ATHLONE TOWN Under-17's were knocked out of the SFAI Under-17 Cup on Sunday afternoon last by a strong St. Kevin's Boys Premier Division side.

In a quiet opening 20 minutes, the best chance fell to Town's Noel McGee after two minutes, but he shot just wide.

St. Kevin's looked dangerous on the break, and on 27 minutes laid the ball out to their left winger. His cross was met at the back post for the opening goal of the game.

Bealnamulla Athlone Town Ladies scraped past Portlaoise on Sunday afternoon in the second phase of the Midlands' Women's League. More on this game later.

The following suspensions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 24th November 2004 and will take effect as and from Wednesday, 8th December 2004 unless otherwise stated:

Alan Bennett (Cork City) suspended for ONE (1) eircom League match as per FIFA directive and fined EUR50 as a result of being sent off v Drogheda United (08.11.04). Suspension already served.

Tony Bird (Drogheda United) suspended for ONE (1) competitive match and fined EUR25 as a result of reaching four (4) penalty points.

The Under-17 side are in SFAI Cup action this weekend when they travel to take on St. Kevin's Boys Premier side on Sunday afternoon. Athlone beat Tolka Rovers 3 - 2 in the previous round.

The Ladies team play host to Portlaoise, also on Sunday afternoon, as they begin the second stage of the Midlands Women's League. Kickoff is at 2pm in One Direct Park.

Check out the latest 'Soccer Specials' on gamebookers.ie.

• Chelsea’s Tiago has scored two goals in his last two league games. Can he make it 3 in a row?
• Last weekend Paul Scholes scored his first league goal since March. Can he follow it up with another one this week?
• Robert Pires has come off the bench in his last two league matches and grabbed a goal in both. Can he do it again this weekend?
• Portsmouth are in turmoil with the loss of their manager and assistant manager not to mention several of their best players through injury. How will their season progress?
• Now that Norwich have a win under their belt can they break free of the drop zone with an unbeaten streak, starting this weekend away to Birmingham? How many more games can their unbeaten run last?

Athlone Town Supporters Weekly Lotto Draw details for Monday November 22nd 2004 are as follows:

22/11/04 - Venue: Lough Ree Inn
Numbers drawn were 5, 14, 26, 27

• Match 4 Winners [€10,050] - None.
• Match 3 Winners [€150 Shared] - Paul Donovan , Paddy Redmond.
• Consolation Prize Winner [€100] - None.

Next week's draw takes place on Monday November 29th in Higgins' Pub for a jackpot of €10,200.

The Lotto is crucial to the Club, particularly during the fast approaching close season. If you would like to start selling Lotto for the Club, please contact Liam Gaffey on 087 1213147 or email info@athlonetownfc.com.

 

Home	Draw	Away
3/10 AC Milan	10/3	S Donetsk 10/1
5/2 Anderlecht	5/2	Valencia 23/25
7/8 CSKA	5/2	FC Porto
3/10 Barcelona	7/2	Celtic 9 /1
1/2 Chelsea	27/10	Paris SG 11/2
13/6 PSV	9/4	Arsenal 23/20
13/9 Rosenborg	11/5	P'thinaikos 17/10
8/7 W Bremen	9/4	Inter Milan 13/6

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Step 1: Register
Step 2: Place your first bet
Step 3: We will credit your account straight away with an amount equaling 10% of the total stake of your first bet.

An example: bet €100 and receive an instant credit to your account of €10.

The third in a series of Regional Launches of the Football Association of Ireland Technical Development Plan takes place this evening, Monday 22nd November 2004, at 7.15pm in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone. The launch will cover the counties of Longford and Westmeath.

The Technical Development Plan, which was prepared following widespread consultation, will form an important part of the blueprint for the future development of football in Ireland.

The Regional Launches in Portlaoise and Swords over the past two weeks have drawn large attendances from the football family in these areas.

FAI Technical Director, Packie Bonner, will attend this evening’s launch and will be available for media interviews/photos from 7pm to 7.15pm.

ATHLONE TOWN Under-17's came up against one of the top clubs in the country on Sunday afternoon when they met St. Joseph's Boys Under-18 side in the Leinster Youth Cup. Home of Athlone's first team midfielder John McNicholas up until this season, the visitors would have being fancying their chances going into the game, playing a side a year their junior.

They may have had age on their side, but that was about it. Town were on top from the off, with the first real chance of the game falling to Kevin Duffy on seven minutes, but his shot from the edge of the box was easily saved.

WHILE Athlone Town's season came to a disappointing end with a 1 - 0 defeat in Cobh on Saturday night, our old friends Finn Harps claimed their first ever League title by defeating Dundalk FC 3 - 0 in Finn Park.

Congratulations to Felix Healy's men, and we wish them the best of luck next season in the Premier Division.

Athlone Town Football Club recently launched their major Christmas Fundraiser. Up for grabs are:

1st Prize: 2 Tickets To Every Ireland Home International Game in 2005 [Includes Crucial World Cup Qualifiers]
2nd Prize: Trip For 2 To Old Trafford [Flights, Accom. and Match Tickets Included]
3rd Prize: Christmas Hamper [Sponsored by Croughan's SuperValu Athlone]
4th Prize: TV & DVD Player Combo
5th Prize: DVD Player

Tickets cost just €10, and you can enter online through this website. Just set up a free account on moneybookers.com and transfer the money straight from your credit card or bank account to our moneybookers.com account named 'info@athlonetownfc.com'. You will receive a stamped ticket to the postal address you supply as proof of entry.

Further details can be obtained from info@athlonetownfc.com.

A reminder that the Under-17 side are in Leinster Youth Cup action this Sunday afternoon. Jimmy Greene's side take on St. Joseph's Boys Premier side in St Mel's Park at 2pm.

Also on Sunday afternoon, Bealnamulla Athlone Town Ladies look to consolidate top spot in the Midlands' Women's League when they travel to take on Birr Town.

Commiserations to Garrycastle who were knocked out of the Leinster Club Championship last Sunday by Dublin champions Kilmacud Crokes.

Athlone boss Stephen Kelly returns to St. Colman's Park, scene of his first game as Athlone Town manager.

ATHLONE TOWN bring their 2004 eircom League First Division season to a close on Saturday night, possibly needing all three points away to Cobh Ramblers to avoid re-election.

As things currently stand, Athlone are above 11th placed Monaghan United on goal difference only. Monaghan play host to the stuttering, but already promoted Bray Wanderers at Century Homes Park on the Friday night. Whether Bray will continue their poor form, or put in a celebratory performace with all the pressure finally off, remains to be seen.

Town boss Stephen Kelly had this to say ahead of the game, as he spoke to athlonetownfc.com for the final time this season. "This is a very big game for the club. The last thing anyone wants is to apply for re-election especially with the progress been made off the pitch with regards to the new stadium.

"The squad will still be a little stretched. Graeme O Keeffe is still a doubt with a hamstring problem. Paddy Mulvihill is struggling with a chest infection and will more than likely miss out. Niall Donnelly and Padraig Moran are long term injuries and Michael Collins and Stephen Gavin are also definitely out. Tom Silke is suspended after getting sent off last week," he concluded.

The following suspensions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 17th November 2004 and will take effect as and from Wednesday, 1st December 2004 unless otherwise stated:

Damien Brennan (Derry City) suspended for ONE (1) competitive match and fined EUR25 as a result of reaching four (4) penalty points.

Aaron Callaghan (Technical Staff, Longford Town) suspended for TWO (2) competitive matches, fined EUR100 and warned as to his future conduct as a result of being sent from the technical area by the referee v Shelbourne (01.11.04). Aaron Callaghan to be positioned at least 50 metres from the technical area for this two match suspension.

The Under-17's are in action this Sunday afternoon when they play host to St. Joseph's Boys Under-17 Premier side in the Leinster Cup.

This will be another good test for Jimmy Greene's charges against Premier Division opposition having already disposed of Tolka Rovers in the SFAI Cup.

Your support would be most welcome on the day.

Kickoff in St. Mel's Park is at 2pm.

Athlone Town Supporters Weekly Lotto Draw details for Monday November 15th 2004 are as follows:

15/11/04 - Venue: Lough Ree Inn
Numbers drawn were 4, 9, 16, 22

• Match 4 Winners [€9,900] - None.
• Match 3 Winners [€150 Shared] - Kevin Connolly, 'Nordie', Hazel Ryan, Frank Wilson, Jim Carey.
• Consolation Prize Winner [€100] - None.

The jackpot has now broken through the €10,000 mark, with the next draw taking plaace on Monday November 22nd in Carey's Pub for a pot of €10,050.

The Lotto is crucial to the Club, particularly during the fast approaching close season. If you would like to start selling Lotto for the Club, please contact Liam Gaffey on 087 1213147 or email info@athlonetownfc.com.

The Under-17's are on their travels this weekend when they take on the only team still unbeaten in the Division, fifth-placed Meath Rangers on Sunday afternoon.*

Also on Sunday afternoon, the newly crowned Leinster Intermediate Cup winners Bealnamulla Athlone Town Ladies make the short trip south to take on Clara Town in the Midlands Women's League.

*Please note that this game will now not go ahead.

The following suspensions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 10th November 2004 and will take effect as and from Wednesday, 24th November 2004 unless otherwise stated:

Niall Andrews (Kilkenny City) suspended for ONE (1) competitive match and fined EUR15 as a result of reaching four (4) penalty points.

Fintan Bonnar (Finn Harps) suspended for ONE (1) Under 21 competitive match and fined EUR15 as a result of reaching four (4) penalty points.

ATHLONE TOWN's home campaign of the 2004 eircom League season comes to an end on Friday night, when Galway United are the visitors to St. Mel's Park.

With only three points now separating Athlone from the embarrassment of re-election, Athlone need to pick something up from their final two games to stay ahead of Monaghan United. This point was re-iterated by Stephen Kelly when he spoke to athlonetownfc.com.

"This team has a big task over the next two games to ensure that we are not seeking re-election. Points are as ever the most important thing, but players are also playing for their futures.

Kelly will miss the game through suspension as will Niall Donnelly. Also out is Padraig Moran [knee] while Stevie Gavin [groin] is doubtful.

BEALNAMULLA/Athlone Town finally ended their hoodoo against Templeogue United when winning the 2004 Leinster Intermediate Cup last Sunday at Portlaoise.

The Athlone side took the lead after seven minutes. Fifteen year old Bealnamulla goalkeeper Lisa O'Halloran superbly saved a Templeogue free taken by Denise McDonnell. Her superb long drop-kick clearance found Geraldine Griffin, who turned her marker and chipped the ball to the net to make it 1-0.

Athlone Town Supporters Weekly Lotto Draw details for Monday November 8th 2004 are as follows:

08/11/04 - Venue: Potter's Bar
Numbers drawn were 12, 15, 16, 25

• Match 4 Winners [€9,750] - None.
• Match 3 Winners [€150 Shared] - Deirdre Bannon, Enda McKiernan, Pat Canty, J&M Connaughton.
• Consolation Prize Winner [€100] - None.

The next draw takes place on Monday November 15th in the Lough Ree Inn for a jackpot of €9,900. Tickets are available at outlets throughout Town, from the Club Office on Magazine Road, or from Saint Mel's Park on match days. Tickets cost just €2, make sure you get your numbers in today!

Congratulations to the Garrycastle Senior GAA team on claiming yet another County title. Well done to all concerned, and in particular to our own Paddy Mulvihill. We wish you the best of luck in the Leinster Championship.

FINN HARPS re-took top spot in the First Division on Saturday night with a 6 - 0 demolition job of Athlone Town at Finn Park.

Harps only held a one goal advantage courtesy of Kevin McHugh going into the break, but two quick fire goals after the interval from McHugh and Chris Breen changed things completely.

McHugh completed his hat-trick, while Anthony Gorman and Tom Mohan also got on the scoresheet to complete the rout. Speaking to the assembled press after the game, Athlone Town boss Stephen Kelly had this to say.

"Unfortunately there's players here who maybe know they won't be here next season and they're not performing. But they'll still put their hands out to take their wages and that's disappointing.

"We've conceeded probably four of the six goal down the left tonight - little one twos that we just haven't dealt with - poor, basic rules of defending that we just haven't adhered to, and that's not good enough and I've told the lads in the dressing room.

"There's those who know they're not here next year. There's those that were possibly on the maybe list that might have been here next year, they're now on the out-list. I have to bring in players to replace them. I was hoping to bring in four or five guys, I'll have to bring in seven or eight now.

"I thought Shanne Brennan did excellent in his first game game tonight. There's a fella who's not getting an envelope. He came here to prove himself and he's going about it the right way. There are other people that have been here for the last few years, getting money week in week out, and maybe it was easy money. They won't get it next year, simple as that. I won't tolerate it. I'm not here to be a loser. I'm not here to be with a team that's at the bottom of the League.

"I plan to build a team for next season that will challenge for promotion, and on the evidence of the last two games, some of the players haven't the guts for it. They haven't the guts for a fight, haven't the guts to fight 'til the end. This is not the end of the season. They're are two games left at this time, and there's points to be got. As long as there's games to be played and got to be got, people have to play," he concluded.

Finn Harps: James Gallagher, Eloka Asokuh, Ian Rossiter, Declan Boyle, Shane Bradley, Gary Crossan, Michael Funston, Jonathan Minnock, Chris Breen, Kevin McHugh, Anthony Gorman. Subs: Sean McGowan for Funston [49], Tom Mohan for Crossan [65], Paddy McGrenaghan for Minnock [71].

Athlone Town: Anthony Fennelly, Graeme O'Keeffe, Alan Kelly, Tom Silke, Des Hope, Damien Rushe, Stephen Kelly, John McNicholas, Shane Brennan, Adrian Murphy, Michael McCann. Subs: Gary Murphy for O'Keeffe [75], Robert Shine for McCann [85].

Referee: Hugo Whoriskey

A quiet weekend this weekend, with only the first team in competitive action. They travel to Ballybofey on Saturday evening to take on second placed, and title chasing Finn Harps.

On Sunday afternoon, the Under-17's have a friendly 'away' to St. Peter's Under-18's at McCarthy Park. Kickoff is at 1pm.

The Ladies have an idle weekend, in Section B of the Midlands Women's League. The Under-21's have of course completed their League campaign.

PREMIER DIVISION bound Finn Harps are the opposition this Saturday night, as Town travel up to the north-west to take on Felix Healy's men.

After missing out on promotion to the Premier Division for the past three seasons through the promotion/relegation playoff system, Harps finally retained their Premier Division status last weekend, when Kildare County went down 3 - 1 away to Sligo Rovers. However Harps, who enterted the League along with Athlone in 1969, will be aiming to claim the First Division title to add to their only other senior trophy, the 1974 FAI Cup.

Athlone on the other hand are just looking to get out of this season as soon as possible. After last weekend's 4 - 1 home defeat to 9 man Dundalk, manager Stephen Kelly has promised major changes next season, as he explained to Kevin O'Neill of the Westmeath Independent. "We lack steel and maturity and all I can do is promise Athlone supporters that not many of the lads who played against Dundalk will be in my team next season. Nobody did themselves any favours against Dundalk. We need drastic changes and I'll do everything to make sure we're a better outfit next year."

Definitely out through injury are Niall Donnelly [ankle] and Padraig Moran [knee]. Neither team have any suspension worries.

The following suspensions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 3rd November 2004 and will take effect as and from Wednesday, 17th November 2004 unless otherwise stated:

Dessie Baker (Longford Town) suspended for ONE (1) competitive match and fined EUR25 as a result of reaching four (4) penalty points.

Paul Crowley (Dublin City) suspended for ONE (1) competitive match and fined EUR40 as a result of reaching eight (8) penalty points.

Ruth O'Brien of the Offaly Independent talks to one of Athlone's rising stars, Iarfhlaith Davoren.

ADMIRED for his attitude and talent by Athlone Town manager Stephen Kelly, Tullamore native, Iarfhlaith Davoren, has made his mark on Ireland's oldest league club.

At just 18 years old, Davoren, has made ten first team appearances for Athlone Town this season. He might not have scored for the first team but he is highly regarded as a first class prospect at the First Division outfit. The manager has just been handed the reigns for next season and he sees Davoren as a major part of his plans for 2005.

Athlone Town Manager Stephen Kelly talks to Kevin O'Neill of the Westmeath Independent following his re-appointment as first team manager.

STEPHEN KELLY has promised to assemble a squad good enough to mount a serious challenge for promotion from the eircom First Division next season.

In his first interview since being officially appointed Athlone manager for next season - an appointment the Westmeath Independent exclusively revealed two weeks before it was officially confirmed late last week - Kelly praised the club for not allowing his situation to run until the end of the current season, which has only three weeks to go.

THIS senior League game played in excellent conditions in One Direct Park on Sunday last was a very entertaining game with good quality football being played by both sides.

There were some fine individual performances by the Bealnamulla girls with Sharon O'Brien, Aine O'Gorman and player of the match Michelle Ryan all outstanding and a great senior debut for Lisa O'Halloran in goal and striker Emma Kiernan.

Athlone Town Supporters Weekly Lotto Draw details for Mnoday November 2nd 2004 are as follows:

02/11/04 - Venue: Sean's Bar
Numbers drawn were 2, 11, 18, 26

• Match 4 Winners [€9,600] - None.
• Match 3 Winners [€150 Shared] - Bill Murray, Dean Reynolds, Eoin Mannion, Catriona Costello, Mary Kehoe, James Greene, Simon Healy.
• Consolation Prize Winner [€100] - None.

The next draw takes place on Monday November 8th in Potter's Bar for a jackpot of €9,750. Tickets are available at outlets throughout Town, from the Club Office on Magazine Road, or from Saint Mel's Park on match days. Tickets cost just €2, make sure you get your numbers in today!

The following suspensions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 27th October 2004 and will take effect as and from Wednesday, 10th November 2004 unless otherwise stated:

Niall Donnelly (Athlone Town) suspended for ONE (1) competitive match and fined EUR25 as a result of reaching four (4) penalty points.

Stephen Kelly (Athlone Town) suspended for ONE (1) competitive match and fined EUR40 as a result of reaching eight (8) penalty points.

The Club, along with the entire soccer community in Athlone were saddened this weekend with news of the passing of Johnny Keenan.

During his long association with the Club, Johnny served Athlone Town as a player, administrator, representative on the FAI National Council and until recently as a Trustee of the Club.

We wish to take this opportunity to extend our deepest sympathies to the entire Keenan family.

ATHLONE TOWN Under-17's consolidated top spot in the DDSL Under-17 Major Division on Sunday afternoon when they comprehensively beat Malahide United 4 - 0 in St. Mel's Park.

Despite dominating the first half, Town somehow went in level at the break with their Dublin counterparts. Noel McGee had the best of the chances, with some good through balls from Carmine Russo and Stephen Lonergan in midfield.

Russo himself fired just over after 15 minutes, after a great passing movement. David Donohue was unlucky to be ruled offside four minutes later, played through by McGee after the striker won possession in midfield.