Athlone Town players and then manager Roddy Collins celebrate after clinching promotion to the Premier Division of Irish football. Photo: Ann Hennessy.

Roddy Collins to attend launch of book by Westmeath Independent journalist Kevin O'Neill

 

By Kieran Galvin

Westmeath Independent journalist Kevin O'Neill will officially launch his new book in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone, tonight (Friday) at 9.15pm. 

'In Rod We Trust: How Athlone Won The League' tells the story of how Athlone Town won the Airtricity League First Division title under the stewardship of Roddy Collins.

The 2013 League of Ireland season saw Athlone Town achieve promotion to the Premier Division for the first time in 18 years and the book traces the club's journey en route to the First Division title. It also looks at some of the more significant happenings in the recent history of the club.

Special guests on the night will be Roddy Collins, leading scorer Philly Gorman, Aidan Collins (the victorious captain last season) and local players Neil Harney, Garvan Broughall, Ian Sweeney and Niall Scullion.

Everyone is welcome to attend what should prove to be a great night and avail of the opportunity to get a signed copy of this book which is a must have for all Athlone Town fans and local soccer followers. Indeed, it would be an ideal Christmas stocking filler.

There is an interview with author Kevin O'Neill in this week's Westmeath Independent. In the article, Kevin admitted that the appointment of colourful Dubliner Roddy Collins as Athlone manager triggered the idea of writing a book on Athlone Town’s season.

“When Roddy Collins took over Athlone you sensed that something magical could happen. Having interviewed Roddy at his unveiling, I thought the potential was there for Athlone to challenge for the First Division title. That’s when the idea for the book first entered my head,” Kevin said.

“I started writing down a few notes in the early stages of the season but then really began writing it just before the midway point in the season.”

“Love him or loathe him, Roddy Collins is one of the most high profile figures in Irish club management. His arrival at the club boosted morale and increased the level of interest in the town and further afield. He is a charismatic figure but also a manager that’s proved his ability at getting results,” Kevin continued.

*See more in this week's Westmeath Independent.

*Copies of the book can also be ordered at kevoneill1@yahoo.ie