Athea GAA Club Notes:

Mens Fixtures:
With the inter-county fixtures getting very close to the finish line, we have arrived at the starting week for the club football championship. Similar to last year, we field two teams this year.
In the Premier Junior A competition, we are in group 2 with Monagea, Mungret St. Pauls, Kilteely Dromkeen, Fr. Caseys and Glin. We know each of these teams over the last few years and will be hoping that our opening game against Monagea will get off to a good start. The game is fixed for Killeedy this Thursday evening at 7:30pm. Last year we didn’t advance beyond the group stage and we will be hoping to fare out better this year. Team Captain is Brian O Connor and Vice-Captain is Eoin Sheahan.
Woodlands House Hotel County Premier Junior A Football Championship Group 2
Round 1
Thursday 9th July, 2026, 7:30pm. Venue: Killeedy
Monagea v Athea, Referee: Alan Kehoe

In the Junior C championship, we are in group 1 with Na Piarsaigh, Dromcollogher/Broadford, Kilmallock, Rathkeale, St. Senans, Knockane and Claughaun.
Our opening game is away to Rathkeale on Sunday at 12 noon in The Bog Garden.
This is an opportunity to get at least seven championship games over the next four months. Last year’s team reached the Junior C final but we were unfortunate to be edged out by South Liberties in November. Team captain is Conor Fitzgerald and Vice Captain is Michael Tierney.
County Junior C Football Championship Group 1
Round 1
Sunday 12th July, 2026, 12:00pm. Venue: The Bog Garden
Rathkeale v Athea, Referee: Michael Browne.

U16 Football:
Well done to our U16 boys who defeated Adare in the first round of the Championship on Monday evening. Final score was 0:21 to 3:09, well done boys.

Limerick Masters:
Limerick football Masters made the long trip to Tyrrellpass, Co. Westmeath last Saturday for their fifth game of the campaign. Limerick came out on top at the end with a narrow two-point win. Westmeath got off to a great start, dominating all over the field. It took Limerick a while to settle into the game, but they did so before half time. The second half was a different story for Limerick, they were more comfortable on the ball and took some great scores. It was a Titanic battle right to the end, with Limerick coming away with a brilliant win on a scoreline of 1-08 to Limerick’s 2-07.

Ladies:
Minor League Semi Final:
Our Minor Ladies played St Ailbe’s in the league semi-final in difficult playing conditions during the week in Athea. The girls put in a determined performance, but a few first-half goals left them with a deficit at the break. To their credit, they never let their heads drop. They battled hard throughout the second half, showing great character and resilience, and outscored the opposition after the interval. The effort, determination, and fighting spirit shown by the team was a credit to them all and coaches. Championship is only around the corner. Best of luck to St. Ailbe’s in the final.

U16:
Huge congratulations to Athea/Glin on a fantastic win in the first round of the U16 Championship against Knockainey. It was an end-to-end contest from the first whistle to the last, with both teams producing some excellent football. Athea/Glin came out on top in the end with a brilliant 6-6 to 4-8 victory. Well done to all the players, mentors, and best of luck in the next round!

U10:
Huge well done to our U10 girls during the week in their blitz against Fr Casey’s and St. Senan’s. The poor weather conditions didn’t dampen their spirits. It was brilliant to see every player getting involved, supporting one another, and showing great teamwork with some excellent passing throughout. Their tackling was outstanding, and they showed great determination and heart from the first whistle to the last. It’s fantastic to see their confidence growing with every game, and the improvement they are making week after week is a credit to them and their coaches. Keep up the fantastic work girls!

Mothers & Others:
Athea Mothers & Others are back training and everyone is welcome to join for fitness, fun and football. It doesn’t matter if you have played for 20 years or never kicked a ball in your life, come and join the ladies for a bit of craic at Athea GAA pitch on Wednesdays at 7pm.
Contact Jacqueline on 086-0670091 or David on 087-6019317, or any member of the Mothers & Others team.

Best Wishes:
The club wish Grace Hunt and Maeve Murphy all the best in the county Minor All Ireland semi-final vs Longford on Wednesday 8th July at 7:30 in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe, Galway. Best of luck to Grace, Maeve and management Liz O’Sullivan and David Murphy. No doubt ye will do the club proud.

Munster Festival of Football:
The eagerly anticipated Munster LGFA U8 and U10 Festival of Football takes place this Saturday, 11th July, in Athea. Registration begins at 10:30am, followed by the Parade of Clubs at 10:50am, with matches getting underway at 11am. With over 300 young players from across Munster taking part, we are delighted to welcome clubs from all four provinces of the region.
Representing Limerick are Fr. Caseys, The Old Mill, Monagea and Feohanagh/Castlemahon. From Cork we welcome St. Peters, Rockchapel, and Castlemagner. Representing Kerry are: Listowel Emmets, Laune Rangers, Shannonside Tarbert, and Corca Dhuibhne. From Clare, we are delighted to host: Fergus Rovers, Clooney-Quin, and Éire Óg Inis. We look forward to a fantastic day of football, fun, and friendship, and wish all the players, coaches, families, a safe trip to Athea and a very enjoyable festival.

Club Draw:
€7,450 guaranteed prizes.
There will be over 40 winners of cash prizes ranging from €100 to €500, with 5 monthly draws starting in August. Tickets cost €50 with all proceeds going towards the day-to-day maintenance of our GAA club facilities and walking track.
Tickets for our Annual club draw are currently on sale from the usual ticket sellers or any committee member. Alternatively ask any of the underage coaches and they will let the club know of your interest. Your support would be greatly appreciated by all the users of our wonderful club facilities.

Underage Training:
Our Friday evening underage training from nursery to U12s continues from 6:30 to 7:30pm.

Hurling:
Hurling training continues Sunday mornings at 10am.

Split the Bucket:
The last draw took place on the 29th of June and the lucky winner of €302 was Margaret Stackpoole, congratulations Margaret. The next draw will take place on Monday the 13th of July 2026.
Tickets can be Purchased at Collins’ shop, Ger White’s bar, Brown Joe’s bar, Gables Grill, O’Riordan’s Pharmacy, Credit Union, Batt’s bar, Athea Hairstyles, Doctor’s waiting room, Bingo Friday evenings and also online @ https://atheagaa.clubforce.com/products/draw/athea-gaa-draw