Athenry News & Views Winter 2025

Winter 2025 Athenry NEWS & VIEWS Winter 2025 Free Online Publication News - Sport - Farming - Food - Music - Fashion Culture -Travel - Folklore - History

Poniard,

CoverPhotograph:ByJoeKeating (Christm asM orning 2010)

Winter 2025

Athenry News & Views

Winter 2025

Athenry News & Views

Winter 2025

Athenry News & Views

Under 12 Hurling Team shared Group 1 Division Title with Portumna Front row: (left to right) Ciaran Kenny, Evan Molloy, Cathal Burns, Ross Poniard, Matt Feeney, Adam Farrrell, Dara Ryan, James Kelly, Rian Sheridan, Cian Cahill, Evan Morrissey, Conan Fay, Donnagh Garvey, Jack Grealish, Odhran King, Owen Gannon, Conor Coffey. Back row: (left to right) Roger Brady, Dean O’Halloran, Finin Nugent, Chris Burke, Ryley Crehan, Frank Dunne, Kevin Broderick, Noah Brady, Kyle Kirkpatrick, Oisin Duane, Jamie Feeney, Callum Barrett, Sean Ruane, Dylan Sharkey, Conor Coppinger, Cayden Coffey O’Brien and Patrick Madden. Missing: Ross McGillicudy, Liam Madden, Brian Feeney, Eoghan Burke, Rian Costello and Daniel Kelly

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James Burke receives the Player-of-the Match Award from Tom Monaghan

Oran Costello receives the A1 Cup from Sean Hefferan

Jayden Keane & Frank Dunne accept Under 12 Cup from Sean Hefferan

Back row: (left to right) Senan Coffey, Diarmuld Burns (Manager), KIllian Coffey, Jack Sharkey, Dalthi Duane, Cilllan Ryan, Nathan Rooney, Daniel Ruane, Matthew Kelly, Paralc Fahy Rabbitt, Keelyn Kirby, Tom Brady, Olsin Shaw, Dylan Connolly. Olsin Burke, Olsin Nugent, Michael Duane, Gerry Mannion. Front row: (left to right) Bobby Madden, Conal MacDonagh, Jack Duane, Odhran Madden, Dalthi Burns, Tom Corbett, Oran Costello (capt), Eoln Sinnott, Ronan Kelly, Odhran Burke Keaveney, John Egan, James Burke, Pat Burke, Daragh Blake. Kevin Mannion. Missing from photo: Patrick Feeney, Matthew Broderick and Liam Cake. Under 14 Hurling Team & Management County A1 Champions.

Winter 2025

St Mary’s GAA Club Athenry

Plans for Floodlit Astro Turf and ball Wall Area in 2026

By: Joe Kelly

St. Mary’s GAA Club, Athenry is one of the largest and longest established sporting organisations in the community. We have two bases in Carnaun and Raheen - with one pitch located at Raheen Community Centre and our main Club Grounds which are located at Carnaun. Here we have 3 full size pitches, a clubhouse and a walkway for our club members and the local community to use. With over 750 members, we cater for Hurlers and Footballers from Juvenile to Adult in both codes. In addition to this we provide facilities for Athenry Camogie Club, our local 2nd level schools and also the local national schools. We are delighted to occasionally welcome the local Skylark Centre operated by The Brothers of Charity. This means that our facilities are a hive of activity all year round. In the last number of years we have seen a huge growth in playing numbers. In order to cater for this growth we have expanded our facilities hugely by increasing our facilities in Carnaun from 1 adult pitch to 3 pitches. 2025 was a successful year on the field of play for our sporting teams. It saw the long-awaited return of our Senior Hurlers to the premier grade - Senior A. They acquitted themselves very well and will look forward to 2026 with great enthusiasm. Our other adult Hurling teams all reached the knockout stages and our Intermediate team will play in the Reeves Cup in 2026 following the various championship restructures. Our Junior Footballers performed admirably and with a little more luck in certain games, we could have reached the knockout stages. In underage competitions, our Minor hurlers were unfortunate to lose out to a strong Oranmore Maree team in the county final. Many of these players will look forward to playing adult hurling in 2026. Regarding underage, the standout successes were definitely the u14 hurlers and u15 footballers in their respective county finals, with both teams being victorious. Uniquely, our u12 hurlers also shared the cup following a thrilling Cup final with Portumna which ended in a draw. Various other teams in both codes reached finals and well done to all players and management concerned with all teams.

We are continually striving to improve and develop our facilities and this will continue in early 2026 with the commencement of our large Floodlight Astro Turf and Ball Wall area. This facility will be a tremendous addition to our club grounds and will be hugely beneficial when it comes to winter training. Fundraising and a large Sports Capital Grant have made the construction of this facility possible. We were fortunate to receive a large grant from Galway County Council and this has enabled significant Car Park and Ground works to take place. This will help to make the grounds more accessible and safer for people of all ages. 2025 also saw a grant of planning permission for floodlights on our Sand based pitch and we hope to see these works take place in the coming 12-18 months. Again, this will further increase the capacity of our facilities for use on a year round basis. All of the significant improvements would not be possible with funding from the various state bodies and the support from our local community. Businesses in the local area are also very generous. Allied to this, our Sponsor Basil Holian has been a huge addition to our club in recent years. We would like to thank all of these people who contribute so generously to our club on an annual basis in addition to our club officers, team managers, players, volunteers and club members.

One of the new pitches at Carnaun that includes a Walkway for Club Members and local Community

Athenry News & Views

Front Row: (left to right) Thomas Hennelly, Oran Costello, Shane Rooney, Colm McCarthy, Byran Martins, Evan Hoarty, Charlie Griffin, Jason Davey, Shane Tomas, Jason Quirke, Aidan Humphreys, Luke Murtagh, Cian Hession. Back Row: (left to right) Bernard Ryan (Manager), Cathal Burke, Darragh Ryan, Elim Griallais, Anthony Dunne, Kyle Connolly, Dylan Coffey O’Brien, Evan Kelly, Finn Skehan, Nathan Flannery, Ryan Coppinger, Aaron Dolan, Nathan Hession, Richard Humphreys and Kieran Flannery. Galway Feile ‘Michael O’Neill Cup’ Under 15 Football Champions

Tom Ryder presents the Cup to captain Charlie Griffin and Player-of-the-Match to Evan Hoarty

Front Row: (left to right) - Fionn O’ Driscoll, Evan Molloy, Ryley Crehan, Charlie Flannery, Sean Ruane, Kevin Broderick, Matt Feeney, Rian Sheridan, Eoghan Burke, Evan Morrissey, Conan Fay. Back Row; (left to right) Jamie Feeney, Adam Farrell, Kyle Kirkpatrick, Dara Ryan, Ciaran Kenny, Conor Coppinger, Dean O’ Halloran, Donagh Garvey, Sean Qualter, Noah Brady and Oisin Duane. Athenry Under 13 3A Football Shield Winners

Winter 2025

GAA 4ALL Programme Perhaps, one of the best initiatives, if not the best initiative that our club has gotten involved in in recent years has been the GAA 4All programme. This gives children with additional needs the opportunity to play with their peers and get involved in the club. Thanks to Anne Monaghan and Paul Murphy for having the foresight and vision to introduce this programme and to all the coaches for their help and assistance. It is an incredible success story and is one which we in the club are very proud of.Undoubtedly a highlight of the year for the club was our hosting of the summer GAA4All Cul Camp. The joy of the faces of the children was a sight to behold. Well done to all coaches and organisers.

Club ‘Person of the Year Award’ winner John Grealish with his wife Michelle and daughters Grace and Eimer. John received the ‘James Corbett Trophy’ for his dedication and commitment as a player, at all levels, over many years.

Passing of Club President Unfortunately 2025 was tinged with great sadness following the passing of our renowned and highly esteemed member and Club President Tom Cloonan. Tom was more than just a club member he was the epitome of the club, he represented all we stand for in St. Mary’s GAA Club. He leaves behind him a lasting legacy and his love of hurling created within the Club a love of the game which still drives our players and members to this present day. Declan McGlynn, Gearoid Harty, Ollie Freeney, Katharine Glynn, Caroline Coffey, Mairead Blake, Frank Burke, Anne Monaghan and Paul Murphy

​ The Club was delighted to receive the news that ​i​t was granted €52,000 funding through the Community Recognition Fund. ​ A ​special thanks to our Club Officers for overseeing this application, Galway County Council and local ​p​ublic representatives Albert Dolan​TD,​Minister Sean Canney and Peter Feeney​CC.

Jack Dowling who helped Roscommon win the Nickey Rackard Cup at Croke Park. The Athenry man came on in the closing stages and in a thrilling finish the Rossies snatched victory from Mayo with a late point. Photo: Jack with his father Will after the game .

The Senior Hurling Team stand for a moments silencein memory of Club President Tom Cloonan before their championship game against Moycullen at Pearse Stadium.

Winter 2025

Athenry News & Views

Galway - All-Ireland Senior Camogie Champions Three Athenry players win All-Ireland Medals

Galway secured their fifth O’Duffy Cup Camogie triumph after an epic victory over Cork at Croke Park and ended the Leesiders bid for a three in a row of titles with a superb team performance. Galway brought a ferocious effort and played with tremendous intensity from the outset. The Tribeswomen put Cork on the back foot and stopped them from settling into their usual pattern of play. None more so than Athenry’s pair of Dervla Higgins , who was outstanding throughout, and all six backs who produced a unified display from start to finish. Olwen Rabbitte typified the winners workrate and contributed to Galway’s victory. Photo: Joe Keane.

Dervla Higgins takes a well deserved rest after her heroic performence

Sisters Sabina and Olwen Rabbitte raise the O’Duffy Cup at Croke Park

Popular Galway Camogie PRO Sarah Gaughran, Athenry with the Cup

JOE KEANE PHOTOGRAPHY TEL: 087 991 4622

Order photos of games covered individually or in a collage. See all my photos at link provided Enquiries: joekeane101@hotmail.com Joe Keane’s Flicker Albums

Athenry News & Views

Back row, left to right: Jenne McNamara, Kate Screene, Allish Molloy, Sabina Rabbitte, Sarah Gaughan, Laura Freeney, Olwen Rabbitte, Kayla Madden, Megan McDonagh, Isbel Fleet, Niamh Feeney, Elmear Keane, Eva McGlynn, Meave Feeney, Elora Mahon. Front row: Darelle Coen, Therese Donohue, Sineád Feeney, Anna Jordan, Clara Cunniffe, Dervia Higgins, Lisa Casserley, Clodagh Burke, Kerrl O’Driscoll, Tarron Kilkenny, Katle O’Dwyer and Jessica Gill. Photo: Joe Keane County Senior Camogie Champions 2025

Declan Lally of Windows and Roofing (sponsors) presents the Catherine Donnellan Cup to Captain Dervia Higgins, with Paul Kelly, Chairman Galway Camogle Board. Photo: Joe Burke

Allison Morrissey of Morrissey’s Bar, (sponsors) Loughrea presents the Player ofthe Match award to Emer Keane. Photo: Joe Burke

Supporters at the Presentation of the Cup. Photo: Joe Burke

Winter 2025

Camogie Club crowned County Champions Galway CountyTitle wins at all levels in 2025

By: Sarah Gaughran

The Athenry senior Camogie team bridged a sixteen year gap in 2025 when we ovecame All-Ireland Club champions Sarsfields at Kenny Park in the county Senior Championship Final. A goal in each half from ‘player of the game’, Eimear Keane, were key to success. A fired -up Athenry side ended Sarsfields’ six year run as county champions, when Joe Rabbitte’s charges produced a terrific performance to defeat the county and All Ireland Club title holders. The challengers upset the odds with a performance full of heart and determination to capture the their thirteenth senior championship title. Athenry’s physicality, work rate, pace, and overall quality were superior on the day. They defended superbly, restricting the defending champions to 1-4 from play. Overall, it was a well-deserved win for Athenry, whose victory ensured the Catherine Donnellan Cup would have a new home for the first time in seven years this winter. Success at Minor and Junior The Club’s Junior B team also tasted success this year overcoming Craughwell in the County Final but were unsuccessful in the Connacht Final against a very strong Westport side. There were many other victories this year too at underage level including Uner 12, Under 13 and Under 14. Our Under 18 team claimed the Minor A title for the first time since 2002, overcoming Kinvara in the final. The Club continues to grow in numbers, competing successfully at all underage levels as well as fielding two adult teams. The club welcomes players from Under 6 up to adult level. Brief History of Athenry Camogie Club Founded in 1973 by Gilbert McCarthy, a teacher in Presentation College, who engineered the modern re-commencement of camogie in the area. A native of Kerry, Gilbert was training the college team at the time and observed first hand the talent and skill available in the locality. He was the first secretary of the club and retained that position for several years. Without a shadow of a doubt during the early years Gilbert did most to put Athenry Camogie Club “on the map” but got great assistance from the late While this season has come to an end for nearly all our teams, keep an eye on our social media channels to find out details about 2026. Athenry captain Dervla Higgins with Club sponsor and former Galway and Athenry hurler Basil Holian. Photo: Joe Burke

Christy Kelly and Anthony Poniard. The club’s initial accolades were incredible and in their first 10 years, Athenry won no less than eight Galway and Connacht senior championship titles and appeared in six All Ireland Club Finals. The highlight of this golden era was winning an All Ireland Club Title in 1977. Three more senior county titles followed during the 1980s with two more appearances in All Ireland Club Finals. As the club saw a decline in numbers at adult level, Athenry first fielded at juvenile level in 1992, winning the under 10 county title. Following on in 1997 with a county Under 14 title, the club soon became a strong competitor at underage within Galway, winning many notable honours, including All-Ireland Division 1 Féile and All Ireland Community Games titles. The Club won the 2000 Intermediate Final with a fine mix of stalwart players and up-and-coming players. This win saw Athenry regain their senior statues for the first time in over a decade. Four senior titles followed in a row from 2006 but unsuccessfully contested two All-Ireland Club Finals. The club regained senior status in 2017, winning the Intermediate championship and contested the Intermediate All-Ireland Club Final later that season.

Athenry News & Views

A memorable year for victorious Captain Athenry’s Dervla Higgins stars for Club and County

Described as a model of consistency, Dervla Higgins took her game to new heights again this year and was fittingly rewarded with an All-Ireland Medal, her second Camogie All-Star Award and a coveted County Senior Camogie Medal. When the Athenry captain lifted the county senior trophy, she didn’t just celebrate victory, she extended one of the most extraordinary family traditions in local sport. Dervla became the latest in the Higgins family to lead an Athenry team to championship success, following a legacy of captains stretching back nearly four decades. In 1994, her father Pat, made history when he captained Athenry to victory in the County Senior Hurling Final, also against Sarsfields completing what was already becoming a unique family record. Just a week before Pat’s triumph, his younger brother Brian had led Athenry’s Minor Hurling team to championship glory. The previous year,

Dervla is presented with her 2015 All-Star Award by Camogie President Brian Molloy with Marie Coady.

older brother Michael had captained the Junior A team to victory and going back even further, in 1987, another brother, Declan, was at the helm of Athenry’s County Under-21 winning side. It’s a record few, if any, sporting families can match four brothers and now a daughter, all captaining victorious teams across generations and codes. And the story doesn’t end there. In another twist to this remarkable tale, Michael Higgins returned to the winner’s podium this year captaining the Athenry Connacht Shield Golf Team to victory.

Pat Higgins raises the County Senior Hurling Cup in 1994, with his daughter Dervla following the County Senior Camogie Final in 2025 and son Darren.

Winner Dervla Higgins, with family and officials of Galway Camogie at the Medtronic Galway Sports Stars 2024 awards banquet in the Galway Bay Hotel last January. Seated from left are, Josephine McManomon, Veronica Gaughran, Sarah Gaughran, PRO, Galway Camogie, Patricia Harraghy, Dervla’s mother, and Becky Mahon, Dervla’s partner. Back row, Paul Kelly, Chairperson, Galway Camogie, Michalle Kelly, Ann Kearney, Darren Higgins, Dervla’s brother, Paul Harraghy and Pat Higgins, Dervla’s father. Photo: Connacht Tribune

Winter 2025

Front Row: (left to right) Clodagh Garvey, Ruth Kelly, Mollie Noone, Isabelle Gannon, Maeve Feeney, Amanda Conway, Eva McGlynn, Tarron Killkenny, Sinead Feeney, Lilly May Feeney, Cadhla Fox, Molly Mulry. Back Row: (left to right) Ciara Doyle, Áine Duffy, Jenni McNamara, Ciara Murtagh, Ailish Molloy, Aoibhe Whyte, Tilly McMahon, Katie Burke, Amy Cahill, Ciara Morrissey, Abbie Donoghue, Leah Farrell, Aoibhi Hannon, Clodagh Burke, Kerri O’Driscoll and Anna Jordan County Minor Camogie Champions 2025

Paul Kelly Camogie County Chairman presents the Minor Cup to captain Eva McGlynn

Joint captains Sarah Gaughran and Niamh Keane receives the Junior B Cup from Paul Kelly

County Junior B Camogie Champions 2025 Front Row: (left to right) Amy Cahill, Maeve Feeney, Nessa Kelly, Elora Mahon, Eabha Rohan, Ailbhe Mulhall, Lily May Feeney, Sarah Gaughran, Niamh Keane, Rosie Diviney, Ruth Kenny, Clodagh Garvey, Molly Mulry, Katie O’Dwyer, Áine Duffy. Back Row: (left to right) Amanda Conway, Ciara Murtagh, Emma Fitzgerald, Tilly McMahon, Katie Burke, Leah Farrell, Cailyn Cobey, Aoibhe Whyte, Sarah Egan, Abbie Donoghue, Aishling Kelly, Ciara Morrissey, Aoibhín Hannon, Jenni McNamara, Jennifer Burke, Leah O’Brien and Darrelle Burke, Megan McDonagh and Ailish Molloy

Athenry News & Views

As 2025 draws to a close, it marks another successful and memorable year for Athenry Golf Club — one that brought both challenge and triumph. It will be remembered not only for being one of the best golfing weather years in over a decade, but also for the remarkable spirit and teamwork that defined our members and staff throughout the year. Athenry Golf Club – Challenges and Triumphs

Storm Ewoyn – A Challenging Start The year began when Storm Ewoyn struck Ireland’s west coast on Friday 24th January leaving a lasting mark on the Club. By the following morning, as members and ground staff made their way around the course, the full extent of the damage became clear where more than 400 trees had been flattened overnight. The sense of shock and disbelief was felt throughout the membership as images and updates spread quickly across social media. Yet, in true Athenry spirit, staff, members, and volunteers immediately rallied together to restore the course to its former glory. Within a week, Axe Forestry Contractors were engaged, and work began shortly afterwards. Thanks to an extraordinary effort from our Course Staff and countless volunteers, along with a welcome spell of perfect weather, the course was almost fully reopened within six weeks and back to full play by midsummer. Resilience and Renewal Throughout the year, members expressed great ap preciation for the restoration and improvement work carried out. From clearing fallen timber to reseeding and reinstating disturbed ground, the results speak for themselves. The teamwork and dedication shown by all involved was truly exceptional and a source of great pride for our Club. Looking ahead, exciting plans are already in motion for 2026 and beyond including course enhance ments with fewer trees, soft fescue grass, and improved bunkers and tee boxes. As the saying goes, “a change is as good as a rest” — and members can look forward to fresh challenges and an even better golfing experience in the years ahead. Membership and Development One of the standout successes of the past year has been the strong retention of adult members and the continued growth of our junior ranks. This progress reflects the hard work, enthusiasm, and commitment of our Junior Convenors Pat Coen, Alan Joyce, Paul O’Malley, Marie Ann Shivnan, Karina McDonnell, and Marian Hosty whose dedication to nurturing young talent at both boys’ and girls’ levels has been excep tional. A special word of thanks goes to Basil Holian for his continued support and encouragement of Junior golf within the Club. His contribution, along with that of our convenors, ensures that the future of golf in

President Peter Sheedy, Lady Captain Patricia Murphy & Captain Ian Kelly

Athenry remains bright and full of promise. Our Get Into Golf (GIG) and Stay Into Golf (SIGS) programmes have also gone from strength to strength, providing an enjoyable and inclusive introduction to golf for players of all ages and abilities. If you’ve ever thought about giving golf a try, there’s no better time to get involved! Sincere thanks to Helen McCormick, Flan Kelly, Marie Mogan, Mary Kenny, and all the dedicated volunteers who give their time so generously to make these programmes such a continued success.

The clean up following Storm Ewoyn

Winter 2025

We also extend our congratulations to this year’s major competition winners: the Men’s Captain’s Prize winner Eoin McGillicuddy, Ladies’ Captain’s Prize winner Eileen Glynn, and the President’s Prize winners Ann Lawless and Mike Hogan. Their victories will create treasured memories to enjoy for years to come. Team Success - Connacht Shield Champions! From a team’s perspective, a standout highlight of the year was our Connacht Shield winning team, who triumphed over Portumna G.C. in a thrilling two legged final! Their skill, determination, and teamwork were on full display throughout both matches, bringing the trophy home and making everyone connected with the club immensely proud. Special congratulations go to Team Captains’ Michael Higgins and Norman Farrell, whose leadership and guidance were pivotal in steering the team to this remarkable success. For the second consecutive year, the exception al Girls Under-19 team secured the Connacht title. They then carried the club’s colours with pride and determination as they competed with honour at the All-Ireland Finals in Donabate Golf Club.

Golf at Athenry A special word of thanks to the Men’s and Ladies’ Committees for their dedication in running competitions, organising events, and supporting golf operations throughout the year. Their commitment ensures that members enjoy a well-structured, competitive, and welcoming golfing experience at every level. A standout highlight of 2025 was Fergal Coyle winning the Munster Boys Championship, bringing tremendous pride to the Club. Fergal’s dedication, skill, and determination, supported by our coaching team and junior convenors, made this achievement truly memorable.

Fergal with brother Ronan, Mam and Dad Close on his heels was Conor O’Reilly, another rising junior star, who broke the course record with a spectacular seven-under-par 63. Conor’s incredible round reflects his talent and adds to the growing list of junior achievements at Athenry Golf Club. Another memorable moment for the Club was the visit of the Claret Jug, an iconic symbol of golfing excellence. This special occasion generated excitement across the Club, giving members of all ages the chance to see the trophy up close and celebrate the rich heritage of the game. The visit created a real buzz and provided inspiration for all members, young and old alike.

Connacht Under 19 Champions Left to right. Ayla Mooney, Emma Canavan, Geraldine Fitzgerald Golf Ireland, Marie-Anne Shivnan Team Captain, Kara O Neill, Robin Joyce, Ann Hynes Lady Captain Mountbellew .

Front: Pearse Coffey, Sean Cannon, Danny Joyce, Conor O Reilly, Conal Flynn, Sean O Hara, Declan Mullally, Nathan Mullins. Back, Eoin Hegarty, Peter Sheedy Club President Ian Kelly Club Captain, Michael Higgins Team Captain, Niall McSweeney, Norman Farrell Team Vice Captain, Ger Fahy and Michael Madden. Connacht Shield Champions

Athenry News & Views

Club Leadership The Management Committee consisting of Paul Kavanagh, Kieran Coffey, Ian Kelly, Patricia Murphy, Peter Sheedy, Mary Kenny, Bob Reilly, Nicola Nally, Michael Lane, and Paul Molloy along with the Trustees, Noel Ivers, Veronica Cronin, Luke Glynn, and Martha Breen, deserve great credit for their commitment, time, and support throughout 2025. Their combined efforts ensure that Athenry Golf Club continues to thrive both on and off the course. People Who Make It Happen Our Club Professional, Sean Whelan, and his team Sean Cannon, Eoghan Burke, Darragh McCartin, and Stephen Feeney continue to be the friendly faces of Athenry Golf Club. Their commitment to coaching, guidance, and member engagement greatly enhances the Club experience. Behind the scenes, our Course Manager Gary Byrne and his skilled ground staff — Declan Higgins, Michael Higgins, Paddy Kindregan & Rian Kavanagh deserve special recognition for maintaining the course in superb condition throughout the year. The attention to detail ensures Athenry remains among the best-kept parkland courses in the province. Their efforts have gone beyond the call of duty since storm Ewoyn and along with Michael Lane, Marian Hosty aand Joe Bernie I extend a special thanks on behalf of all the members. The social heartbeat of the Club is as strong as ever. Weekends are filled with activity and camaraderie, as members and guests enjoy top-quality food, drinks, and hospitality courtesy of Shane & Christina Hanly and their excellent team. Their warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail create a truly welcoming atmosphere and is a place where everyone feels at home. The ever-affable Mary Kelly and Bernie Connolly in the office work tirelessly throughout the year, keeping the Club running smoothly behind the scenes. Their professionalism, dedication, and friendly approach make them an invaluable asset to Athenry Golf Club, ensuring that members, visitors, and staff alike are always well supported. Our General Manager, Donard MacSweeney, quietly oversees all aspects of the Club’s operations, ensuring that day-to-day activities run smoothly. Roy O’Brien Chairman Athenry G.C.

Community care in Athenry with O’Flaherty’s Pharmacy

With our thanks to loyal customers in Athenry, O’Flaherty Pharmacy is delighted to share the news in welcoming our new staff to our community. New pharmacist, Kudzai with his wife and three children from South Africa are settling happily into our town. They are enjoying living locally and their children are looking forward to Santa coming this Christmas in Ireland. Working at the new Clarins counter in O’Flaherty Pharmacy is Joan. Bringing 12 years experience of working with Clarins Joan will guide you through all your skincare routine, product recommendations and cosmetic solutions – all tailored to your beauty needs! Celebrating the Clarins arrival, Joan is offering a complimentary make-up application – her expertise is available this December to every lady that wants to sample Ireland’s number 1 selling cosmetic and skincare brand now available in Athenry. This festive season we are delighted to offer a great selection of Christmas gifts to suit every budget. Your gifts will beautifully wrapped for those who desire a thoughtful socking filler or a special luxury gift set. Supporting Athenry remain an active and vibrant town, O’Flaherty Pharmacy is continuing to offer 20% off first aid supplies to all local community groups and sports clubs. Our commitment to care in the Athenry remains at the heart of everything we do. On behalf of all at O’Flaherty’s Pharmacy, thank you for your continued support this year. We look forward to welcoming you instore, to meet our new staff and those of us working here for many years! Nollaig Shona daoibh, Gráinne.

Winter 2025

Athenry News & Views

Winter 2025

The Fields of Athenry 10K

in its own right, with the colour revealed only days before the event. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or walking off the Christmas dinner, this is a race that welcomes everyone. The event is AAI-approved and chip-timed, with post-race refreshments and plenty of festive cheer waiting at the finish line. Places are filling fast — sign up now to secure your spot and take part in this much-loved community event. Register at: https://www.athenry10k.com/

Each St. Stephen’s Day, the streets of Athenry fill with energy and colour for the annual Fields of Athenry 10K. The event has grown year after year, welcoming runners, walkers, and families who come together to celebrate community and movement. Organised by Athenry AC, the race is the club’s annual fundraiser for the Moanbaun development project, supporting the growth of athletics and community sport in the region. Participants can expect a fast, scenic route, a buzzing atmosphere, and of course, the much anticipated Fields 10K hat — a collector’s item

Winter 2025

Athenry News & Views

Esker National School Flag raising ceremony for Second Green Flag

Esker National School officially celebrated the raising of our Green Flag for Water on October 17th. 2025. Our Green school committee gave a fantastic presentation on all our conservation work and the ceremony ended with a brilliant whole-school performance of our water song! Thank you to Albert Dolan T.D. for attending the ceremony and raising our flag.

Tel: 091-848 008 Email: office@eskerns.i e Website: www.eskerns.ie

Athenry News & Views

A men’s shed is a community-based organisation open to all men regardless of age or background. Men’s sheds are grassroots, member-focused spaces which offer men a pressure-free environment in which to share skills, make new friends and connect with their communities. Members of men’s sheds work on many different projects, from woodwork to vegetable-growing to singing in choirs. However, each member is free to participate in his own way and at his own pace - even if all he wants to do is have a chat and a cup of tea. All men are welcome! Athenry Men’s Shed

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE MEN”S SHED Everything and anything! The shed’s activities are entirely decided by the men themselves - there’s no obligation to take part in anything unless you want to. Typical activities include: Woodwork/carpentry Arts & crafts Social outings and excursions Model-making Talks and workshops Participating in community events (e.g. Tidy Towns, parades etc). Health & wellbeing events Walking groups Choral singing WHO RUNS A MEN’S SHED? Each men’s shed is run by its own members. The members elect a committee to manage the affairs of the shed. Via its IMSA Shed Support Volunteer, the shed is connected to all other sheds in its county and the national movement. have the opportunity to improve and maintain their wellbeing by taking part in a men’s shed”. Currently, we have over 400 sheds throughout Ireland, present in every county and benefiting over 10,000men each week. OUR VISION “A future where all men in Ireland

Athenry Men’s Shed members; Back row (left to right): Martin O’Grady, Sean O’Brien, Jim Sheridan, John Martyn, Andrew Maher, Mick Delaney Front row (left to right): Gilbert McCarthy, John Donnellan, Albert Kilkenny, Mick Maunsell, Jack Weldron and Paddy Lyons

Men’s Shed members getting “Ready for the Christmas markets” with items they made: Left to right John Donnellan, Albert Kilkenny and Jim Sheridan

ATHENRY MEN’S SHED CONTCT DETAILS Athenry Men’s shed operates out of a premises situated at the local Teagasc grounds at the Mellows Campus. Further information can be had from: Jim Reidy, Chairman 087 2242284, Martin O Grady, Secretary 085 1742547, Gilbert McCarthy, Treasurer 087 087 2237194.

Athenry News & Views

It’s an honour to contribute to this first edition of the newly re-established Athenry News & Views. Our community once again has a dedicated platform to share our own stories, celebrate local successes, and discuss the issues that shape the unique identity of Athenry. Well done to Sean, Jarlath and all the team and I wish you every success. Athenry is a wonderful community to be part of and to represent. We have a real sense of place and community, and it is the people of Athenry who make the town what it is. Of course there are many challenges within our community also – the housing crisis is having a devastating impact and services such as transport, childcare and more are at capacity or do not exist. But in this article I want to focus on one significant opportunity that we have in our town, and that is it’s tourism potential. As we all know, the likes of the Castle, Heritage Centre, Priory, Town Walls are really fantastic attractions, as well as the many great places to stay and eat throughout our town. But it is fair to say that we haven’t reached our full potential as a town with such great heritage and history. Some great work is being done to turn the tide on this. Galway County Council are progressing the Athenry Town Centre Plan, due to be launched in early 2026. This is a very exciting plan, with ten priority projects including a Heritage trail, enhancing heritage event spaces, a River Clarin walkway and much more which will enhance our towns offering for both visitors and locals alike. The ‘Athenry Experience’ group are involved in a number of exciting initiatives including the 1916 Exhibit in Athenry Castle and exciting plans to acquire the historic Murphy House on Clarke Street. A recent response to a parliamentary question I submitted stated that in the region of 15,000 people visit Athenry Castle each year, which paints an overall picture for the number of visitors coming to our town. Considering the number of visitors coming to the West of Ireland Seize the Opportunity

by Louis O’Hara T.D.

each year and nearby destinations such as Galway and Connemara there is significant room for improvement here. It will require more joined up thinking and people working together – a forum of local stakeholders to put together a plan and execute it, ensuring that we are putting forward the best Athenry has to offer. It also will require our tourism bodies and local authorities to recognise the enormous potential that Athenry has. For example, our key attractions in the town should all be open and accessible to the public all year round. With the right plan and the right promotion the possibilities are endless. There is a lot to be positive about in this space and I look forward to seeing the new improvements being rolled out. We must continue to build on this, seize this opportunity and realise our town’s full potential.

Winter 2025

Athenry News & Views

Before the Athenry Co-operative Livestock Mart opened its gates in 1961, cattle and sheep trading in the town took place on the streets, scenes that were often chaotic, muddy, and difficult to manage. The creation of the Mart marked the beginning of a new era for local agriculture, one defined by order, hygiene and professionalism. Clean streets replaced the crowded fair days of old and it wasn’t long before the town recognised the benefits of having a dedicated, well-run livestock sales centre at its heart. In its first year, the mart recorded a turnover of just £40,000. A modest start that reflected both the cautious optimism and the pioneering spirit of its founders. But within two decades, that same spirit had transformed Athenry Mart into one of the great success stories of rural Ireland. By 1985, turnover had soared to an impressive £31.27 million, placing the Athenry Co-operative among the top 150 companies in Ireland. Much of the credit lies with the sixteen visionary farmers who, back in 1959, came together with a shared vision, to create a better and fairer system for local farmers to sell their livestock. Athenry Co-Operative Mart marked a new era for farming in the 1960s

Their foresight, determination and commitment not only reshaped farming in the region but also secured Athenry’s reputation as one of the country’s leading agricultural hubs. Irish Farmers Association President T.J. Maher cuts the tape to open the Athenry Co-Operative Mart Restaurant with Padraic Raftery, Tommy Fahy, Canon James Gibbons P.P. and Kevin Dooley.

Sheep Sale at Athenry Co-Operative Mart Ltd. Photo: Steve Scott

Athenry Co-Operative Livestock Mart Ltd. Founding Committee members: Back Row: Willie Burke, Tommy Maher, Joe Higgins, Paddy Fitzpatrick, Enda Ryan, Tommy Keane (Abbeyknockmoy), Tommy Haverty, Tommy Keane (Derrydonnell), Seamus Hoade, Frank Curran (Prospect), Larry Fox, Paddy Forde, Frank Curran (Farnablake). Front Row: Claude Michell, John Joe Murphy, Eugene Duggan, Padraic Raftery, Martin O’Donnell, Colm Hillard and Tommy Monaghan. (Missing from photo John McGrath)

Winter 2025

We passionately believe in quality and service! All our meats are Irish, local (where possible), traceable, consistently high quality, great tasting and good value. Church Street, Athenry, Co Galway. Tel: 091 - 844009 Website: bradysbutchers.com

Athenry News & Views

AgriView

By Joe Healy

SECTORS Writing this article at the end of November and despite a month to go before year end, I think it is still safe enough to say that 2025 will be regarded by Dairy, Suckler, beef and sheep farmers as a positive year. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for the grain sector. Without doubt, the narrative for the past few months around the local marts here in Galway has been the incredible demand for Weanlings. Speaking at the recent Teagasc beef and suckler conference in the Raheen woods, farmer and accountant Trevor Boland in his presentation to the 500 strong attendance said that a conservative figure of an extra €1,000 per weanling compared to last years figures was what farmers would need to keep in mind when estimating and planning their 2025 tax liability. Similarly on the dairy side an average year round farm gate price of approximately 52c/L probably puts this year in as second most profitable year since the turn of the century with 2022 still out in front. A difficult Q4 on the international markets for many dairy products allied to strong supplies in Europe and other large milk producing countries. This pressure is expected to continue into 2026 as current weak spot market prices especially for powders are expected to remain so until there is a global decline in production. A drop of 9-10% across EU sheep production for the second half of the year in parallel with an estimated 16% reduction in Irish numbers being slaughtered has helped keep the 2025 trade strong. POLICY On the Policy front, decisions made many miles from the farm gate have for many years had as much impact on a farmers business than decisions taken inside the gate. It is no different at the moment with 3 key and incredibly important issues currently in the melting pot. In sporting parlance, Mercosur and the Nitrates derogation are very definitely deep into the second half of extra time. Hopefully, we will avoid penalties! On CAP discussions, I suppose you could say we’re in the first half and in a way, still shadow-boxing. NITRATES DEROGATION Let’s have a quick look at each individually. First up and because it was in the news today (27/11/25), we will begin with the Nitrates derogation. This derogation allows some Irish farmers carry a higher stocking rate per

hectare than other Irish farmers and farmers in other countries mainly due to our unique grass growing and grazing conditions. Those farmers also have to adhere to extra terms and conditions. As a rule of thumb farmers are allowed carry the equivalent of 170kg of Livestock Nitrogen/hectare. This is equivalent to, give or take, 2 cows/ha. Farmers in derogation were allowed up to 250kgN/ha or almost 3 cows. Two years ago this figure was reduced to 220kg N/ ha with the threat of it being removed altogether and being brought back to the 170Kg level. This would have had a serious negative impact on not only the 7,000 farmers in derogation but also on neighbouring farmers as demand for rental land would increase. It would also have had a serious impact on the economy. If it was totally removed it would cut Family farm income on affected farms by up to 40%, reduced total milk sales by €555 million, led to a drop of 15% in dairy cow numbers and result in a cumulative loss in economic output of €45 billion over the next 10 years. Thankfully, as of today, the EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall has confirmed that ‘the European Commission has submitted a draft proposal to the Nitrates Committee to ‘extend the Irish Nitrates derogation at the 220kg level for another 3 years subject to adherence to Former President of the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) Joe Healy of Athenry

Winter 2025

COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY (CAP) Last July the European Commission presented its Proposals for the next CAP which runs from 2028-2034. They are part of the Multiannual Financial Framework (EU Budget). The CAP was launched in 1962. Basically it is a partnership between Agriculture and Society or the EU and its farmers. It had 3 founding aims 1) Guarantee an adequate amount of safe food for the European citizens 2) Provide this food at affordable prices 3) Ensure a fair income for farmers Obviously it has adapted to change and society needs over the decades with, for example, Climate Change, Biodiversity and the environment now playing an important role in any CAP discussions. Despite Food inflation across the EU in recent years and accepting that ‘averages’ can be unfair to those on the wrong side of that average figure but EU citizens in 2024 spent an average of 13-14% of their household income on food. This is slightly less than what they spent on transport. We fare even better in Ireland where last year our spend on food was 9.9% of our average household income which was the second lowest in the EU with only Luxemburg better than us. At the other end of the scale Romania are at 28%. The CAP payments to farmers is a subsidy that allows them to sell their produce at relatively low prices and in some cases even below the cost of production in order for the price to the EU consumer to be kept at affordable levels and more importantly, that there is a constant supply of top quality, safe and traceable food. In essence, every citizen in the EU benefits from the CAP. Unfortunately, the proposals put forward by the EU Commission for the next CAP were ill thought out and inadequate. Despite the asks and demands on farmers in relation to production standards and the environment continuing to increase, the overall CAP budget for 2028-2034 is proposed to be cut by 20%. This follows a downward trend in the percentage of the EU budget going to the CAP over the past 40-50 years eg in 1980 there was 65% of the EU budget going the CAP. That figure has now fallen to 25%. Another measurement has shown that in 1993 the share of EU GDP being set aside for the CAP was 0.69%. Last year it was 0.29%. The proposals on the table will cut those percentages even more. However, they are only proposals and as I said earlier, it is early stages in the first half. Theres a lot of time to go yet and I can see this game definitely going to extra time and penalties.

rules and conditions’. The details on those rules are not yet published. However, it is good news for Ireland Inc. and also for Global emissions given that Irelands dairy farmers are the most Carbon efficient producers of dairy product in the EU. MERCOSUR The Mercosur Trade Deal is a different story and just does not look too positive at this stage. Like any trade deal, it covers a whole range of sectors from cars to cows and wine to water. It is an International Trade Deal between the EU and the 4 Mercosur countries of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uraguay. Initial discussions began over a quarter of a century ago. The main stumbling block has been in relation to agriculture and particularly the concession of access to those countries to export an annual quota of 99,000 metric tons of beef into the EU at a greatly reduced tariff of 7.5%. This flies in the face and smacks of absolute hypocricy from the EU commission and especially its President Ursula Von Der Lyon who on the 5th of December last year flew to Montivideo to sign off on the deal despite the Argentinian Government withdrawing its 3 negotiators from the COP 29 climate talks just 2 weeks previously. We in Ireland have to be open to international trade but we are well within our rights to demand ‘equivalence of production standards’. In early November, IFA and Irish Farmers Journal personel travelled to Brazil and observed a serious lack of identification in the animal herd there and were able to buy medicines and other products – some illegal - over the counter in every store they went into in 4 different provinces. None of those products can be purchased in Ireland or across the EU without a veterinary prescription and in some cases, they are not even available. This is to do with the battle against Anti Microbial Resistance (AMR). Add to this the massive rate of destruction to the Amazon Rain Forest to convert it into livestock farming in Brazil. One study estimates that 55 million hectares has been destroyed in the 2 decades between 2000-2020. To put this figure into perspective, there is just shy of 7 million hectares of land in total in Ireland. The Amazon Rain Forest is nicknamed the ‘Lungs of the Earth’. We are expected to accept a deal with those who are destroying an amount of it equivalent to 8 times the size of Ireland over a 20 year period and prior to 2000, had destroyed a further 130 m hectares between 1973-2000. In any deal, the playing field must be level for both parties. This is not the case with Mercosur

Athenry News & Views

Gabriel Donohue’s Music around the World A World Class Versatile Performer

Born in Rathgoran, near Athenry, Gabriel is a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter who has built an extraordinary career that bridges continents and musical traditions. Now based in Philadelphia, he is known for his mastery of both guitar and piano, while also performing on a wide range of instruments — from bouzouki and mandolin to Irish and world percussion.

‘Toured with the Award Winning Chieftains for three years’

Gabriel’s musical journey has also taken him to some of the most prestigious stages in the U.S. He has performed with Michael Flatley at the National Heritage Awards in Washington, D.C., and joined Eileen Ivers at the Clinton White House, entertaining Irish and American dignitaries — including the signers of the Good Friday Peace Accords. He performed on David Letterman’s final Late Show alongside the deep and gravelly voiced Tom Waits viewed by millions of viewers. When he’s not performing, Gabriel works behind the scenes as a producer and engineer at Cove Island Productions, his state-of-the-art recording studio in Center City Philadelphia. Outfitted with top-tier microphones and equipment, the studio attracts a wide array of artists seeking his technical skill and creative touch. Passionate about fostering new talent, Gabriel regularly collaborates with emerging musicians and teaches songwriting in classroom settings. His workshops guide students from the first spark of an idea to the final recording, giving them hands-on experience of the creative process from conception to completion. Whether on stage, in the studio, or in the classroom, Gabriel continues to share his deep love of music blending Irish roots with global influences and inspiring a new generation of musicians along the way.

Gabriel’s performances span the United States, whether solo or alongside a rotating ensemble of top-flight musicians. His three year tour with the Grammy Award–winning Chieftains cemented his reputation as one of the most versatile performers in contemporary Celtic music. Over the years, he has shared stages and studio sessions with a remarkable roster of artists, including Eileen Ivers, Joanie Madden, James Keane, Sean Quinn, Brian Conway, John Whelan, Karen Mal, Aoife Clancy, Liam Clancy, and even the Boston Pops Orchestra. His collaborations read like a who’s who of the acoustic and Celtic music world.

Winter 2025

The Man in the Whitewashed Cottage

By Gabriel Donohue

the algorithm fully learned that I’m a bleeding heart, dyed-in-the-wool, Moynihan-era liberal Democrat—and the crassness poured in unfiltered. “Hail Mary, full of grace,” I thought—but there is little grace in this new digital world. Our mothers once went to town wearing headscarves. Galway shawls draped the women of Oranmore, Turloughmore, and Claregalway. Modesty ruled in pre-1960s Ireland—not always enforced by men, I think, but certainly taught. A woman’s beauty could sentence her to a Magdalen laundry. Pregnancy could lead to exile in a mother-and-baby home and the sale of her child to America. My own mother visited me in New Jersey twenty years ago. She became friendly with a Muslim woman down my street. I saw how much they shared. My mother never drove until my father died—women simply didn’t. If there were errands to town, the men drove. Liberals moved the needle: for women, for Black people, for Catholics, for gays, for trans people, for workers, for children. And yet today, it is often Christian nationalism—not Islam—that most resembles the theocratic rule people claim to fear. I think again of that man in his whitewashed cottage. I lived on the edge of his world—just one wireless, one HMV phonograph, one Ford Popular, one slate roof, one flush toilet away from him. Now I live on the edge of a fully wired planet, where AI can generate a thousand hate memes before lunchtime and my phone pings its warnings. We are on the brink of another new world. What if the dream is now dreaming us? What if young people believe the information highway has no speed limit—and cause a pile up? What if your daughter falls in love with a bot who walks her down a virtual garden path? What if it is all too much information for the human mind to bear? Perhaps, someday, we’ll install a USB port straight into the amygdala. Women could hide it beneath a scarf, a shawl—or even a burka. Men under a Donegal tweed cap. I’m glad I was born the year Buddy Holly died— when the wireless still played, “That’ll Be the Day.”

I used to pass by an old man’s neat thatched cottage on my way home from school, if I chose to walk across the fields instead of waiting for a lift from the headmaster. He lived alone, quietly and contentedly, at least it seemed that way, in a life entirely off the grid. Nearby, in the town of Athenry, people lived their semi-detached lives. Some even had telephones. But I doubt that old man had so much as a wireless to keep up with Washington, Selma, the Suez Canal or even Derry, 170 Irish miles up the road. A turf fire warmed him in winter. The postman arrived daily on a bicycle, perhaps bringing letters marked par avion from far-flung places like Adelaide, Chicago, or Athlone. A three-piece woollen suit was his uniform. A collarless shirt gave him a grandfatherly air. His tweed cap—Donegal, I always assumed— sat firmly on his head. The cottage was whitewashed and spotless. The straw thatch formed a comely roof above it all. He seemed to have little interest in modernity, living as his grandparents had, relying on pedal power to reach the shop half a mile away for “the messages,” as my mother called them, lest we children sneak chocolates onto the list. I don’t remember if he attended Mass on Sundays. As an altar boy and later an organist, my own mind was occupied with not swinging the thurible at the wrong moment, not ringing the bell too early, not mixing up the cruets of water and wine—the sangreal of the Saviour’s blood. My ADD, Everly Brothers-addled brain made that a constant challenge. More than half a century later, the cottage is gone. His name is remembered by very few. His obituary is likely lost even in the vast data centres of the Information Age. Industrial farming swallowed his small holding. “Go big or go home” made lives like his unsustainable. And if he ever enjoyed a social pint in Mary Ward’s thatched pub two miles away in Kiltulla, that too would fall foul of the strictest drink-driving laws west of Riyadh. Now we gather instead on social media—the new global village square where gossip, ideas, great music, and comedy are shared alongside the vilest forms of hate. Islamophobia floods the feeds. A Muslim man wins the mayoralty in New York and suddenly the camel memes, burkas, hijabs, and Sharia fearmongering march across TikTok. I glanced at it today—before