Radio documentary retells story of Athlone’s 1924 football heroes
Athlone Community Radio has announced the premiere of 1924: Athlone Town's Season to Remember, a captivating documentary that revisits the incredible journey of Athlone Town's historic 1924 team. This remarkable team not only won the club's first-ever FAI Cup—then known as the Free State Cup—but also contributed five players to Ireland's first-ever Olympic football team in Paris.
The project is funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media’s Commemorative Initiatives 2024 through Westmeath County Council’s Creative Bursary Award Scheme.
The documentary, airing on Friday, December 20, at 4pm, and repeating on Thursday, December 26, at 11am, takes listeners on an extraordinary journey back to a golden era of Irish football. Broadcasting on 88.4 FM, streaming online at athlonecommunityradio.ie/listen-live, or through the TuneIn Radio app, it promises to be an unmissable event for football enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Based on Tadhg Carey's celebrated book When We Were Kings, the documentary delves deep into the team's journey to Free State Cup glory and their role on the world stage at the 1924 Olympics.
Carey, Editor of the Westmeath Independent, provides invaluable insights into the background and legacy of these footballing pioneers.
The documentary features fascinating contributions from Pauric Nicholson, who shares his childhood memories of kicking a ball against the wall of 1924 captain Jim Sweeney’s home and his encounter with the club legend, Paddy McCaul, former Athlone Town chairperson, who reflects on the team's lasting impact on the club today, Thomas Hannon, grandnephew of Dinny Hannon, the 1924 team legend, who recalls his ancestor's influence both on and off the pitch, and current Athlone Town captains Laurie Ryan and Oisín Duffey, who discuss the enduring legacy of the 1924 side and what it means to the club's identity.
The programme delves into the historic decision made by the FAI earlier this year to formally recognise Ireland's 1924 fixtures at the Paris Olympic Games as the nation's first official senior international matches, and sheds light on the journey and efforts that led to this landmark decision.
The documentary has been meticulously crafted by a talented production team, including Robbie Mulvey as producer and editor, presented by Padraig "Dutchie" Dully, and editing and sound support by Amanda Gunning. Athlone Community Radio would like to thank Westmeath County Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for the funding which made this project possible.
Don’t miss this unique tribute to the team that forever etched Athlone Town into Irish football history. Tune in on Friday, December 20, at 4pm or Thursday, December 26 at 11am, and relive 1924: Athlone Town's Season to Remember!