Athlone Town sign FIFA Club World Cup player

The only Irishman to play at the FIFA Club World Cup has signed for Athlone Town FC.

Dylan Connolly, 25, turned-out for Auckland City (New Zealand) at the 2025 Club World Cup, held in the United States, where his inclusion attracted many headlines in the Irish media.

At the tournament, Connolly played in a famous 1-1 draw for the New Zealanders against Argentinian giants Boca Juniors.

The Celbridge native, who plays at right-back or right midfield, signed for Auckland City in 2025, and has previous League of Ireland experience with Drogheda Utd and Shelbourne.

A qualified physiotherapist with a strong interest in coaching, Dylan is the brother of current Athlone midfielder Aaron Connolly, who has been a key part of the Town midfield for almost five seasons.

Dylan could make his Athlone debut when they travel to face Premier Division Waterford Utd in the last 16 of the Club Orange FAI Men's Cup on Friday (Waterford RSC, 7.45pm). Athlone prepared for that clash by beating local rivals Longford Town in the league last Friday (see this week's print edition for match report).

The Athlone Town senior women's team, meanwhile, continues their push for a third straight League of Ireland Premier Division title when hosting Sligo Rovers on Saturday evening (Athlone Town Stadium, 7.30pm).

Athlone are currently three points ahead of Shelbourne in the title race, but has played a game less than their Dublin counterparts. Athlone defeated Wexford FC last weekend to maintain their excellent recent form (see this week's print edition for match report).