Sweeney, Harney and Scullion sign up for Athlone Town

 

By Kieran Galvin

Athlone Town's plans for the 2014 season have been boosted by the news that local trio Ian Sweeney, Neil Harney and Niall Scullion have all signed for the club.

Talented youngster Sweeney helped Athlone to the First Division title in his first full season in 2013, and now he's looking forward to the challenge of playing Premier Division football with his hometown club.

Harney was another member of last season's successful squad and he is no stranger to Premier Division football, having signed for St Patrick’s Athletic in February 2010. 

Meanwhile, Niall Scullion has also committed to Athlone for the 2014 season. He returned home this week for a break from service overseas with the Irish Defence Forces.

'Scully' missed the end of last season due to overseas duty in Syria, and he won't be available for action until April when he returns on a permanent basis from the Middle East.

Sweeney, Harney and Scullion and another local player, Garvan Broughall, were recently rewarded for their role in Athlone Town's success last season by being included among the winners in the 2013 Westmeath Independent Sports Awards.

The signings of Sweeney, Harney and Scullion follow the news that goalkeeper Paul Skinner has chosen to remain with Athlone. In addition, midfielder/forward Graham Rusk has joined the club from Drogheda United.

Skinner was a key figure in Athlone's successful promotion mission in 2013, while Rusk made 22 appearances for Drogheda last season.

Rusk's move to Athlone will see him once again link up with Mick Cooke, who was manager of the Drogs before he succeeded Roddy Collins as Athlone boss.