Athlone Hockey Club aims to build on last season’s success
The 2024/25 season proved to be a very rewarding one for Athlone Hockey Club with a numerous accolades achieved.
The club’s senior ladies achieved silverware in the Connacht Junior Cup and Connacht Challenge Cup, while there was also international recognition for club player Grace Brosnan who was selected for Irish trials.
Brosnan also featured for the Connacht U18 interprovincial team with Chloe Fenton receiving similar recognition at U16 level.
Athlone secured both the Connacht Junior Cup and the Connacht Challenge Cup last season. The Athlone senior ladies had a phenomenal 2024/25 season in divisions 2 and 3 of the Connacht league.
The Athlone club is reaping the rewards of the development that has taken place over recent years. Athlone 1 topped Division 2 with seven wins, one loss and one walkover with a total of 27 goals scored in the season. Such an impressive statistic sheet must be commended.
Athlone 2 had a total of seven wins, one loss and a total of 30 goals scored. These achievements were driven by the dedication of head coach Abdul Abdulbaqi, supported by team captains Sarah Lawless (Athlone 1) and Sophie Lowe (Athlone 2), who introduced a new strength and conditioning programme that significantly boosted performance.
The club’s U16s, coached by Deirdre Lowe with assistant coach Yohann Dsouza, also played a vital role. As Deirdre steps down as coach, Yohann will take over next season.
The U16s excelled in the Connacht League, highlighted by Grace Brosnan’s selection for Irish trials, with both Grace and Chloe Fenton proudly representing Connacht. Deirdre Lowe will remain as the club’s interpro representative for the club.
This season also brought two major milestones - the club’s first annual ball in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, organised by Joanne Kurt Elli and Maree Walsh.
The club’s first overseas trip to Santander, Spain, for training and friendly matches was a fantastic experience for players and managers, organised by Maree Walsh and Deirdre Lowe.
Athlone Hockey Club is committed to growth and provides a place where players of all abilities can enjoy hockey. Grassroots support, participation, fun and inclusion are essential to the club’s identity. If you are available and interested in serving on the sub-committees, email the club at athlonehockeyclub@gmail.com
Membership open for 2025/26 season
Membership for the 2025/26 season is now open, and players of all ages and abilities are warmly invited to join. Whether you are a complete beginner, a returning member, an experienced player, an international student, or a new college student at TUS Midlands, there is a place for you on the pitch and in the club's vibrant community.
With strong results last season and a growing membership, the club looks forward to building on this momentum and welcoming new faces for the season ahead.
For membership details or to try a training session, visit www.athlonehockeyclub.ie or email athlonehockeyclub@gmail.com.
Pre-season training
Pre-season training for the club’s U16 and senior squads has commenced.
The next pre-season sessions are on Friday, August 29, from 7.30pm to 9pm, and Sunday, August 31, from 11am to 12pm.
Please note that there will be no Wednesday evening sessions this season.
U16 and senior training will be held on Friday evenings from 7.30pm to 9pm and on Saturday mornings from 9am to 10am.
U14 training, including sixth class girls, takes place on Friday from 6pm to 7pm, while training for fourth and fifth class girls will be each Friday from 5pm to 6pm.
Meanwhile, training for first, second and third class girls takes place each Friday from 4pm to 5pm.
For membership details or to try a training session, visit www.athlonehockeyclub.ie or email athlonehockeyclub@gmail.com.
TY Junior coaches wanted
Ahead of the new season the club is reaching out to its Transition Year (TY) players to become junior coaches for this term.
Many of the club’s TYs use their coaching towards their Gaisce award experience. This opportunity is also open to players who are not currently TY students.
The club’s U10, U12 and U14 players really benefit from the skills and experience junior coaches bring to the training sessions and it is a huge benefit to the club as a whole. If your daughter is interested in being a junior coach for this season, please contact Fiona Corry on 087 7687349.
To help all teams run smoothly, the club is asking parents and guardians to lend a hand at training and games.
Junior training takes place each Friday from 4pm to 7pm, while senior training takes place each Friday from 7pm to 9pm and on Saturday mornings from 9am-10am.
Home games will take place in Athlone with away fixtures being played in Galway or Sligo.
Every team needs support on and off the pitch and when there are a number of parents involved, the load is shared and much lighter for all. Even a small bit of help makes a big difference.
If you’re interested or have some time to spare, the club would love to hear from you. Please get in touch with your team manager or Alona on 083 457 0748.