Athlone Hockey Club opens membership for new season
Athlone Hockey Club is looking forward to the 2026/27 season, with membership now open via the club website . Following a very successful 2025/26 season, the club is delighted to welcome back existing members and is always happy to see new faces.
Head Coach Abdul continues to lead the coaching team, with a strong focus on developing players at every level. The club aims to give all its players a solid foundation of hockey skills, allowing them to enjoy the game and progress through the local Connacht leagues, from junior blitzes through to senior matches and national challenge games. For those who want to take their hockey further, players are also supported in pursuing Connacht, interprovincial and national challenge matches.
The Connacht Hockey season brings regular matches and blitzes, both home and away, against clubs in Galway and Sligo, with Athlone competing against nine other clubs in the province. For younger players, from U10 and U12 through to U14, the emphasis is on participation and enjoyment. Junior blitzes are played on half-pitches, giving players plenty of opportunities to get involved and develop the skills they will need for full-pitch hockey as they progress.
The club also encourages players to qualify as umpires, and a number of Athlone players are now qualified. Their involvement not only helps the club during matches but also gives them a greater understanding of the rules and the game itself.
The U16 squad had a particularly successful 2025-2026 season, with several players progressing into the senior ranks a natural transition for those who have trained alongside the senior squad for several years.
Season highlights
The 2025/26 season provided plenty of memorable moments. Club members took part in indoor hockey at the Connacht tournament in Dangan, Galway, with both a mixed team and a ladies' team representing Athlone in fast-paced games thoroughly enjoyed by everyone involved. Another highlight was a club trip to Dublin to watch the Irish ladies' hockey team play an international match - a big hit with the younger players, who also made the most of a shopping trip afterwards!
These activities, along with the day-to-day running of the club, rely heavily on fundraising and the support of local sponsors. This year's fundraising was organised by Maree Walsh and Sarah Lawless, and the club thanks everyone who supported the various efforts throughout the season. Fundraising is essential, particularly since pitch fees remain one of the club's largest expenses, and it will continue to be a key focus during the coming season.
Connacht Interprovincial success
There has also been plenty of success at interprovincial level with Connacht . The Connacht U18 squad, with strong Athlone representation, travelled to Lisnagarvey for a hockey festival, playing challenge matches against Ulster and Leinster — drawing with Ulster before securing a 2-1 win over Leinster.
There was further good news with the announcement of the Connacht Interpro squad: Athlone players Grace Brosnan, Amelie Henson and Anna Walsh were selected for the U18 squad, with Aoibhinn O'Connor and Liadhan Hatton both selected for the U18 development squad. Aoibheann Young was selected for the U16 development squad.
A family affair
Hockey at Athlone is very much a family affair, with plenty of ways for parents and families to get involved. No hockey experience is needed to help; being available pitch-side, keeping an eye on attendance, and helping out at committee level all make valuable contributions to the club.
Dates for your Diary
Membership is now open for the 2026/27 season. Sign up at the Athlone Hockey Club website here
Friday, September 4: Full club training begins: U10/U12 (2nd–5th class): 5pm- 6pm; 6th class & U14: 6 pm–7.30pm; U16 & Seniors: 7.30pm–9.30pm
Wednesday, September 9: U16 & Senior training begins, 8 pm–9.30pm.
Thursday, September 10: Club AGM at The Bounty, 7.30 pm.
Saturday, November 28: The Athlone Hockey Club Ball returns by popular demand at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel. Tickets available at training sessions. First-year players are welcome to attend when accompanied by an adult.
For membership details or to try a training session, email athlonehockeyclub@gmail.com