are again at home to Longford Town this weekend, but this time they are in Cup action.

Colm Muldoon's side face their near neighbours in the First Round of the Enda McGuill Under-21 League Cup on Monday evening, July 17th. Kick-off in Saint Mel's Park is at 7:30pm.

After defeating League leaders Limerick away from home at the weekend, the first team are again on their travels next weekend, when they head north to face Finn Harps in Ballybofey.

Kick-off in Finn Park is at 7:30pm on Saturday night, July 22nd.

Then it's back to Saint Mel's Park on Friday July 28th when Shamrock Rovers are once again the visitors.

Town Dream (And Win) In Marble Halls

THERE'S a great scene in Martin Scorsese's movie 'Gangs of New York'. The scene is Ellis Island, and the American Civil War is raging. In search of infantrymen, recruiting sergeants have set up shop at the immigrants' point of entry and have an incentive for those debating about whether to sign up. The routine is simple, captured in these words from the man at the desk: "This form makes you a citizen, this one makes you a soldier in the Union army. Go off and fight for your country."

Stevie Gavin is a good deal more familiar with Athlone Town than those Irish immigrants arriving in the New World. But the winger had just arrived back from a spell with Galway United when he took his place on the bench for Saturday's game in Buckley Park. Introduced at half-time, the Mayo man's impact was immediate; raiding down the wing one minute, covering back to protect the lead another ..... More

Last Sunday morning the Under-21's went down 1 - 4 at the hands of near neighbours Longford Town.

After an uneventful opening period, Town took the lead after 21 minutes. Adrian Carberry poked the ball home at the back post after a bit of ping pong in the Longford box.

However the sides went in level at the break when a Longford player slipped into the box, skipping through a couple of challenges before firing the ball to the back of the net.

The visitors took the lead just after the restart when Keith O'Reilly put the ball in to his own net when trying to clear a Longford cross. Soon after a shot from the edge of the box made it 1 - 3.

With 20 minutes remaining, a Town kick-out held up in the strong wind and the Longford striker was quickest to react, running in on goal before slotting the ball home to make it 1 - 4.

The following suspensions and sanctions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 5th July 2006 and are effective as and from Wednesday, 19th July 2006 unless otherwise stated:

Barry Burke (Monaghan United) suspended for ONE (1) competitive match and fined €25 as a result of reaching four (4) penalty points.

Paul Caffrey (Bray Wanderers) suspended for ONE (1) competitive match and fined €25 as a result of reaching four (4) penalty points ..... More

10/07/06 – Nut's Corner
Numbers drawn were: 4, 9, 19, 27
Match 4 Winners [€2,250] –
Match 3 Winners [€150 X 1] - Bernard Kinahan
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday July 17th in The Grove, Baylough for €2,400 Jackpot

ATHLONE TOWN took all three points from their visit to Buckley Park on Saturday night.

Captain Padraig Moran gave Town the lead just before the break. A quick corner kick from Istvan Lakatos to Ian Rossiter was equally as quick crossed to the back post, where Moran sent a bullet of a header to the back of the net.

In an eventful few minutes before the half-time whistle, Eric Lavine was shown a straight red card for an off-the-ball incident ..... More

Wheel Of Fortune Favours Town

GEORGE BEST didn't see either Manchester United's goals in the 1999 Champions League final because he was already on his way out of the Nou Camp. Anyone who decided to get a head start in beating the traffic at St. Mel's Park on Friday evening missed a piece of magic from Colin Fortune. Athlone Town claimed all three points, and as one spectator commented afterwards: "Who needs David Beckham?"

At half-time, the PA system at the old ground was blasting out 'Don't Go' by the Hothouse Flowers. By the end, the tune that was on home fans lips was the Meatloaf number 'Two OUt Of Three Aint Bad'. Six points from three games in nine days represents a decent return ..... More

Lucky Thoroughbreds Win By A Nose

IT'S a funny old game. Athlone Town will be scratching their heads wondering how they left Station Road on Wednesday without even a share of the points.

Kildare County created one chance of note in the entire game and scored from it. That goal came shortly after the restart. Athlone dominated the remaining 40 minutes and created enough good opportunities to go on and win the game. But it wasn't to be..... More

ATHLONE TOWN boss Michael O'Connor has made further additions to his squad, including bringing fans favourite Stevie Gavin back to Saint Mel's Park.

The former Sligo Rovers man spent three seasons with Athlone before signing for Galway United at the start of the season. However, he is now back in Town colours.

Also coming to Saint Mel's Park is another former Sligo Rovers midfielder, Steve Feeney. The 22-year-old has spent his entire career to date at the Showgrounds, and was part of last season's First Division winning side. He will link up with former team-mates Ian Rossiter and Jim Sheridan who have both made a big impression since their arrival at the start of the current campaign.

The manager has also acquired a new goalkeeper in the form of Damon Kearney from Tulsk in Co. Roscommon. The 18-year-old played for St. Joseph's Boys in the DDSL last season, where they finished in third spot.

The above three join the other new arrivals at the Club - the returning Adrian Carberry and Republic of Ireland Junior International striker Stephen Ryan - as Michael O'Connor bids to strengthen his squad for the second half of the season.

03/07/06 – Higgins' Pub
Numbers drawn were: 5, 20, 25, 27
Match 4 Winners [€2,100] –
Match 3 Winners [€40 X 4] - Larry Brennan, John McDermott, '3+1', D Nash
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday July 10th in Nut's Corner for €2,250 Jackpot

PLEASE note that Athlone Town's next home game against Monaghan United will take place on Tuesday July 11th in Saint Mel's Park.

Kick-off is at 7:30pm.

FOLLOWING their 1 - 0 defeat away to Kildare County earlier in the week, Athlone Town got back to winning ways on Friday night when a late late goal from Colin Fortune secured the points.

Coming to the end of a poor game, it looked like both sides would take away a share of the spoils. That was until until former United man Fortune curled a superb free kick to the top right hand corner.

The visitors finished the game with ten men when ex-Town defender Ronan Frawley was dismissed for a second yellow card in the 66th minute. Ironically, both cards were for fouls on Eric Lavine.

Speaking to athlonetownfc.com, Town boss Michael O'Connor said, "It was great to get the three points, that's what it's all about. I thought it wasn't a great match, but it was 50/50 really.

"They missed a great chance, I don't know how they missed it, and we hit the bar. Then the sending off was a definite sending off and what a way to finish it. It was an absolutely fabulous goal. You couldn't ask to see a better goal in Saint Mel's," he concluded.

This Saturday night Town travel to Buckley Park to take on Kilkenny City. Kick-off is at 7:30pm. The Mad As Cootes have organised a bus to the game at the knock-down rate of just €1 per seat. See www.madascootes.com for more details.

ATHLONE TOWN: Danny O’Leary, Ian Rossiter, Brian McCarthy, Robbie Hamm, Jim Sheridan, Colin Fortune, Istvan Lakatos, Des Hope, Eric Lavine, Michael Collins, Padraig Moran: Subs: Stephen Mullan for Moran (57), Noel McGee for Lakatos (71), Michael Harney for Collins (78).

GALWAY UNITED: Alan Gough, Michael Harty, Philip Reilly, Ronan Frawley, Billy Cleary, Fran Carter, David Cooke, Juan Rojas, Dave Goldbey, Alan Murphy, Derek O’Brien. Subs: Barry Moran for Goldbey (54), Alan Keane for Murphy (57), Liam McKenna for Rojas (68).

REFEREE: Mark Gough (Limerick).

ATHLONE TOWN Under-21's somehow lost 1 - 0 to their Galway United counterparts on Saint Mel's Park on Sunday afternoon.

The visitors took the lead after nine minutes when Liam McKenna headed home at the back post from a corner kick.

However, Athlone dominated the match and in particular in the second half, they owned the ball ..... More

THE eircom League clubs have voted to merge with the FAI and accept fundamental changes to the League’s structural, competition and governance areas.

Subject to ratification at an FAI EGM in September, the new 4 tier eircom League will now be run by the FAI from the 2007 season onwards.

The League clubs voted to overhaul all aspects of its operations following a consultative and communications programme over recent weeks led by the FAI Chief Executive Officer John Delaney and the Chairman of the eircom League Paddy McCaul ..... More

THE draw for the Third Round of the FAI Carlsberg Cup was made on Wednesday evening in the Guinness Gravity Bar in Dublin.

The one thing you always look for is a home draw, and in that regard, Athlone couldn't have got a worse draw - away to Finn Harps!

However, with a 1 - 1 draw in Finn Park, and a 1 - 0 win in Saint Mel's Park already recorded this season, Town won't be going there in any trepidation.

One of the favourites to be challenging for 'promotion' before the season, Anthony Gorman's side are struggling somewhat, and find themselvesa point behind Athlone in the table, but with a game more played.

With the tie set for the week ending Sunday August 27th, the sides will meet in a dress rehersal on Friday July 22nd in the League.

The draw in full is as follows:

• Finn Harps Vs. Athlone Town
• UCD Vs. Limerick
• St. Patrick's Athletic Vs. Dundalk FC
• Shamrock Rovers Vs. Bohemians
• Shelbourne Vs. Derry City
• Sligo Rovers Vs. Bray Wanderers
• Waterford United Vs. Longford Town

PLEASE note that this weekend's game against Galway United is on FRIDAY, June 30th, and NOT Saturday June 31st.

Kick-off in Saint Mel's Park is at the usual time of 7:45pm.

ATHLONE TOWN will learn who their opponents will be in the last 16 of the FAI Carlsberg Cup this evening, when the draw takes place in the Guinness Gravity Bar, Dublin.

Along with Athlone, the other sides left in the competition are:

• Bohemians
• Bray Wanderers
• Derry City
• Dublin City
• Dundalk
• Finn Harps
• Killester Utd
• Limerick FC
• Longford Town
• Shamrock Rovers
• Shelbourne
• Sligo Rovers
• St Patricks Athletic
• UCD
• Waterford United

Town Back With A Bang!

THE mid-season break didn't affect Athlone unduly as they completed a league double over Dundalk at Oriel Park on Thursday night.

The Town had beaten the Lilywhites 2 - 0 in the corresponding fixture earlier in the season at St. Mel's Park and travelled to the northeast with confidence. It was never going to be easy for Athlone as Dundalk boasted the league's top scorer in their ranks. Philip Hughes has been in fine form all season and has banged in six goals this term. His striking partner Peter Hynes is no slouch either. He had managed four so far this year and Michael O'Connor's selection policy was clearly designed to contain Dundalk ..... More

ATHLONE TOWN are back in League action this Wednesday evening, in the first of two games in three days, when they take on Kildare County.

Michael O'Connor's side should travel in good spirits, after recording a 2 - 1 win over Dundalk FC in Oriel Park last Thursday evening. Oriel Park is never an easy place to get a result, and this was Town's second win over the John Gill managed Lilywhites this season ..... More

ATHLONE TOWN Under-21's proved too strong for League debutants Ballinasloe Town in Saint Mel's Park on Monday night.

Colm Muldoon's side ran out 3 - 0 winners thanks to second half goals from Alan Kelly, Michael Collins and Noel McGee.

Kelly, who later replaced Robert Forde in goal, converted from the spot after Anthony Hayes was taken down in the box on the hour mark ..... More

26/06/06 – Samz Tavern
Numbers drawn were: 5, 17, 20, 23
Match 4 Winners [€1,950] –
Match 3 Winners [€30 X 5] - Mark Hennessy, Sheila McCormack, Declan Browne, Brian Larkin, Michelle Connolly
Consolation Prize Winner –

19/06/06 – Samz Tavern
Numbers drawn were: 6, 15, 17, 22
Match 4 Winners [€1,800] –
Match 3 Winners [€40 X 4] - Anthony Francis, Keith Nolan, Sean Egan, Des Kelly
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday July 3rd in Higgins' Pub for €2,100 Jackpot

MICHAEL O'CONNOR'S Athlone Town side travel to Oriel Park this Thursday evening, to face Dundalk FC as the League resumes from its mid-summer break.

The Town boss has an almost full squad to choose from, with Tom Silke (back) the only absentee.

"I'm looking forward to getting back to action. Despite what some people think, I'm happy with the way things are going along", he told athlonetownfc.com.

He also confirmed that referee Tony Kelly, Drogheda United manager Paul Doolin and himself all agreed to call off last Friday's proposed friendly.

"I don't want it getting out there that just one person is to blame. The referee advised us that he felt the pitch was very hard. It was then decided by all three of us that it wasn't worth the risk to the players safety to play a friendly match on it," he concluded.

Competition: eircom League First Division
Date: 22/06/06
Venue: Oriel Park, Dundalk
Kick-Off: 7:45pm
Referee: Stephen Toner
Last League Meeting: 01/04/06 Athlone Town 2 - 0 Dundalk FC

AS the progress on the construction of the Athlone Town New Stadium continues, so too is the much needed fundraising by the Stadium Project Team.

Following hot on the heels of the successful Woodbrook Golf Classic is the team's next fundraiser - the first of its kind in the Midlands, a Mediterranean Style Evening on the River Shannon.

This event will be held at the Radisson SAS Hotel, Athlone, on the banks of the River Shannon, on Friday June 30th ..... More

The following suspensions and sanctions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 7th June 2006 and are effective as and from Wednesday, 21st June 2006 unless otherwise stated:

David Breen (Cobh Ramblers) suspended for TWO (2) competitive matches and fined €50 as a result of being sent off in the FAI Carlsberg Cup match v Dundalk (27.05.06). Automatic suspension in next competitive match (as Cobh Ramblers are out of the FAI Carlsberg Cup) as per FIFA directive already served and ONE (1) competitive match as and from Wednesday, 21st June ..... More

The eircom League has given the go-ahead for Town's mid-season friendly against Drogheda United.

Kick-off in Saint Mel's Park on Friday night is at 7:45pm.

Town Boss Promises New Players

NEW players will be joining Athlone Town FC when the Irish transfer window re-opens at the start of July, Town boss Michael O'Connor has declared.

Athlone are currently in the midst of a short summer break and lie third from bottom of the First Division. Such is the closeness of the division, though, that Athlone are only three points behind fourth placed Cobh Ramblers - who beat them 0 - 2 last Friday week - and have a game in hand. They are ten points behind league leaders Limerick FC ..... More

12/06/06 – Coosan Tavern
Numbers drawn were: 8, 12, 17, 28
Match 4 Winners [€1,650] –
Match 3 Winners [€150 X 1] - Sandra Gibson
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday June 19th in Carty's Pub for €1,800 Jackpot

The Athlone Town New Stadium 2006 Golf Classic proved yet another success for the organisers at Woodbrook Golf Club, Dublin. Although May weather has been far from summer weather this year, the weather remained pleasent until late afternoon when a little rain fell to hurry along the last few teams. All the participants sang the praises of the Woodbrook course, which contributed to the many high scores recorded.

The outright winners were the Sean Flanagan Team who have supported this event since year one. The Chairman of the Stadium Project Team, Ciaran Temple complimented the organising group of Sean Murphy, Chairman; Turlough O'Connor, Ronnie Fitzell, Eugene Davis, Sean Deane and Tom Burke on a very well organised and successful event. He said these gentlemen have set a very high standard of organisation and this was acknowledged by all the teams taking part ..... More

ATHLONE TOWN Under-21's will find themselves in a new regional group this season, as they have been moved out of the North Leinster Division.

Dermot Lennon's men will instead ply their trade in the Mid-West Division, along with neighbouring clubs Mullingar Athletic and Mullingar Town, Ballinasloe Town, and the only Premier Division club in the Division, Longford Town.

Up to this season, Town have played in the much more competitive North Leinster Division against teams like Shelbourne, Bohemians, Drogheda United and Dublin City ..... More

PENDING approval from the eircom League, Athlone Town will take on Premier Division leaders Drogheda United in a mid-season friendly on Friday June 16th.

Kick-off against Paul Doolin's men is pencilled in for 7:45pm in Saint Mel's Park.

Town Downed In Dour Affair

LAST Friday night’s game at St. Mel’s Park produced two goals, a sending-off, and a dog barking at regular intervals. But if the bare facts convey an air of excitement, then Benjamin Disreaeli’s old saying about lies, damned lies and statistics must be invoked. The football was far from sparkling and chances were few and far between.

Indeed, coming after an FAI Cup game in which Athlone Town produced their best football of the season, this was at times crushingly dull. Cobh produced the better chances and deserved their win on the balance of play. Their victory in a poor quality game sees them leapfrog Town going into the break ..... More

The following suspensions and sanctions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 24th May 2006 and are effective as and from Wednesday, 7th June 2006 unless otherwise stated:

Dave Campbell (Under 21 Manager, Shamrock Rovers) suspended for FOUR (4) competitive matches at Under 21 level, fined €500 and severely warned as to his future conduct as a result of being removed from the technical area by the referee v Bray Wanderers (13.05.05) ..... More

06/06/06 – Carey's Pub
Numbers drawn were: 1, 5, 9 13
Match 4 Winners [€1,500] –
Match 3 Winners [€75 X 2] - Joe Norton, Seamus Lennon
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday June 12th in Coosan Tavern for €1,650 Jackpot

The eircom League is to undergo fundamental changes over the next 3 years with a near doubling of the prize fund and widespread structural, competition and governance changes, if recent proposals are voted through by the League clubs.

The proposals to radically overhaul the League arose following the work of an implementation committee charged with evaluating the Sep 2005 Genesis “White paper” on the eircom League. This paper – Genesis II – recommended radical changes to ensure the long-term survival and financial stability of the League ..... More

29/05/06 – Castle Inn
Numbers drawn were: 3, 12, 21, 25
Match 4 Winners [€2,250] – Lucy Egan
Match 3 Winners -
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Tuesday June 6th in Carey's for €1,500 Jackpot

The following suspensions and sanctions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 24th May 2006 and are effective as and from Wednesday, 7th June 2006 unless otherwise stated:

Dave Campbell (Under 21 Manager, Shamrock Rovers) suspended for FOUR (4) competitive matches at Under 21 level, fined €500 and severely warned as to his future conduct as a result of being removed from the technical area by the referee v Bray Wanderers (13.05.05). For this four match suspension, Mr Campbell is to remain at least 50 metres away from the dressing room, technical area and pitch for at least two hours before the matches as well as during the match and for one hour after the matches and for the duration of the suspension may not play or take part in any competitive match under the auspices of the Association ..... More

JIM SHERIDAN booked Athlone Town's place in the third round of the FAI Carlsberg Cup, as they beat Galway United 2 - 1 in Saint Mel's Park on Friday night.

Sheridan struck in the 82nd minute, after the visitors failed to clear Istvan Lakatos' corner-kick.

Town had taken the lead in the 13th minute when Padraig Moran guided home Colin Fortune's free-kick.

The home side missed a number of chances in the first half, and went in 1 - 1 at the break when Alan Murphy converted a 42nd minute penalty.

Howver ex-Sligo man Sheridan grabbed his first goal for the Club with just eight minutes remaining to send Town into the next round and continue the good opening to the season.

ATHLONE TOWN: Robbie Forde, Robbie Hamm, Alan Kelly, Brian McCarthy, Jim Sheridan, Colin Fortune, Istvan Lakatos, Des Hope, Eric Lavine, Damien Rushe, Padraig Moran. SUBS: Kevin Williamson for Moran (79), Noel McGee for Lakatos (82), Michael Harney for Lavine (88).

GALWAY UNITED: Alan Gough, Mixie Harty, Fran Carter, Ronan Frawley, Billy Cleary, Ciaran Foley, Rafael Cretaro, Philip Reilly, Barry Moran, Alan Murphy, Derek O’Brien. SUBS: Nigel Keady for O’Brien (59).

REFEREE: Padraigh Sutton

Lavine Faces Old Team-Mates As Bitter Rivals Clash In FAI Cup

MUCH attention will be focussed on Athlone Town striker Eric Lavine as his new club face his former side Galway Utd in the Second Round of the FAI Senior Cup this Friday (St. Mel’s Park 7:45pm).

Lavine, 35, was dramatically released by Galway Utd earlier this month following an internal disciplinary investigation by the Terryland Park’s club committee.

Athlone boss Michael O’Connor wasted no time in snapping up the Barbados international and he has since played two league games for his new club ..... More

Family Fortunes To Go Out The Window For One Night Only

IT will be something of a family affair at St. Mel’s Park when Athlone Town meet Galway Utd on Friday.

Michael O’Connor and his nephew Colin Fortune are now key components of the Athlone Town set-up.

And Ronan Frawley, Fortune’s first-cousin and a nephew of O’Connor, is expected to play at centre half for Galway Utd ..... More

22/05/06 – Potter's Bar
Numbers drawn were: 1, 2, 25, 26
Match 4 Winners [€2,100] –
Match 3 Winners [€75 X 2] - Deborah Gaffey, Ray Francis
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday May 29th in the Castle Inn for €2,250 Jackpot

The following suspensions and sanctions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 17th May 2006 and are effective as and from Wednesday, 31st May 2006 unless otherwise stated:

Wesley Charles (Bray Wanderers) suspended for ONE (1) competitive match and fined €25 as a result of reaching four (4) penalty points.

Robbie Dunne (Dundalk) suspended for ONE (1) competitive match and fined €25 as a result of reaching four (4) penalty points ..... More

FOR the second time this season Athlone Town had an away game fall foul of the weather.

Town's game against Shamrock Rovers in Tolka Park on Sunday afternoon was called off just an hour and a half before kick off.

As yet, no new date has been fixed for the replay.

Town are next in action this Friday night, when Galway United are the visitors to Saint Mel's Park in the FAI Cup. Kick-off is at 7:45pm, but please note that the laneway down to Saint Mel's Park will be closed from 6:30pm onwards.

Just Like Watching Brazil?

SPORTING the Brazilian colours, Finn Harps went into Friday night’s match in St Mel’s Park boasting a five-match unbeaten record. But if anyone was in the mood for salsa dancing at the end, it was the home side, after a deserved victory which took them to fourth place in the Division One table.

We had something approaching a tropical rainstorm before kick off, but nobody came dressed for Copacabana beach. Town manager Michael O’Connor named an unchanged team from that beaten by Limerick six days previously. Eric Lavine, a Barbados international who presumably knows a thing or two about high temperatures, was named up front for his second game ..... More

15/05/06 – Palace Bar
Numbers drawn were: 4, 9, 10, 19
Match 4 Winners [€1,950] –
Match 3 Winners [€75 X 2] - Bernard Larkin, Emma & Ann
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday May 22nd in the Potter's Bar for €2,100 Jackpot

ROBBIE HAMM'S 9th minute goal was enough to give Athlone Town a win over Finn Harps in Saint Mel's Park on Friday night.

The full-back was on hand to blast the ball to the back of the net after Harps 'keeper James Gallagher failed to hold Damien Rushe's close range effort from Eric Lavine's cross.

The win was thoroughly deserved, and sees Town climb to fourth spot in the table, just a point behind Galway United in third.

Speaking to athlonetownfc.com after the game, Town boss Michael O'Connor said, "As I keep saying, it's 50/50 any game we're in.

"Eric has added a lot to us up front. His expereince and holding up the ball has allowed people get forward a bit more and pass the ball a bit more.

"It's a learning process. We're going along nicely, without getting carried away. We're working hard, and that's all you expect," he concluded.

ATHLONE TOWN: Robbie Forde, Ian Rossiter, Michael Collins, Robbie Hamm, Jim Sheridan, Colin Fortune, Istvan Lakatos, Des Hope, Eric Lavine, Damien Rushe, Padraig Moran. SUBS: Noel McGee for Lakatos (71), Brian McCarthy for Moran (76), Iarfhlaith Davoren for Lavine (85).

FINN HARPS: James Gallagher, Eloka Asokuh, Jonathan Minnock, Marc Mokendi, Shane Bradley, Sean Cooney, Ryan McGavigan, David Bell, Stephen O’Donnell, Davitt Walsh, Chris Malseed. SUBS: Gary Crossan for McGavigan (60)

REFEREE: Mark Gough (Limerick)

ATHLONE TOWN Youths won the DDSL Super Cup Final in most emphatic and convincing style in the AUL Complex, Dublin on Sunday afternoon last.

Athlone won this final much more convincingly than the scoreline might suggest and indeed it could be said that the game was well won after a superb first half which saw them lead 3 – 1 and which score line flattered the Dublin opposition.

From the first whistle Athlone took control and looked like overwhelming their fired up opponents. Athlone’s slick passing and high tempo in the early stages was most impressive and it was a surprise that it took the Athlone lads all of nineteen minutes to open their account ..... More

The following suspensions and sanctions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 10th May 2006 and are effective as and from Wednesday, 24th May 2006 unless otherwise stated:

Shane Barrett (Cobh Ramblers) suspended for ONE (1) competitive match and fined €25 as a result of reaching four (4) penalty points.

Sean Connor (Manager, Sligo Rovers) suspended for ONE (1) competitive match, fined €100 and warned as to his future conduct as a result of being removed from the technical area by the referee v Shelbourne (29.04.05). For this one match suspension, Mr Connor is to remain at least 50 metres away from the dressing room, technical area and pitch for at least two hours before the match as well as during the match and for one hour after the match ..... More

Table-Toppers Topple Town

"BLOW it up", one Athlone Town fan urged referee Richie Winter with 10 minutes remaining in last Saturday's game at Saint Mel's Park. Like the rest of the home support, he suspected that the locals could not hold out much longer.

And he was right. Just three minutes later, Brian Buckley's free kick took a deflection and Limerick were heading for victory. Des Hope almost snatched an equaliser with the last play of the game, but on the balance of play, Town might well have fallen behind earlier than they did.

Michael O'Connor made two chances from the side which had beaten Monaghan eight days previously. Jim Sheridan came in for Brian McCarthy, while Zsolt Petro made way for Eric Lavine, newly signed from Galway United ..... More

08/05/06 – Nut's Corner
Numbers drawn were: 2, 9, 18, 24
Match 4 Winners [€1,800] –
Match 3 Winners [€75 X 2] - Terri Joyce, M Fitzgerald
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday May 15th in the Palace Bar for €1,950 Jackpot

ATHLONE TOWN suffered only their second defeat of the season on Friday night last, when they went down 1 - 0 at home to Limerick FC.

The win put Noel O'Connor's side back on top of the table, where they now remain after Shamrock Rovers could only manage a draw against Cobh Ramblers on Sunday afternoon.

Limerick got a somewhat fortunate goal when Brian Buckley's free-kick took a massive deflection on its way to the back of the net, leaving 'keeper Robbie Forde with no chance.

However, the visitors had numerous chances to take the lead, and the goal was well deserved when it arrived.

Des Hope almost grabbed a point for Town in injury time, but his header came back off the woodwork.

Speaking to athlonetownfc.com after the game, Town boss Michael O'Connor said, "It was a tough game. We had a bit of luck where we could have gone one down, and then we were a bit unlucky with the deflection.

"But we were playing against a very good side. They've brought in players from the Premier Division. That's why Waterford are struggling, most of their players are at Limerick."

Giving his reaction to the FAI Cup draw midweek, he said, "It’s a great draw. I mean it’s a home game, it’s a 50/50 match to get to the next round. There should be a good atmosphere in Mel’s and a good crowd for a local derby, it’s great.

"Once you have a home draw, it’s going to be a great night. Good nights in football have been fairly few and far between in Athlone for the last few years, it’s good to have a good one back", he concluded.

ATHLONE TOWN: Robbie Forde, Ian Rossiter, Michael Collins, Des Hope, Jim Sheridan, Colin Fortune, Istvan Lakatos, Damien Rushe, Eric Lavine, Robbie Hamm, Padraig Moran. SUBS: Anthony Hayes for Fortune (21), Brian McCarthy for Moran (59), Alan Kelly for Robbie Hamm (83).

LIMERICK FC: Noel Mooney, Conor Molan, Brian Buckley, Anthony Wolfe, Pat Purcell, Tommy Barrett, Robbie Kelleher, John Lestor, Kevin Waters, Paul Rose, Colm Heffernan.

Details of the Athlone Town Stadium 2006 Golf Classic were recently announced in the Spa Hotel, Lucan.

The organisers will be the same team who successfully organised the 2005 event. Again led by its Chairman, Sean Murphy and team members Turlough O'Connor, Eugene Davis, Sean Deane, Ronnie Fitzell and Tom Burke.

Following on from the popularity of last year's venue, Woodbrook Golf Club, Sean Murphy announced that the 2006 Classic would be held on Friday 19th May at the same vennue. He went on to say how pleased he was with the host club Woodbrook, for granting a Friday for this year's Classic. The fact that it is on a Friday has two great advantages, one it facilitates teams travelling up from the Athlone area, and allows for a more leisurely day overall as most people will be free of work the following day ..... More

The following suspensions and sanctions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 3rd May 2006 and are effective as and from Wednesday, 17th May 2006 unless otherwise stated:

Alan Byrne (Kildare County) suspended for ONE (1) competitive match and fined €25 as a result of reaching four (4) penalty points.

Gary Crossan (Finn Harps) suspended for THREE (3) competitive matches and fined €50 as a result of being sent off v Monaghan United (18.04.06). Automatic suspension in next Under 21 Pre Season competition match as per FIFA directive already served and TWO (2) first team competitive matches as and from Wednesday, 17th May ..... More

THE draw for the Second Round of the FAI Cup took place in Drogheda on Wednesday evening, with Athlone Town receiving a home draw.

Galway United will be the visitors to Saint Mel's Park, on Friday May 26th, with a 7:45pm kick off.

The full draw is as follows:

• LONGFORD TOWN V CORK CITY
• BLARNEY UTD/COLLEGE CORINTHIANS V DERRY CITY
• CASTLEBAR CELTIC V SHAMROCK ROVERS
• ATHLONE TOWN V GALWAY UNITED
• BANGOR CELTIC/ATHENRY v SHELBOURNE FC
• FINN HARPS V AVONDALE UTD/CRUMLIN UTD
• MALAHIDE UNITED V ST. PATRICK'S ATHLETIC
• DUBLIN CITY V MONAGHAN UNITED
• BOHEMIANS V WATERFORD CRYSTAL
• BRAY WANDERERS V KILDARE COUNTY
• KILKENNY CITY V UCD
• WATERFORD UNITED V DOUGLAS HALL
• DUNDALK V COBH RAMBLERS
• CARRIGALINE UNITED V SLIGO ROVERS
• WAYSIDE CELTIC V KILLESTER UNITED
• LIMERICK V DROGHEDA UNITED

FIXTURES TO BE PLAYED WEEKENDING 28TH MAY 2006

02/05/06 – Walsh's Pub
Numbers drawn were: 2, 7, 17, 21
Match 4 Winners [€1,650] –
Match 3 Winners [€40 X 4] - Dessie O'Neill, Pat Nestor, James Walsh, Martin Kenny
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday May 8th Nut's Corner for €1,800 Jackpot

MICHAEL O'CONNOR has added another striking option to his squad with the acquisition of former Barbados International Eric Lavine.

The former Galway United and Longford Town forward will be in the squad for the visit of Limerick FC to Saint Mel's Park this Saturday night.

Speaking to athlonetownfc.com about his new signing, the Town boss said: "I'm delighted that Athlone were in a position to sign Eric. He is a great player, who has been successful in Ireland. It's good that he has decided to come to a club like Athlone.

"Everyone is saying that he had problems at Galway or whatever, but all I know is that I've signed a very good player. You'll always be in the market to sign a good player.

"He will travel up every week with Robbie Forde, and he starts training tomorrow night, and will be in the squad for Saturday night," he concluded.

Meanwhile, the Club is still awaiting international clearance from the Hungarian FA for striker Tamas Lakatos.

Hope Floats Above The Mons

THESE teams had played thirteen games between them and in those matches there were eight draws. If ever a game had 0-0 written all over it, it was this one. The two lowest scorers in the league don’t usually provide great entertainment.

Michael O’Connor’s men came to Century Homes Park in search of their first away win of the season. By half-time the Hungarian duo of Zsolt Petro and Istvan Lakatos had both spurned gilt-edged chances but a lack of composure on both occasions proved their undoing ..... More

The following suspensions and sanctions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 19th April 2006 and are effective as and from Wednesday, 3rd May 2006 unless otherwise stated:

Stuart Ashton (Under 21 Manager, Cork City) suspended for TWO (2) competitive matches, fined €200 and warned as to his future conduct as a result of being reported by the referee v Limerick (09.04.06) ..... More

ATHLONE TOWN Youths went down 1 – 0 to Rangers CYM in Saint Mel’s Park on Sunday afternoon.

In a game of few chances, the sides looked to be heading for a share of the spoils until the visitors found the back of the net in the 88th minutes with a well worked move down the left.

Town’s title aspirations are slowly slipping away, but Jimmy Greene’s charges still have a League Cup Final to look forward to on Sunday May 14th where they face Verona.

The Under-21's, however, played out a 0 - 0 draw with Shamrock Rovers on Bank Holiday Monday, also in Saint Mel's Park.

Dermot Lennon's side were in action in the pre-season Shield tournament, having previously lost 1 - 0 to UCD.

FAI Carlsberg Senior Challenge Cup – 2nd Round Draw

The 2nd Round Draw for this year’s FAI Carlsberg Senior Challenge Cup will take place on Wednesday 3rd May at the D Hotel, Drogheda at 5.45pm.

The ten remaining Intermediate and Junior teams still in the competition will be joined with the 22 eircom League Teams who are now entered into the draw at this 2nd Round stage.

ATHLONE TOWN recorded their second win of the season on Friday night, when they won 1- 0 away to Monaghan United.

Des Hope got the one and only goal of the game after 52 minutes, poking home Colin Fortune's corner kick.

Speaking to athlonetownfc.com after the game, Town boss Michael O'Connor said, "I'm delighted with the three points. We played really well, even though we had some injuries.

"We should have been three or four up by half-time. We got a goal from Des Hope, and in the last 10 minutes really they threw eveyone forward and we could have got one or two more. But really I'm happy, 1 - 0 or 4 - 0, we still get the three points," he concluded.

Town now find themselves in fourth spot in the table, with 11 points - four behind League leaders Limerick FC. The current unbeaten run of seven matches is the longest since the 2003 season, and it is Town's best start to a season since the 'almost' season of 2000/01.

MONAGHAN UNITED; Robbie Horgan, Jim Murphy, Darren Sargent, Kevin Cronin, Eddie Keyes, Brian Gannon, Barry Burke, Jimmy Fullam, Paul Smyth, David Lee, Robbie Smith. SUBS: Paul Finnegan for Burke (65).

ATHLONE TOWN: Robbie Forde, Ian Rossiter, Brian McCarthy, Robbie Hamm, Michael Collins, Istvan Lakatos, Colin Fortune, Damien Rushe, Des Hope, Zsolt Petro, Padraig Moran. SUBS: Noel McGee for Petro (63), Kevin Williamson for Lakatos (79).

REFEREE: Stephen Toner (Donegal)

eircom League Fixture Changes:

Athlone Town v Finn Harps

Please note that the above match, originally scheduled to take place on Saturday 13th May, will now take place on Friday 12th May at St. Mel’s Park with a kick-off of 7.45pm.

Shamrock Rovers v Athlone Town

Please note that the above match, originally scheduled to take place on Friday 19th May, will now take place on Sunday 21st May at Tolka Park with a kick-off time of 3.00pm.

ATHLONE TOWN face a potentially damaging injury crisis ahead of Friday night's trip to Monaghan United (Century Homes Park at 8pm).

Stephen Mullan, Jim Sheridan and Tom Silke are all definitely ruled out while Colin Fortune and Zsolt Petro are extremely doubtful. Danny O'Leary, however, will be back in the squad after serving a one-game suspension.

Tamas Lakatos' international clearance has not yet come through but the club are hopeful it will arrive before the weekend ..... More

ATHLONE TOWN boss Michael O'Connor was brutally honest following a disappointing scoreless draw against Kilkenny City at St. Mel's Park on Saturday.

"It was terrible stuff, nobody can say otherwise," O'Connor admitted.

Despite failing to concede for the fifth time this season, Athlone failed to create many chances in a rather dull game.

Indeed, it was Kilkenny City who forged the greater chances and will be kicking themselves not to have won.

"The people who watched it know it was bad. I know it was bad the players do too. We kept a clean sheet okay but let's not have people believe myself and the players are happy with that. You can't be happy when you perform like that and the players are not best pleased with themselves ..... More

Ten-Man City Hold The Town

THERE'D better be a pleanary indulgence out of this one!" laughed one supporter as the final seconds were played out in last Saturday's game at St. Mel's Park. After picking up points on the road both in Galway and Ballybofey, there was definitely an air of anti-climax about Town's fourth scoreless draw of the season.

While the reaction to those away results was positive, most supporters felt this game was there for the taking after Kilkenny City had a player sent off midway through the second half. Town had a couple of half chances in the closing stages, but in fact, their best opportunities came in what was a lively and entertaining opening period. While anything less than a point would have been an injustice, the 10 men didn't merely shut up shop. Indeed, Kilkenny had some decent efforts of their own even after Rory Hussey's dismissal ..... More

24/04/06 – Higgins' Bar
Numbers drawn were: 8, 11, 16, 18
Match 4 Winners [€1,500] –
Match 3 Winners [€150] -
Consolation Prize Winner [€50 X 2] – Seamus McCormack & Ollie Dillon

Next Draw: Tuesday May 2nd in Walsh's Pub, Connaught Street for €1,650 Jackpot

Liam Gaffey, Chairman of Athlone Town Supporters Lotto presents a cheque for €1,650 to Mr Paul Stevens in Higgins Bar on Monday night. Also pictured in the back row are Lotto Committee members Tommy O'Neill, Eddie Francis and Tony Knight, and in the front row Chrish Grehan, seller of the winning ticket.

Details of the Athlone Town Stadium 2006 Golf Classic were recently announced in the Spa Hotel, Lucan.

The organisers will be the same team who successfully organised the 2005 event. Again led by its Chairman, Sean Murphy and team members Turlough O'Connor, Eugene Davis, Sean Deane, Ronnie Fitzell and Tom Burke.

Following on from the popularity of last year's venue, Woodbrook Golf Club, Sean Murphy announced that the 2006 Classic would be held on Friday 19th May at the same vennue. He went on to say how pleased he was with the host club Woodbrook, for granting a Friday for this year's Classic. The fact that it is on a Friday has two great advantages, one it facilitates teams travelling up from the Athlone area, and allows for a more leisurely day overall as most people will be free of work the following day ..... More

ATHLONE TOWN recorded their sixth straight draw of the 2006 season on Saturday night, as they played out a 0 - 0 draw with Kilkenny City in Saint Mel's Park.

Town had the upperhand in the first half, but a poor second half showing will have boss Michael O'Connor disappointed not to have taken all three points, and build on good recent results away from home.

Young striker Iarfhlaith Davoren was Town's main threat in the opening half, though Brian McCarthy, playing alongside Davoren up front had a glorious chance to give Town the lead after 30 minutes. However he misdirected his header at the back post, back across the face of goal and the ball was cleared.

Town had 'keeper Robbie Forde to thank on more than one occasion in the second half, as he kept two good City attacks at bay on 55 and 81 minutes respectively.

Next up, Town travel to Century Homes Park this Friday night to face Monaghan United. Kick-off is at 8:00pm.

ATHLONE TOWN: Robbie Forde, Ian Rossiter, Michael Collins, Brian McCarthy, Jim Sheridan, Colin Fortune, Istvan Lakatos, Des Hope, Iarfhlaith Davoren, Damien Rushe, Padraig Moran. SUBS: Noel McGee for Davoren (46), Robbie Hamm for Sheridan (55), Alan Kelly for Lakatos (70).

KILKENNY CITY: Aaron Shanahan, Conor McMahon, Sean L’Estrange, Aaron Mooney, Liam Tiernan, Rory Hussey, Brian King, Darren O’Brien, Hussain Yazdani, Conor Buckley, Christy Doran. SUBS: Tony Griffiths for O’Brien, Paddy O’Hanlon for Doran.

REFEREE: Padraigh Sutton (Clare)

The Executive Committee invite applications for Membership of Athlone Town Football Club. Membership Costs €100

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Only members have voting rights at Annual General Meeting
• Members will receive monthly newsletter 'The Town Review'
• Members will receive text updates to their mobile phone
• Members will receive priority in ticket allocations

APPLICATIONS FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM:

• Club Shop, Saint Mel's Park
• Tea Room, Saint Mel's Park
• Music World, Golden Island Shopping Centre
• Keenan Sports, John Broderick Street
• Shamrock Lodge Hotel
• The Palace Bar, Market Square

Please note that the closing date for receipt of applications is July 1st 2006. The decision of the Executive Committee in relation to membership is final.

The Athlone Town Supporters Lotto has had two winners in recent weeks.

Congratulations to Tom Egan who scooped €3,150 at the draw in the Coosan Tavern on Monday April 3rd, and to Paul Stevens who won €1,650 at the draw in The Grove, Baylough last Monday April 18th.

18/04/06 – The Grove, Baylough
Numbers drawn were: 2, 4, 16, 18
Match 4 Winners [€1,650] – Paul Stevens c/o Chris Grehan
Match 3 Winners -
Consolation Prize Winner –

Next Draw: Monday April 24th in Higgins' Bar for €1,500 Jackpot

MICHAEL O'CONNOR was keen to praise his squad following two credible Eaaster draws on Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Athlone held Galway United at Terryland Park last Friday and followed that by coming from behind to draw with Finn Harps in Donegal on Monday.

"We battled away in both games and I thought we deserved both results. They are good points," O'Connor said.

Athlone have now gone five games unbeaten having not lost since the first game of the season ..... More

ATHLONE TOWN rounded off a good Easter weekend, when they left Finn Park with a share of the spoils on Easter Monday.

Town went 1 - 0 down after 19 minutes, when Barry Curran made the most of a bad Athlone clearance and shot past 'keeper Danny O'Leary.

Things looked like going from bad to worse on 32 minutes, when O'Leary was dismissed for taking down Barry Walshe in the box. However, Michael Funston stepped up and put the resultant penalty kick well wide.

Athlone battled well with just ten men, and were rewarded with just eleven minutes remaining when Noel McGee shot home from the edge of the box for a deserved equaliser and a share of the spoils.

Athlone have now gone five games unbeaten, and find themselves in fourth spot in the table, level on points with third placed Galway United, who have a slightly better goal difference.

Town boss Michael O'Connor will be looking to build on the good run this Saturday night when Kilkenny City are the visitors to Saint Mel's Park. Kick-off is at 7:30pm.

ATHLONE TOWN travel to Finn Park on Easter Monday evening, for their re-arranged First Division game against Finn Harps.

Michael O'Connor's side go into the game on the back of a four game unbeaten run. That run has also seen Town keep four clean sheets, with League leaders Shamrock Rovers the only side to score against Athlone.

The latest came away to Galway United on Good Friday, when the sides played out a 0 - 0 draw in Terryland Park. István Lakatos had Town's best chances on the night, but he saw his first effort go agonisingly wide on the hour mark, and then Galway 'keeper Alan Gough produced a good save to deny the Hungarian winger just 60 seconds later.

One of the early pre-season favourites to be challenging Rovers for the title, Harps find themselves right down at the other end propping up the table, with one win, one draw and two losses from their four games played.

Competition: eircom League First Division
Date: 17/04/06
Venue: Finn Park, Ballybofey
Kick-Off: 6:00pm
Referee: Tom Connolly
Last League Meeting: 06/11/04 Finn Harps 6 - 0 Athlone Town

Interested in travelling to the game? Contact the Mad As Cootes Independent Supporters Club at madascootes@gmail.com or see www.madascootes.com to book a place on their bus.

GALWAY UNITED: Alan Gough, Philip Reilly, Billy Cleary, Fran Carter, Nigel Keady, Mixie Harty, Ciarran Foley, Rafael Cretaro, Barry Moran, Alan Murphy, David Cooke. SUBS: Steven Gavin for Keady (H/T), Derek O'Brien for Harty (61), Alan Keane for Cretaro (65).

ATHLONE TOWN: Danny O'Leary, Tom Silke, Des Hope, Jim Sheridan, Ian Rossiter, Damien Rushe, Colin Fortune, Michael Collins, István Lakatos, Iarfhlaith Davoren, Barry Moran. SUBS: Alan Kelly for Collins (56), Noel McGee for Moran (72), Brian McCarthy for Davoren (82).

REFEREE: Richie Winter (Wicklow)

FORMER Club Chairman and current eircom League Chairman Paddy McCaul has this week been nominated for the Rehab Athlone People of the Year Awards, which will take place on May 5th 2006, in the Radisson SAS Hotel, Athlone.

PADDY McCAUL has been at the heart-beat of Athlone's community for over thirty years.

A businessman of repute, Paddy's involvement with two of the best known businnesses on Athlone's Connaught-side - the Palace Bar on St. Peter's Square and the newly renovated Shamrock Lodge Hotel - have made him a renowned figure among Athlone's business community.

However, it's Paddy's input to the sporting world which capapulted him to both local and national renown over the past year or so ..... More

ATHLONE TOWN'S First Division season kicks into overdrive this weekend with two games in four days.

The Town, who have claimed five points from their opening four games and lie sixth in the table, face a local derby against Galway United this Friday at Terryland Park (kick-off 7:45pm).

Then on Easter Monday Athlone face Finn Harps in a rearranged fixture in Ballybofey (6pm) ..... More