Community Games gold for Athlone East

Athlone East, representing Westmeath, captured the All-Ireland U15 futsal title at the Community Games finals staged at Gormanston on Sunday last.

Athlone East claimed the Leinster title recently with a thrilling 8-7 win over Longford, who were last year's overall winners.

This qualified them for the All-Ireland deciders where they overcame the Ulster representatives from Monaghan 8-1 to reach the final. The other semi-final between teams from Cork and Sligo was a much tighter affair before the Connacht champions progressed.

Athlone East dominated the opening half of the final to deservedly lead 2-0 at the interval. However goals for Sligo at either end of the second half set up a thrilling climax in which the Athlone boys held their nerve to score a late winner.

Coached by Thomas Silke and Stephen McEnroe, they were the more skillful and composed side on view on the day and are worthy champions.

Athlone East squad: Cillian Silke, Luke Stankard (captain), Conor McEnroe, Sachin Sundearsan, Fionn Macken, Aodhan Fallon, Frankie Pettit.