Interview with Committee Member and Club Coach "Mike Noone"

1. When did you join Athenry FC? What roles have you had?
- Around 2005 or 2006 I think. Still not sure how it started. Was kicking a ball around with my 5/6 year old while my older lad trained and a few more young lads joined in. The numbers grew and next thing you're the coach.

2. As a player, what are your fondest memories?
- I played most of my football with Renmore AFC. We were fairly successful under age although played u17 and u18 with Salthill Devon as we had no team in Renmore by then. In fact there were only 3 teams in the U18 galway league. Salthill, Corrib Shamrocks and Mervue so a big difference to nowadays where there are 4 divisions at U17/18.
At Junior level, I won two Premier league titles with Renmore AFC. Also a Connacht Senior Cup and a Michael O'Byrne Cup. Got to an FAI Junior Cup semi final around 93 or 94 but beaten 2 nil by a superb Clonmel Town side who would go on to win the final 5 - 1. In fact ourselves, Bohs and Hibs would reach the Irish cup semis 3 years in a row so the standard in the Premier league was high then.
Finished off my playing days in the lower leagues with St. Ellen's for 3 years and Claregalway Celtic FC for 3 years winning leagues and promotions and a few divisional cups with both of those clubs. In fact while playing for St. Ellen's we beat a highly fancied Athenry team who were 2 or 3 divisions above us in the Irish Cup . Some night in Laffertys after that one.
Also won a schools All-Ireland with the Bish and a few Connachts.

3. As a coach, what do/did you enjoy the most?
- I don't particularly enjoy coaching to be honest but I do enjoy my teams playing matches. Although saying that, I am really enjoying helping coach the U12 and U13 girls. We have over 50 girls at most sessions and 7 or 8 coaches. Girls soccer and girls sport in general is really growing which is great and the standard is very good.

4. What made you decide to join the committee?
- Low numbers at that years AGM. I think most people there ended up on the committee 

5. As a committee member, what is the hardest part?
- Trying to persuade Thomas Fahy to spend money.

6. What do you enjoy most about being on the Committee?
- End of season night out.

7. Can you name three of your most memorable moments with the Club?
- Won U18 Premier league 2 years ago for the first time in the clubs history, drawing one game and winning the rest.
Winning the U16 SFAI Connacht Regional Cup final this year with a very small squad of 15 players.
Having four Athenry girls on the Galway U13 squad this year. All 4 were on the pitch when Sophie Costello got the winner against Clare just before the lock down.

8. What are your ambitions for the next three years?
- To win trophies

Thank you,
@athenry_afc / #athenry_afc