03/11/2026
Athea GAA Notes 3rd November 2026
Men’s Results
Woodlands House Hotel County Premier Junior A Football Championship Final
Athea 1-16 Monagea 1-07
Athea were crowned County Premier Junior A Football Champions following a magnificent nine-point victory over Monagea, in Knockaderry on Saturday afternoon. It was a tremendous achievement for this group of players and management, who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to bring county honours back to the parish. Having suffered the disappointment of defeat to Cappagh in the County Final two years ago, Athea returned to the big stage determined to make amends. Many of the younger players who experienced that defeat have developed considerably in the intervening two years, and that experience stood to them when it mattered most. The opening half was a closely contested affair, with little separating the sides. Monagea opened the scoring before Andy Ahern and Daire O’Shea got Athea moving. Shane Mulvihill was accurate from placed balls, while Brian O’Connor also contributed a fine point from play. Monagea struck a significant blow approaching half-time when Conor Hough found the net to put his side two points ahead. However, Shane Mulvihill responded with a free to leave Athea trailing by the minimum at the interval.
The second half saw Athea gradually take control of proceedings. Andrew O’Riordan levelled matters with a well-taken 45, before the decisive moment arrived when Brian O’Connor found the Monagea net. James Broderick followed with a point, and suddenly Athea had established a four-point advantage. Daire O’Shea and substitute TJ Hunt added further scores as Athea began to impose themselves. However, Monagea were not finished and a superb two-pointer from Dylan Browne, followed by another point, reduced the deficit to just three points entering the closing stages. At this crucial juncture, Athea demonstrated the composure and determination that have characterised their championship campaign. Brian O’Connor steadied matters with an important point before Shane Mulvihill converted three successive scores, including two frees, to put daylight between the teams. The closing minutes belonged entirely to Athea. Sean Ryan, introduced during the second half, made an immediate impact with two excellent points, while Evan Curry also got on the scoresheet. Athea finished strongly, extending their advantage to nine points before the final whistle sparked scenes of tremendous celebration among players, management and supporters. While the forwards will deservedly receive much of the attention, this was very much a collective team performance. Tomas Ahern made an important early intervention in goal, the defence worked tirelessly, and the midfield and forward divisions grew increasingly influential as the contest progressed. The contribution of the substitutes was also significant, demonstrating the strength and depth within the panel. This victory is particularly satisfying given the journey this team has travelled over the past number of years. The disappointment of the 2024 County Final has now been replaced by the joy of championship success, and the younger players who were finding their feet at adult level two years ago, have matured into county champions.
Congratulations to all the players, management team and everyone involved behind the scenes. Great credit is due to the many supporters who travelled to Knockaderry and gave the team tremendous encouragement throughout the contest. It is a proud occasion for Athea GAA and the entire parish, and one that will be remembered for many years to come.
ATHEA ABÚ!
Athea: Tomas Ahern, Eoin Sheahan, Tommy Quaid, James Hunt, Callum Buckley, Denis Greaney, Tomas G. Ahern, Evan Curry, Micheal Dalton, Andrew O’Riordan, Andy Ahern, Brian O’Connor, Daire O’Shea, James Broderick, Shane Mulvihill.
Subs: TJ Hunt for Andrew, Sean Ryan for James B, Eoin O’Shea for Brian.
Scorers: Brian O’Connor 1-2, Shane Mulvihill 0-5 (4 frees), Daire O Shea 0-2, Sean Ryan 0-2, Andrew O’Riordan 0-1 (45), James Broderick 0-1, TJ Hunt 0-1, Andy Ahern 0-1, Evan Curry 0-1.
County Junior C Football Championship Semi-Final
Murroe-Boher 3-09 Athea 1-07
Our Junior C footballers bowed out of the County Championship at the semi-final stage, following a disappointing defeat to Murroe-Boher at Mick Neville Park on Tuesday evening. It was a closely contested encounter for much of the game, with Athea putting in a determined performance against a strong Murroe-Boher side, however we lacked the fluency that we had throughout the year. Aidan Curry scored a goal in the first half and two well- taken frees. Jason Kelly also added two points. Mark Reidy knocked over a two-pointer which was followed up by a Gavin Ambrose point to put us in the lead with just ten minutes remaining. We were in front and looked to be in a good position to secure a place in the County Final for the second successive year. However, the game turned dramatically in the closing stages. Murroe-Boher struck a two-pointer to swing the momentum in their favour before adding two late goals to put the result beyond Athea's reach. It was a disappointing finish for our lads, who had worked hard throughout the contest and were well in contention until the final ten minutes. While the result was difficult to take, the team can look back on another encouraging championship campaign, having topped their group and reached the County Semi-Final. Having contested the County Final last year, the experience gained over the past two seasons should stand to this group of players in the years ahead. A sincere thanks to all the players and management for their commitment and effort throughout the year, and to everyone who travelled to support the team during the campaign.
Athea: Colin Broderick, Cillian O’Connor, Conor Fitzgerald, Philip Daly, Sean Twomey, Martin Chawke, Gavin Ambrose, Tadhg Ahern, Jamie Collins, Michael Tierney, Alan Kelly, Aidan Curry, Mark Reidy, David O’Connor.
Subs: Tom F Ahern, Rory Cleary, Jack Sexton.
Scorers: Aidan Curry 1-2 (2f), Mark Reidy 0-2 (tp), Jason Kelly 0-2, Gavin Ambrose 0-1.
Men’s Fixtures
We now advance to the Quarter Final of the Munster Junior Championship where we will host Tipperary Junior Champions, Mullinahone in Athea this Saturday at 1:15pm.
All support needed to cheer the team on in Athea in their first Munster Quarter Final in 19 years.
2026 AIB Munster GAA Junior Football Championship Quarter Final
Saturday 7th November 2026 at 1:15pm
Athea V Mullinahone
Venue: Athea Referee: Eoin Keane (Clare)
Ladies’ Minor Championship Round 2
Our Minor ladies were defeated on Sunday morning by a strong Old Mill side. This result sees them into a C Cup semifinal. We wish them the best of luck as they hope to bounce back after their disappointing loss.
Munster Camogie Final
Huge congrats to Templeglantine Camogie on their Munster semi final win on Saturday. Our dual stars are Millie O’ Sullivan, Michelle, Noelle and Aoife Curtain, Stephanie Woulfe and Captain Connie Sheehan. They will now meet Cillard in the Munster Final on Saturday 14th November, details to follow.
Fair Day 2026
Tickets will be on sale this week for our annual Fair Day fundraiser. Thanks to all those businesses who sponsored our prizes:
1st prize: load of timber - sponsored by Eilish @ Batt’s bar & Ger White @ Dick White’s bar.
2nd prize: €200 sponsored by PJ Moloney, Listowel.
3rd prize: 5 bags of coal sponsored by Collins’ XL.
4th prize: €100 sponsored by Ned Gould.
5th prize: Brown Joe’s €50 voucher.
Dates for the Diary
The annual Bord Na nÓg Christmas quiz will take place on Monday 28th December 2026 from 7pm to 9pm @ Con Colbert Hall.
AGM will take place Saturday 16th January 2027, 7pm @ Con Colbert Hall.
Split the Bucket
The most recent draw took place on Monday, 2nd of November 2026 and the lucky winner of €345 was Margaret O’Connor, congratulations Margaret. The next draw will take place on Monday, 16th of November 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
