Temple Villa to honour former stars in 50th anniversary event
Temple Villa will hold its 50th anniversary celebration at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel in Athlone on Saturday night, February 10, commencing at 7pm with a champagne reception.
The club is promising a great night “for all involved with the club over the past fifty years and the local football family”.
Presentations will be made to founding members, international players and former Temple Villa players who have won honours at senior level in the League of Ireland.
The following will be honoured for their achievements at League of Ireland level: Padraig 'Dutchy' Dully (a Premier Division and FAI Cup winner with Shelbourne), Johnny Morris-Burke (FAI Cup winner with Galway United), Baylin native David Brookes (a First Division winner with Athlone Town) and Dominic Fitzpatrick (a League Cup winner with Athlone Town).
In addition, two Moate natives who have played for Temple Villa and who have represented Ireland at international level, Eric Molloy (who famously went to world renowned Manchester United as a teenager) and Aaron O'Neill will be honoured on the night.
Current Temple Villa chairman Kieran Carroll is a founding member of Temple Villa and the upcoming anniversary event will be a particularly proud occasion for him.
“We will also honour our first ever opponents Ballinahown FC who were founded around the same time. The night will also include a tribute to club legend TP Hickey with a host of well known personalities recalling their memories of TP,” said Temple Villa treasurer PJ Allen.
Temple Villa is based in Mount Temple and the club's home ground is named in honour of the late TP Hickey.
The biggest trophy at adult level won by the club was the Counties Cup triumph of 1983 when the Mount Temple outfit defeated Cavan Town in the final. Team captain Padraig Igoe scored a hat-trick in the decider played at St Mel's Park, Athlone.
Currently competing in the Combined Counties Football League, Villa's first team is in Division 1 (the league's second flight), having secured promotion from Division 2 last season. The club's second team is in Division 1 of the CCFL, while the club fields several underage teams in the MSL.
“There will also be recognition of all that's happening recently in our thriving club along with announcement of our future plans,” PJ continued.
PJ added that the event will be a great opportunity for old friends to meet up for a chat.
Tickets for the event (priced at €40) are now available and those interested are advised to book as soon as possible. They can be purchased by Revolut; contact Martina at 086 8062269 for more information. Alternatively, you can contact any committee member or club coach.
Cash sales are available from Jimmy's Superstore, Athlone and Kieran's shop in Mount Temple. Online sales are available at https://templevilla.ie/shop