Attendance figures show rise in crowds at Athlone Town men's and women's games
One of the few good news stories in Irish football in 2023 has been the increase in attendances at League of Ireland games - and figures released by the FAI today show that Athlone Town has been among the clubs to benefit.
A breakdown of crowds during the 2023 season indicated that attendances for games involving both the Athlone Town men's and women's teams increased this year, albeit from a relatively low base in 2022.
That year, home games involving the Athlone Town men's team attracted an average attendance of 307, according to the official figures. This was the lowest average attendance in 2022 across the men's Premier Division and First Division.
This year, however, the Athlone men's team reached the promotion play-offs and brought an average crowd of 872 to Lissywollen, which was an increase of 184%.
In a sign of the rising tide across the league, Athlone's Midlands neighbours, Longford Town, increased their average attendances by 36% -- to 679 -- but this happened to be the lowest average attendance across the two men's divisions in 2023.
The Athlone Town women's team, meanwhile, had an average attendance of 151 in 2022, but this also increased significantly, to 248 (a rise of 64%) in 2023.
The Athlone Town women's side lifted silverware at the start and finish of this season - winning the President's Cup in February and then memorably claiming the FAI Cup for the first time last weekend. In both cases, the cups were secured in dramatic fashion by beating Shelbourne on penalties after 2-2 draws.
Attendances in the League of Ireland as a whole rose by 20% in 2023, with 826,086 people attending fixtures across all three Divisions, compared to 688,272 attending in 2022.
League of Ireland Director, Mark Scanlon, said: "After a brilliant season in the League of Ireland this year, we were delighted to see crowds rise again compared to the previous year.
"Though we are pleased to see the demand continue to rise, it once more highlights the need we have for improved infrastructure and stadia across the League of Ireland in order for Clubs to continue to cater for demand.
"With the highest attendances in the SSE Airtricity Men's and Women’s Premier Divisions in Tallaght Stadium, it further emphasises that good stadia can help attract even more fans to the League of Ireland which is experiencing unprecedented demand as shown by the Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup Final this year.
"As clubs continue to grow and develop, you can see the hard work that they continue to do every day is reaping the rewards through the attendances rising at such a high rate.
"Work is already well underway for 2024 as we look forward to a League of Ireland season which can reach even more people across the country," said Mr Scanlon.