Cup-winning Athlone Town team to be honoured by council
Athlone Town FC brought much joy and pride to the town in recent weeks winning the Sports Direct FAI Women's Cup for the first time in the most dramatic of circumstances on penalties. Now, the triumphant team is set to receive civic honours from Westmeath County Council for their historic win.
At Monday's Westmeath County Council meeting, Cllr Frankie Keena proposed that the women's team, who defeated Shelbourne on penalties after finishing 2-2 after extra time, be honoured with a civic reception, commending them on a “marvellous achievement” by bringing an FAI Cup back to Athlone town for the first time in 99 years.
His proposal was seconded by his party colleague, and fellow Athlonian Cllr Aengus O'Rourke, both of whom also issued a vote of congratulations to the team.
No date or details of when the civic reception will happen were circulated at Monday's short council meeting following a marathon seven-hour budget meeting just prior to it.
Speaking afterwards, Cllr Frankie Keena said Athlone Town's success continues to ripple throughout Athlone and wider areas.
“Everyone I meet is rightly is so proud of this marvellous team which is ably captained by Laurie Ryan and managed with excellence by Ciaran Kilduff. In fact, full credit has to go to the Chairman, executive, staff & volunteers of Athlone Town FC for their continued commitment to this great club. As its membership continues to grow, the club work tirelessly to improve facilities for all players,” he remarked.
Cllr Keena said he is delighted that his request for a civic reception, the highest honour that the council can bestow, will now happen once the necessary arrangements are made to honour the team who represent Athlone Town FC with great pride.
Meanwhile, Cllr Tom Farrell issued a vote of congratulations at Monday's meeting to Moate's John Cochrane, who has retired after over three decades as manager in the Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar.
Similarly, Cormac Dalton, who won the National Cross Country title for Westmeath was congratulated by Cllr Emily Wallace and Cllr John Shaw. He was wished the very best in the upcoming European Cross Country Championships as he leads the Irish team on December 10 in Brussels.