STEPHEN KELLY has been appointed the new player / manager of Athlone Town Football Club, and takes charge of his first game this Saturday night, when Town travel south to take on Cobh Ramblers.

Stephen, who is originally from Dublin, but now lives locally in Kenagh Co. Longford, impressed the interviewing panel when applying to succeed Jimmy Greene earlier this year. With Aaron Callaghan quitting after only two months in the job, Kelly was more than happy to take the position second time round, as he told athlonetownfc.com in his first interview as manager.

"Yeah, it's great. Obvioulsy I went for the position during the close season, but Aaron was successful then. Myself and Dutchy [Padraig Dully] are here now though, and I think we've both been around the game long enough, and we've both won things, so hopefully we can impart some of our knowledge onto the lads.

He continued, "There is a good squad there to base ourselves around. It's going to be a long hard season, at the minute it's just a matter of getting a bif of confidence into the team. The last two weeks have been good, obviously the Longford game excluded. But the games before that - the Finn Harps game we played well but were just unlucky near the end, and obviously last week we put in a good performance to beat Galway, so we have that to build on.

"Yes Aaron is gone, but we have enough continuity there with myself and Dutchy that hopefully the change won't affect the lads too much. Hopefully the quick response to getting myself in will pay dividends", he concluded.

Town have no injury worries ahead of the game in Cobh on Saturday night, with Alan Kelly having returned to training following a viral infection which hampered his return from knee surgery.

The following suspensions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 26th May 2004 and will take effect as and from Wednesday, 9th June 2004 unless otherwise stated:

Shane Brennan (Monaghan United) suspended for ONE (1) eircom League Cup match as per FIFA directive and fined EUR50 as a result of being sent off v Derry City (11.05.04). Suspension already served.

Colm Muldoon's Under-21's kick off their League campaign on week ending Sunday June 6th, when they play host to Bohemians FC at Saint Mel's Park. The League Cup begins on Wednesday June 30th, with the draw yet to be made.

CALLAGHAN RESIGNS AS ATHLONE TOWN MANAGER
Tuesday May 25th 2004

Aaron Callaghan has resigned as Manager of Athlone Town Football Club, citing the travel involved in the job as the main reason for his decision. Dublin based Callaghan only took up the job before the start of the season, succeeding Jimmy Greene, who held the position for two seasons.

Current Assistant Manager Padraig Dully will take charge of team affairs for this weekend's game away to Cobh Ramblers, in a caretaker capacity. The Club's Management Committee will meet next week to discuss a permanent replacement.

Athlone Town Supporters Weekly Lotto Draw details for Monday May 24th 2004 are as follows:

24/05/04 - Venue: Carey's, Mardyke Street
Numbers drawn were 1, 10, 15, 28

• Match 4 Winners [€6,150] - None.
• Match 3 Winners [€150] - Toby O'Brien, c/o Carey's.
• Consolation Prize Winner [€100] - None

There were only three First Division games over the weekend, with Kildare County, UCD and Bray Wanderers all asking for a postponement of their respective games as they had players participating in the 4 Nations semi-professional tournament in Scotland.

Athlone opened the weekend's games with a one nil win against local rivals Galway United. Steven Gavin struck in the 56th minute, after earlier striking the underside of the bar in the first half. Galway also hit the underside of bar late on through as Derek O'Brien free-kick, but Town managed to clear the ball and hold on for an important three points.

On Saturday night, Kilkenny City played host to Monaghan United, with Kilkenny taking the points through a 82nd minute Barry Wood goal. Cobh Ramblers made the long trip north to take on Sligo Rovers and managed a very creditable 2 - 2 draw. Sligo took an early lead through Ciaran Foley, but a brace form Robert Brosnan saw the table turns before half-time. Cobh looked to be on their way to all three points, before Paul McTiernan fired home with 20 minutes to go.

The following suspensions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 20th May 2004 and will take effect as and from Wednesday, 2nd June 2004 unless otherwise stated:

Jonathan Prizeman (Athlone Town) suspended for THREE (3) matches and fined EUR50 as a result of being sent off v Kildare County (03.05.04). Automatic suspension in next eircom League Cup match as per FIFA directive already served and two (2) competitive matches as and from Wednesday, 3rd June.

This season's Athlone & District Schoolboy League is coming to a close, with semi-finals and finals of competitions continung to take this week. Click here for all the fixtures from Tuesday May 18th to Thursday June 6th.

Updated fixture list with U-8 fixtures for Wednesday May 26th and Friday May 28th available here.

Athlone Town bowed out of the League Cup last night at the hands of Longford Town in front of a disappointing crowd at Saint Mel's Park. Town competed well in the opening half, with Steven Gavin creating a good number of chances down the right wing. However, Longford were to go in two up at the break, thanks to two sloppy goals after 29 and 39 minutes respectively. John Martin claimed the first, helping the ball over the line from Dessie Baker's header, while Brian Byrne finished off an Alan Murphy cross from the right, after Mick McCann was dispossessed too easily deep inside his own half by Paul Keegan. This all came after Barry Ferguson saw his 22nd minute penalty saved by David Kennedy.

Adrian Murphy did well after 16 minutes, beating a number of defenders outside hte box, but unfortunately miscued his shot after doing all the hard work. Possession came from Gavin beating Alan Kirby to Sean Prunty's clearance inside his own box.

The second half continued in a similar fashion, with Longford having most of the possession. They extended their lead 25 minutes into the half. Substitute Shane Barrett turned another substitute Des Hope just outside the box. The out rushing Kennedy got a block to the ball, but not enough as it spun over him to the feet of Declan Sheridan who made it 3 - 0. The fourth came 11 minutes later, John Martin getting his second of the night after Kennedy failed to hold Barrett's close range effort.

While Town failed to put Dempsey under any serious pressure in the Longford goal, the 4 - 0 scoreline was not a fair reflection on the game. Athlone did well, and probably actually had more possession than they did against Harps days earlier. Longford were just that little bit quicker to each ball, and more robust in their tackling, which wasn't helped by a poor referee on the night. Plenty of positives to be taken into the Galway game this Friday night for the second derby game of the week.

Athlone Town: David Kennedy, Robert Shine, Michael Collins, Tom Silke, Stephen Kelly, Damien Rushe, Steven Gavin, Niall Donnelly, John McNicholas, Adrian Murphy, Michael McCann. Subs: Des Hope for Shine [53], Michael Harney for Donnelly [67].

Longford Town: Michael Dempsey, Alan Murphy, Sean Prunty, Sean Dillon, Barry Ferguson, Philip Keogh, Alan Kirby, John Martin, Dessie Baker, Paul Keegan, Brian Byrne. Subs: Darragh Sheridan for Byrne [H/T], Shane Barrett for Baker [63], Vinny Perth for Keogh [79].

Referee: Tony Kelly [Moate].

Athlone Town Supporters Weekly Lotto Draw details for Monday May 17th 2004 are as follows:

17/05/04 - Venue: Higgins' Pub
Numbers drawn were 3, 12, 24, 28

• Match 4 Winners [€6,000] - None.
• Match 3 Winners [€150 Shared] - 'Nordie' c/o Potters Bar.
• Consolation Prize Winner [€100] - None

Bray Wanderers took over at the summit of the First Division early in the weekend with a 6 - 0 thumping of Dundalk in Oriel Park. Recently returned from Crewe Alexander Eamon Zayed got on the scoresheet, with Colm Tresson netting a hat-trick in a game to forget for new Dundalk boss Jim Gannon.

UCD stayed in second spot but fell behind Bray despite beating Sligo Rovers 2 - 1 at Belfield Park, thanks to Bray's now superior goal difference. Kildare County were the real losers over the weekend, only drawing at home to Kilkenny City. Two players came back to haunt County with Tadhg Murphy pulling off a numer of saves in goal and Philly Gorman netting an equaliser to Barry O'Connor 100th League goal.

Elsewhere, Galway United enjoyed a comprehensive 4 - 1 win over Monaghan United at Terryland Park, a hat-trick for Barry Moran here. Limerick managed a 1 - 1 draw at home to Kilkenny City, a result which saw Kilkenny move above Athlone in the table, and brought Limerick level on points.

The following suspensions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 12th May 2004 and will take effect as and from Wednesday, 26th May 2004 unless otherwise stated:

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

Keith Doyle (Shamrock Rovers) suspended for ONE (1) eircom League match as per FIFA directive and fined €50 as a result of being sent off v Dublin City (30.04.04). Suspension already served.

Athlone Town Supporters Weekly Lotto Draw details for Monday May 10th 2004 are as follows:

10/05/04 - Venue: Palace Bar
Numbers drawn were 4, 9, 18, 20

• Match 4 Winners [€5,850] - None.
• Match 3 Winners [€150 Shared] - Sandra Costelo, Terry O'Neill, Martin Golden.
• Consolation Prize Winner [€100] - None

Tony Knight accepts a sponsorship cheque from Tony Stacey of Higgins' Pub during half-time at Athlone's last home game. Pic: Padraig Devaney.

There were three games on both Friday and Saturday evening in the First Division this weekend. On Friday, Athlone played host to Dundalk FC - a goal each from Stephen Geoghegan and Trevor Vaughn earned the Louthmen all three points. Elsewhere, Bray Wanderers went top of the division with a 1 - 0 win at home to Galway United. Also on Friday night, new Finn Harps manager Felix Healy got his first win away to Monaghan United, but they left it late, Shane Bradley scoring with just two minutes left on the clock.

On Saturday night, they were leaving it late again. UCD earned a point at St. Colman's Park, when Sean Finn's 90th minute penalty cancelled out John Meade's 60th minute free kick.

A 90th minute header from Kildare's Barry O'Connor cut Bray's stay at the top short. It sealed a 3 - 2 win away to Sligo Rovers. Limerick got their first win of the campaign away to Kilkenny City, Paul Finucane netting in the 75th minute at Buckley Park.

Plenty of fixtures in the ADSL for the coming week as competitions get down to the business end of things. Click here for details.

ADSL Club Saint Joseph's were the Half-Time Penalty Shoot-Out competition participants at our last home game against Dundalk. Pictured above with Michael Francis of Athlone Town FC and Breffni Rowan of the ADSL are Owen Connaughton, Gary Lennon, Kevin Brennan [winner] and Aaron Duffy. Pic: Padraig Devaney.

The following suspensions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 5th May 2004 and will take effect as and from Wednesday, 19th May 2004 unless otherwise stated:

Conor Frawley (Galway United) suspended for TWO (2) matches and fined €50 as a result of being sent off v Finn Harps (23.04.04). Automatic suspension in next eircom League match as per FIFA directive already served and one (1) competitive match as and from Wednesday, 19th May.

Athlone Town Supporters Weekly Lotto Draw details for Tuesday May 4th 2004 are as follows:

04/05/04 - Sean's Bar
Numbers drawn were 4, 9, 11, 14

• Match 4 Winners [€5,700] - None.
• Match 3 Winners [€150 Shared] - 'Sean's Bar, Derek Milton c/o Athlone Extrusions, David Cummins, Bealnamulla.
• Consolation Prize Winner [€100] - None

At Athlone Town's weekly Management Committee meeting, held last night Tuesday May 4th, Mr Tony Connaughton offered his resignation as Club Secretary to the Committee. Mr Connaughton said he felt it was his duty to offer his resignation as Club Secretary, after the Club was docked three points for fielding an unregistered player in the League opener against Monaghan United. The Committee accpeted his resignation. Mr Connaughton will continue to work for the good of the Club as a Committee member. A new Secretary will be elected in the near future.

Town went down 4 - 0 away to Kildare County in the opening game of the League Cup on Monday night. The starting line up showed TEN changes to that which lost to the same opposition days earlier in the League, with only Eric Molloy retaining his place.

It was a very experimental line up, playing three at the back with Robbie Shine in the centre and regular centre halfs Tom Silke and Niall Donnelly in the full back positions. Frankie Kilcommins started on the right wing, with Jonathan Prizeman partnering Shane O'Brien and Michael Harney in the centre of midfield. Padraig Moran and Andy Mullan started up front.

From the start it was clear that Athlone weren't at the races, and only had their first shot on target on the half-time whistle when Eric Molloy shot down, but Danny O'Leary saved easily. Kildare were already one up at this stage, Martin Reilly scoring against his old club again, unmarked at the back post.

The second half saw a number of changes with Micky Collins coming on for Molloy, and Frankie Kilcommins moving to right back as part of a regular back four. Michael McCann replaced the injured Andy Mullan three minutes into the half. None of the changes were to have any effect though, and Kildare went on to score another three goals, all close range headers from corners or frees. Not a game to remember for debutant David Kennedy in goal. To wrap up a truely awful night, midfielder Jonathan Prizeman was dismissed for violent conduct with twelve minutes to go.

Kildare County: Danny O'Leary, Ger O'Brien, Keith O'Brien, Ryan O'Donnell, Philip Byrne, Alan Byrne, Shay Zellor, Alan McNevin, Martin Reilly, James Igwilo, Alan Kelly. Subs: Barry O'Connor for Reilly, John Ryan for Zellor.

Athlone Town: David Kennedy, Robert Shine, Eric Molloy, Tom Silke, Niall Donnelly, Frankie Kilcommins, Shane O'Brien, Jon Prizeman, Michael Harney, Andy Mullan, Padraig Moran. Subs: Michael Collins for Molloy [H/T], Michael McCAnn for Mullan [48], Steven Gavin for O'Brien.

After losing to Kildare County in the League on Friday night, Town travel to Station Road to take on the same team in the opening game of the League Cup tonight, Monday May 3rd. Manager Aaron Callaghan has hinted that he will use the competition to give a run-out to fringe members of the squad. Kick-off in Station Road is at 7:30pm. On Tuesday May 18th, Town play host to Longford Town in the same competition. Kick-off in Saint Mel's Park will be at 7:45pm.

A number of semi-finals and finals will be decided this coming week in the ADSL as the different league and cup competitions wrap up for the season. Click here for full fixtures.

Congratulations to Bealnamulla Athlone Town Ladies who retained their Bella Pollard Midlands Senior Cup on Sunday afternoon, beating Portlaoise 3 - 0 in the final at O'Hara Park, Clara. Full report here.

Congratulations also go to last season's Under-21 captain Eoin Fox, who picked up the Senior Soccer Award at Athlone IT's 21st Annual Sports Star Awards recently.

Hard luck to Buccaneers on losing out to Cork Con in the semi final of the AIB All Ireland League over the weekend.

We have added a number of site photos to the 'new stadium' section of the website. Don't forget that fund-raising for the project is on-going, and you can play your part through the Buy A Sod campaign.

Athlone Town Chairman Paddy McCaul accepts a Match Sponsorship cheque from Ken Bryan, Area Manager with Bus Eireann. Also pictured is Michael Francis ATFC. Pic: Padraig Devaney.

UCD consolidated top spot in the First Division on Friday night when they overcame Limerick FC 3 - 0 at Belfield Park. The result kept UCD top, one point ahead of Kildare County on 16 points. Wille Doyle, Sean Finn and Paddy McWalter got the goals for the students.

Managerless Finn Harps went down by a single goal to fellow promotion hopefuls Bray Wanderers at Finn Park, also on Friday night. Sean McGowan has taken temporary charge after Noel King's decision to step down, but he won't have been pleased with this result. It saw Harps drop down to fifth position after Sligo Rovers won 1 - 0 away to Monaghan United.

In the opening game of the weekend, Galway United came from behind to beat Dundalk FC 3 - 1 at Oriel Park. Dundalk took the lead on 64 minutes, but just a minute later former Dundalk and Athlone midfielder Colin Fortune levelled matters from a free kick. Galway took the lead through Dave Goldbey, and then made sure of all three points on the stroke of full time as John Russell got his second goal in three games for the Tribesmen. Following on from this defeat, Dundalk manager Trevor Anderson resigned his positon on Saturday morning May 1st. He was joined by Club Chairman Des Denning, Vice Chairman Frank Mullen and Financial Controller Frank Keating. Captain Paul Curran will take charge of the team when they travel to St. Mel's Park next Friday night.

Town remain in 8th position ahead of Cobh Ramblers and Kilkenny City on goal difference, after they could only manage a 1 - 1 draw on Saturday night.

AC Celtic's Halt-Time Penalty Shoot Out competition participants, Declan Toland, Billy Cunniffe, Kevin Boyce [winner] and Liam Colleran with Athlone Town and ADSL officials, at Athlone's last home game to Kildare County.