Hewitt stays on in new-look Athlone Town backroom team

Tommy Hewitt is remaining on as manager of the Athlone Town senior women's team for the club's second season in the Women's National League.

Hewitt is a former Athlone Town player who also played for St Peter's and the Defence Forces. When his playing career was prematurely ended by injury, the Athlone man quickly got involved in coaching and management, and he has garnered considerable experience at various levels.

Anthony 'Anto' Fay has been elevated to the role of assistant manager. Edenderry native Fay, who was involved with Athlone in their debut season in the WNL, replaces Darren Whelan after he stepped down from the position.

Following Whelan's departure, the club acted swiftly to finalise the management set-up for the 2021 season.

Ballinahown man Kevin Rohan and Limerick native Alan Loftus (team coach) will also be part of the backroom team. Rohan, who previously enjoyed national success with the Athlone Town U-15 boys' team, will work as a coach and goalkeeping coach, having also been involved last season.

Confirmation of the management team comes hot on the heels of the arrival of goalkeeper Abbiegayle Ronayne.

A native of Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo, Ronayne has represented Ireland at underage level. She has played for Galway United at under-17 and senior level, leading to a call-up to the Ireland U-19 squad.

Niamh Coombes was Athlone’s regular goalkeeper in the 2020 season, but now looks set to face stiff competition for her place from Ronayne.

Meanwhile, Athlone native David McHugh has been confirmed as manager of the Athlone Town’s U-19 women’s team for the forthcoming season.

A qualified and accredited sports psychologist, McHugh takes the reigns after spells with Athlone’s U-17s and Longford Town’s U-19 side.

Meanwhile, the FAI announced today that SSE Airtricity are the new title sponsor of the Women’s National League, which is due to commence on March 26.