'Stadium Project' is back in action this weekend, this time running in the 17:25 2m National Hunt Flat Race at Nass. The four year old gelding came second in its debut at Gowran Park a number of weeks ago.

On Sunday afternoon, the Under-17's are at home to Malahide United in a top versus bottom clash in St. Mel's Park. Kick-off is at 2pm.

Stephen Kelly, appointed Manager for the 2005 Season, faces his former club Dundalk on Friday night.

ATHLONE TOWN face Dundalk FC this coming Friday evening in St. Mel's Park.

Facing a former club, Athlone Town boss Stephen Kelly gave his views on the game and his reaction to been appointed manager for next season to athlonetownfc.com.

"Difficult game Friday evening. Dundalk are in the same position as ourselves in that a new manager came in this season and is building towards next year.

They have quite an experienced squad and will be very difficult to get a result against.

However the players will not want to be beaten by Dundalk for a third time this season. The players will continue to strive to catch those above us in the league in order to finish as high as possible. The fact that I have been appointed for next season should encourage the players to play to the top of their game to ensure a contract for next year.

The appointment of a manager at this point of a season for next year is a big plus for the club and I am delighted that the committee has entrusted me with the responsibility for next season. This enables us to try to re-sign the present squad members and look out for a few fresh faces for next season.

For the past few years Athlone have had to rebuild each year but this year we should have more continuity and a chance to progress our position in the league. However with this comes a greater amount of responsibility and expectance on me and the team. This is a challange that I relish."

Rated as doubtful for the game are Steven Gavin [groin] and Grame Loughman [knee]. Also out for 2-3 weeks is Niall Donnelly with a badly sprained ankle.

Athlone Town Supporters Weekly Lotto Draw details for Tuesday October 26th 2004 are as follows:

26/10/04 - Venue: The Palace Bar
Numbers drawn were 10, 21, 26, 27

• Match 4 Winners [€9,450] - None.
• Match 3 Winners [€150] - None.
• Consolation Prize Winner [€100] - Phylis Loughman.

The next draw takes place on Monday November 1st in Sean's Bar for a jackpot of €9,600. 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!

ATHLONE TOWN wish to announce the appointment of Stephen Kelly as First Team Manager for the 2005 eircom League season.

Kelly was brought to Athlone at the start of the 2002/03 by then manager Jimmy Greene. He served as team captain for two season, and earlier this season became caretaker manager, after Aaron Callaghan deserted the Club just ten games into the season.

The early appointment gives Kelly a great opportunity to hit the ground running next season, making a concerted push for promotion with his own squad.

Athlone's front two of Paul Allen and Noel McGee pictured during Sunday's win against Tolka Rovers at McCarthy Park.

JIMMY GREENE'S Under-17 side met Tolka Rovers at McCarthy Park in the First Round of the SFAI Under-17 Cup on Sunday afternoon, and came out on top of a 3 - 2 scoreline.

Town took the lead after only 6 minutes. The ball was played forward to Paul Allen on the right hand side. After a neat one two with striking partner Noel McGee, Allen's powerful effort was parried by the Tolka 'keeper, but McGee was on hand to fire home the rebound.

Town 'keeper Colm Finneran got back in place well to save an attempted lob after 14 minutes, while two minutes later, McGee had a long range effort saved at the near post. On 22 minutes, Athlone gave away a silly free-kick on the right wing. Floated in, Finneran came for the ball in a crowded area, but the ball fell to Rovers No.6 for the simplest of tap-ins.

Michael Francis of Athlone Town FC accepts a cheque from Biddy Mulligan's, Pub Sponsor for last Friday's game against Kildare County. Our thanks to Biddy's for their continued support.

The second 400 Club draw took place at half-time of Friday night's game against Kildare County: The winners were as follows:

1st Prize [€1,000]: Ger Tiernan

2nd Prize [€500]: Liam McCormack

3rd Prize [Weekend Away]: John McDermott

The following suspensions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 20th October 2004 and will take effect as and from Wednesday, 3rd November 2004 unless otherwise stated:

Cormac Carlin (Derry City) suspended for ONE (1) Under 21 competitive match and fined EUR20 as a result of reaching eight (8) penalty points.

Gerry Carr (Sligo Rovers) suspended for ONE (1) competitive match and fined EUR25 as a result of reaching four (4) penalty points.

The following suspensions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 13th October 2004 and will take effect as and from Wednesday, 27th October 2004 unless otherwise stated:

Ross Cosgrave (Limerick) suspended for ONE (1) competitive match and fined EUR25 as a result of reaching four (4) penalty points.

Clive Delaney (Derry City) suspended for TWO (2) competitive matches and fined EUR50 as a result of reaching twelve (12) penalty points.

Alan Kelly returns from suspension on Friday night.

KILDARE COUNTY are the visitors to St. Mel's Park this Friday night, desperate for the points to take advantage of any slip-up from the top three teams.

Going into last weekend's series of games, Kildare were within touching distance of third placed Bray Wanderers, however they are now seven points behind the Wicklow side with games running out. Bray meet fellow promotion chasers Finn Harps on Saturday night - should Harps and Town win, Harps will be promoted back to the Premier Division at the fourth time of asking.

None of that is on Athlone manager Stephen Kelly's mind though as he looks to start another unbeaten run from now until the end of the season. "We were very disappointed with the outcome of the Bray game but when one unbeaten run ends another one must begin. So the lads are determind to start again on Friday night and continue it until the season ends in six weeks."

"The meeting again gives us the chance to asses our progress against one of the promotion chasing teams. Kildare are hot on the heals of the leading three teams and will be determind to return to winning ways after last weeks reversal to UCD."

Steven Gavin and Paddy Mulvihill are almost certain to miss the game with groin and arm injuries respectively. Padraig Moran will miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery last week. Alan Kelly returns to the squad after serving a one match suspension.

Jimmy Greene's Under-17 side take a break from the League this weekend, and are instead in SFAI Cup action.

Currently leading the DDSL Under-17 Major Division, and having successfully negotiated the first round of the DDSL Taffee Cup, the young Bit o' Blue play host to Tolka Rovers this Sunday afternoon in their first game in this year's SFAI Under-17 Cup.

Kickoff in St. Mel's Park is at 2:00pm.

Admission is of course free so why not come down and check out the Town's stars of the future.

Pictured left is Under-17 midfielder Carmine Russo.

Athlone Town Supporters Weekly Lotto Draw details for Monday October 18th 2004 are as follows:

18/10/04 - Venue: Higgins' Bar & Lounge
Numbers drawn were 2, 3, 12, 24

• Match 4 Winners [€9,300] - None.
• Match 3 Winners [€150 Shared] - Philip Coffey, Alan Farrell, Mary Lonergan, Finian Hegarty.
• Consolation Prize Winner [€100] - None.

The next draw takes place on Tuesday October 26th in The Palace Bar for a €9,450 jackpot. 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 Under-17's moved to the top of the DDSL Under-17 Major Division when they beat Greystones United 3 - 1 in McCarthy Park on Sunday afternoon. Carmine Russo, Pail Allen and Noel McGee were on the scoresheet for Athlone.

Also on Sunday afternoon, the Under-21's ran out comfortable winners against Dublin City in St. Mel's Park. A hat-trick from Iarfhlaith Davoren plus one from Mick McCann gave Town the points on a comprehensive 4 - 0 scoreline.

Meanwhile the Ladies of Bealnamulla / Athlone Town beat Birr Town 6 - 0 at One Direct Park. After three rounds of games, the Ladies have won two and lost one, having scored ten goals and conceeded just once.

ATHLONE TOWN meet Bray Wanderers this Friday night at the Carlisle Grounds on the back of a three game unbeaten run.

However manager Stephen Kelly believes that counts for nothing going up against the promotion chasing Wicklow side.

"It will be a tough game against Bray. They are a very experienced side who have everything to play for. Promotion is a must for them. We must continue to strive for consistency and that will bring its reward.

"Three games unbeaten means very little and we must play with confidence and total concentration because if you switch off against Bray you will be punished.

Kelly has no real injury worries, apart from long term absentee Padraig Moran who had a knee operation last week. Also missing will be the suspended Alan Kelly.

The Under-21's are in action this Sunday afternoon when they play host to Dublin City at St. Mel's Park. City are currently three points ahead of Athlone in 5th place, so victory in this game, followed up by another win in the final game of the season against Longford Town could push the team up to fifth place behind Shelbourne, Bohemians, Mullingar and Drogheda.

Kickoff is at 2pm.

Athlone Town Supporters Weekly Lotto Draw details for Monday October 11th 2004 are as follows:

11/10/04 - Venue: Carey's Pub
Numbers drawn were 19, 22, 26, 27

• Match 4 Winners [€9,150] - None.
• Match 3 Winners [€150] - Michelle Redmond, c/o Samz.
• Consolation Prize Winner [€100] - None.

The next draw takes place on Monday October 18th in Higgins' Bar & Lounge for a €9,300 jackpot. 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!

RTE AERTEL displays the result of the 5 o'clock from Gowran Park last Friday evening.

Number 12 Stadium Project came in second at odds of 5/1.

Details of the next race when known.

The Midlands' Branch of the Irish Referee's Society will hold a beginners course on Saturday October 23rd in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone.

Anyone interested in attending the course should contact Tony Kelly on 090 6430980.

The final of the ever popular Penalty Shoot-Out Competition took place at half-time during last Friday night's game against Limerick FC.

From the original 36 that started out in the competition, three made it to the final. They were Kevin Boyce of AC Celtic, Neil Harney of St. Coman's and Shane Kilroy of St. Francis.

After the first three rounds, Kevin Boyce was knocked out, unfortunate to have two of his spotkicks saved by Athlone's newest Irish International, St. Francis' Lee Gaffey. Harney and Kilroy made sure of forcing sudden death with kicks from the top drawer to the top right and top left corners respectively from their third attempts.

And so it went to sudden death. Harney hit the back of the net, but Kilroy saw his shot come off the underside of the bar with the help of Gaffey in goal. A fitting high quality end to the very popular half-time entertainment. Congratulations to Neil Harney on claiming the title this year, and indeed to all who took part in the compeition throughout the season.

Pictured from left to right are: Back Row: Michael Francis, Athlone Town FC and Pauric Nicholson, FAI Regional Development Officer: Front Row: Breffni Rowan, ADSL Secretary and Competition Sponsor; Shane Kilroy, St. Francis; Neil Harney, St. Coman's, Kevin Boyce, AC Celtic and Lee Gaffey GK, St. Francis.

'Stadium Project' makes his long awaited debut in Athlone Town colours on Friday evening, October 8th at Gowran Park. The two year old goes to post in the penultimate race of the day at 5 o'clock, run over two miles.

The following suspensions were issued by the Disciplinary Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, 6th October 2004 and will take effect as and from Wednesday, 20th October 2004 unless otherwise stated:

Dessie Byrne (St. Patrick's Athletic) suspended for ONE (1) eircom League match as per FIFA directive and fined EUR50 as a result of being sent off v Shelbourne (20.09.04). Suspension already served.

Jody Byrne (Technical Staff, Drogheda United) fined EUR50 and warned as to his future conduct as a result of being sent from the technical area by the referee v Waterford United (24.09.04).

Athlone Town Manager Stephen Kelly is hoping his side can bring their winning streak to three game on Friday night.

ATHLONE TOWN and Limerick FC meet for the third and final time this season on Friday night in Saint Mel's Park.

Athlone have had the upper hand in the meetings so far, recording a 4 - 0 home victory in the fifth game of the season, while Andy Mullan scored twice to secure the points at the Pike Rovers Sports Ground. Manager Stephen Kelly will obviously eager to make it a clean sweep of wins over our Shannon neighbours, and also record a third win on the bounce - a feat that has not been achieved since the 2000/01 season under Liam Buckley.

"We are in search of our third win in a row and that is the demand that has been placed on our players," Kelly told athlonetownfc.com. "Limerick are always a difficult game and we were very fortunate to come away from Pike Rovers Sports Ground with a win when the teams last met.

"The last two games have shown a huge improvement by the Town boys in terms of application and concentration and two hard fought wins were just reward for the efforts. Those levels must be continued and improved on Friday night."

Des Hope and Steven Gavin return from suspension, while Kelly has no major injury worries for the game either.

ATHLONE TOWN Under-21's played host to North Leinster Division leaders Shelbourne in Saint Mel's Park on Tuesday evening, in the first of two meetings between the sides in the coming weeks.

Colm Muldoon's men put it up to the Dubliners through out, and were unlucky not to claim at least a point on the night. The game, re-arranged from earlier in the season, almost didn't go ahead again as the rain poured down on an already sodden pitch, and then a problem with the one floodlight pylon looked like it would disappoint the healthy crowd gathered to watch the game. However the rain soon stopped, the floodlight was fixed and the game kicked off on time at 7:45.

The Under-21's are due to play Shelbourne under lights in Saint Mel's Park this evening, Tuesday October 5th. Should the current bad weather force a postponement of the game, we will bring you the news here on athlonetownfc.com and on midlands 103 Sport at 5PM.

Athlone Town Supporters Weekly Lotto Draw details for Monday October 4th 2004 are as follows:

04/10/04 - Venue: Lough Ree Inn
Numbers drawn were 1, 7, 9, 12

• Match 4 Winners [€9,000] - None.
• Match 3 Winners [€150 Shared] - Larry McDonagh & Colm Finneran.
• Consolation Prize Winner [€100] - None.

The next draw takes place on Monday October 11th in the Carey's on Mardyke Street for a €9,150 jackpot. 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!

Kevin Duffy [right] supplied the match winning goal to Stephen Lonergan [left] against Dundalk FC on Sunday afternoon.

AFTER enjoying a successful Cup weekend last weekend, it was back to League action on Sunday afternoon, when Jimmy Greene's Under-17 side welcomed Dundalk FC to McCarthy Park.

Within a minute of the kickoff, Town should have taken the lead. David Donohue was unable to force home Noel McGee's goalbound shot and Dundalk managed to clear the ball off the line. With five minutes on the clock, Kevin Dufy pulled his shot to the right after he was played through by left back Mark Hayden.

The early pressure finally paid dividends after nine minutes when McGee sent a glorious volley over the Dundalk keeper. Duffy played the ball in from the right wing and McGee controlled the ball brilliantly in between two defenders before dipping his effort to the back of the net.

Home 'keeper Colm Finneran had to be alert three minutes later after a mixup in defence let the Dundalk number 7 in for a chance. Niall Scullion then had to come to Athlone's rescue with 20 minutes on the clock, clearing the ball off the line after Finneran dropped the ball.

All four teams are in action this weekend, with the first team kicking it off on Saturday night when they travel to the Showground to take on Sligo Rovers at 7:30pm.

The following afternoon, the Under-17's host Dundalk FC in McCarthy Park. Kickoff is at 1pm. At 2:30pm, the Ladies face their first real test of the season when they take on last season's League champions Eureka United at One Direct Park.

Then on Tuesday evening October 5th, the Under-21's are at home to runner away League leaders Shelbourne. Kickoff for this game is at 7:45pm.

BEALNAMULLA/ATHLONE TOWN opened their 2004/05 league season in resounding fashion when they struck four goals past a far inferior Mullingar Town side at Dalton Park on Sunday.

After recently reaching the semi-finals of the LFAI Intermediate Cup, Bealnamulla - who finished third in the League last season - were determined to get off to a flying start and succeeded in doing so by completely dominating a game in which they could've netted more than the four goals in the end. They have plenty to prove in the League this season after been very disappointed to finish in third spot last time out.

The visitors had to cope without several first-team players on Sunday including Geraldine Griffith, Nuala Moroney and Emer Murphy. But the strength of their squad, managed for the day by Martin Egan in the unavoidable absence of first-team boss Gerry Doyle, told against an inexperienced home side.