FLASHBACK: Athlone's first game in Europe 50 years ago

September 18 was the 50th anniversary of Athlone Town's first game in Europe, at home in St Mel's Park against Valerenga of Norway.

The following is from the Westmeath Independent of September 26, 1975

The fates were kind to Athlone—the sun shone in its autumnal splendour—the crowds were there in their thousands, but above all the goals came their way, they deserved more, as they made their debut in European football last week, with a 3-1 win against Valerenga.

And the setting too was perfect. St Mel's Park was at its very best after months of refurbishing and preparation, all so vital for this historic event. The VIPs of the Irish soccer world were there. The Minister for Justice, Mr. Cooney, and local public representatives, headed by Chairman John Keenehan, also honoured the occasion. It was a noteworthy chapter in the 80-year-plus history of Association Football in the town, more momentous than the occasion when Athlone won the Free State Cup in 1923/24 with the only goal of that game coming from the late Dinny Hannon.

A link with that occasion was forged last week with the presence in the stand of his sister, Mrs Lily Molloy of Church Street, mother of the late Peter Molloy.

There were many in the intervening years, who, having cut their soccer teeth in Athlone, were later to make the grade in Irish and cross-channel football. One of those obviously delighted with the Town's success was Paddy Farrell, now living in Hull. Paddy, formerly of Bobs, and Hibernians, sent a telegram of congratulations to Athlone Town Director Seamus O'Brien.

The Norwegian team came to Athlone as an unknown quantity, but with the Viking, as the Scandinavian symbol of fearlessness and energy, these tall, blonde representatives certainly looked as if they had these attributes. Understandably, Athlone's approach in the beginning was in the spirit of wariness, but then when they found their inherent weaknesses, they exploited them to the full.

Bridge-building through sport was the theme of Chairman's Mr. John Keenehan's address, when Athlone U.D.C. gave a civic reception to the visitors.

Commented Mr. Keenehan: "History tells us that Ireland has had a long and notable association with the European mainland. This hias been strengthened by our membership of the E.E.C. and we trust and pray that sport, the great bridge-builder between people and nations, will foster and cement that relationship."