PHOTOS: Athlone GAA club 'solos across the Shannon' at bridge opening

Young players from Athlone GAA Club soloed footballs across the town's new cycleway bridge on the morning of its historic official opening.

Between children, older players, volunteers and supporters, up to 100 people from the club assembled in front of St Peter and Paul's Church before making their way to the bridge opening on Tuesday last, August 8.

Led by men's captain Shane Allen and ladies' vice captain Leah Nugent, young players from the club bounced and soloed balls on the new bridge, before continuing on the greenway to Páirc Chiaráin. Impressively, no balls were lost along the way!

"We decided it would be a nice point at which to meet and display the club's colours," explained Athlone GAA Club vice chairperson Fiachra McLoughlin.

"The bridge is only a 20-minute walk from the club, which is on the greenway, so hopefully it will now be easier to get there from the far side of town."

He said the young players from the club were enthusiastic about their town's new cycleway bridge.

"They absolutely loved it," he said. "There was a lot of excitement.

In terms of the quality, and the finish, it's as good a bridge as you would see in any city. It's top notch."

Fiachra became vice chairperson of the club this year. Its secretary is Karen Cunningham, and the chairperson is Fergal O'Toole.

He said lots of work was being undertaken on behalf of the club, both on and off the pitch, and he believes its potential is huge.

"The club has 18 and a half acres of grounds, with three floodlit pitches.

"It's right beside the greenway, right beside the motorway, and next to the regional sports centre. You couldn't pick a better location in the country," he said.