Féile success for Athlone GAA boys in trip to Derry
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Athlone’s Luke Clarke makes a fine catch during the Féile final against Bellaghy. Photos: Derek Union.Image 2 of 5
Athlone's Frank Pettit tries to get past Bellaghy's Cormac Muldoon.Image 3 of 5
The Athlone GAA U15 team with the Féile Division 3 trophy with mentors John Stapleton, Tony Pettit, Brian Gunning and Joe Fallon.Image 4 of 5
Bellaghy captain Lukas Loughlin and Athlone captain Aodhan Fallon.Image 5 of 5
Jack Costello on the attack for Athlone during the Féile final versus Bellaghy (Derry).The Athlone GAA under-15 team came away from last weekend’s John West Féile Peile na nÓg in Derry as joint winners of the Division 3 title.
Even extra-time couldn’t separate Athlone and Derry’s Bellaghy, who were playing on home turf in the Division 3 final. In accordance with competition rules, the two teams share the championship rather than the outcome being decided on penalties.
The Westmeath club won the toss to bring the trophy back to Athlone, where an enjoyable homecoming event was held at Áras Chiaráin on Sunday afternoon.
Having defeated Scotstown of Monaghan comfortably in their first game (3-7 to 1-3), Athlone then overcame Mountmellick Parish Gaels (Laois) in something of an arm wrestle by 0-4 to 0-2. Next, the Athlone boys got the better of Corofin (Clare) by 2-4 to 0-2.
With three wins from three games under their belt, Athlone then overcame the London representatives by 1-7 to 1-1 in their semi-final. This set up a clash with the home club Bellaghy in the final.
The Shannonsiders dominated possession and had ample scoring opportunities but the game ended in a draw, with Bellaghy scoring a late goal from a penalty.
The sides remained level at the end of extra-time (1-6 each). The last play of the game saw Bellaghy concede a 45 but the referee blew the full-time whistle without allowing Athlone the opportunity to take the kick.
Croke Park representative Shane Flanagan presented the cup to Athlone captain Aodhan Fallon. Athlone will keep the cup for six months and then it will make its way to Bellaghy. An invite has already been extended to the Derry club to visit Athlone where it is hoped both sides can play again in Páirc Chiaráin.
The large travelling Athlone support had a weekend to remember, having based themselves in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal for two nights after departing from Páirc Chiaráin on Friday morning.
Athlone panel: Aodhan Fallon, Luke Clarke, Sachin Sundaresan, Cian Mannion, Frank Pettit, Harry Cunningham, Daniel Donnegan, Fearghal Kelly, Conor Johnson, Thomas Walsh, Adam Cunningham Webb, Fionn Macken, Michael Cunningham, Aaron Kiernan, Conor Kennedy, Michael Union, Youssef El Hadidy, Gabrial Gospodarcyk, Cillian Coughlan, Sam Gunning, Jack Costello, Kian Hardy, Yassin El Harouny, Evan Martin Cummins, Eoghan Silke, Issa AlHamo.