Athlone town appeal for support at crisis meeting

Athlone Town FC has a long and proud history of involvement in the League of Ireland, but financial pressures mean its future in the league is now in jeopardy.

A public meeting is taking place in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel this evening (Thursday) at 8.30pm to establish “the level of public support for the continued involvement of the club at League of Ireland level.”

The club has this week reiterated the importance of tonight's gathering to its future.

There are financial problems at Lissywollen and concern has been expressed at Athlone Town's ability to remain in the league as a result.

In a brief statement issued by interim chairman Liam Gaffey, the club said: 'The committee of Athlone Town FC wish to remind the general public of the vital importance of this meeting.

'At this moment in time, the club is struggling within severe financial constraints to continue to operate at this high level.

'Although there has been appeals for more public involvement, the level of support the club needs for its adequate survival has not been forthcoming.

'We again appeal to the public, the businesses, councillors and all other organisations in Athlone, the home of the oldest football club in Ireland, to come out and show support for this important meeting.'

Athlone Town have made a respectable start to this year’s SSE Airtricity League First Division.

They followed up an opening night draw at Waterford Utd with a 4-0 hammering of Cobh Ramblers in Athlone last Friday. The game against Cobh attracted a crowd of just over 300 supporters.

* For more coverage, reaction and comment on Athlone Town, see the sports section of this week's Westmeath Independent