Athenry News & Views Winter 2025

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.