Launch of Athlone festival set for Valentine's Day
The Athlone Croí na hÉireann festival for 2024 will be officially launched on Valentine’s Day on February 14 at 11am in TUS.
Prior to that, the Croí na hÉireann festival committee held a very successful table quiz at the Bounty on January 25 with a great attendance and great craic enjoyed by all.
Community involvement came to the fore once again with Tanya Cannon of A1 Cleaning sponsoring first prize and some great raffle prizes donated, including Athlone Basketball providing an annual family membership to the value of €200, Seery's of Athlone and Martin Ward of Na Fianna donating beautiful hampers. The winning team donated the prize money back to the fundraiser.
Chairperson John Henson thanked all who attended and those who provided sponsorship and spot prizes. He praised the great work done on the night by Gerry Duignan and the Ericsson crew along with quizmaster Sharon and all the committee members.
"It was particularly gratifying to see committee members from Feile na Sionnaine, Athlone Agri Show and the Shannon River Festival out for the night supporting our festival and it augurs well for the future of festivals in Athlone when all other festival committees are willing to work to support each other," he added.
Treasurer Cllr Frankie Keena stated that he was very heartening to see a full house at the quiz with many groups who will be participating in the parade turning up to give support.
"This is our first big fundraiser for our forthcoming festival and thus we are so fortunate to have this great support and indeed that from all our sponsors," he added.
"Our next fundraiser is a 6k road race scheduled for Sunday morning, February 11, with registration from 8.45am and the race starting at 9.30am. The race will start at the Bounty and head towards Coosan National School and continue around the block via Castlequarter and Hillquarter with finishing back at the Bounty," he continued, adding that he is delighted the festival has the support of TUS again this year.