Athenry News & Views Spring 2026

Athenry News & Views

Athenry’s first All-Ireland Camogie Triumph

In 1977, Athenry Camogie etched their name permanently into camogie history with an All-Ireland Club Final victory that crowned years of dedication, heartbreakn and perseverance. Munster champions Ballagran arrived in Athenry for the All-Ireland Club semi-final with high hopes of booking their place in the final. What followed was a contest of relentless pace and non-stop action, but by full time those ambitions had wilted to ashes as Athenry weaved a glorious and deserved victory. A nerve-racking encounter, the fifty-minute battle quickly earned its place among the classics. The decisive turning point came immediately after the restart. Two swiftly taken goals in the opening three minutes of the second half gave Athenry a commanding advantage and shifted the momentum irreversibly in their favour. The first goal was the product of a superb flowing movement, with Teresa Duane and Mary Daly combining before Marian Freeney finished clinically. Just two minutes later, Daly struck again, firing home Athenry’s second goal and opening daylight between the sides. Ballagran responded with sustained pressure, throwing everything forward in search of a comeback. However, the Connacht champions showed immense composure and resilience. Strong

defensive work, coupled with sharp counter attacking, ensured Athenry stayed in front and ultimately secured victory by a single goal in a thrilling finish. That victory propelled Athenry into their third consecutive All-Ireland Club Final - and this time, destiny awaited. Played before a huge home crowd at Kenny Park, the final saw Athenry produce a devastating performance to overwhelm Ulster champions Portglenone. With determination, power and confidence coursing through the team, Athenry drove forward relentlessly, getting scores with repetitive delight. It was a long overdue and richly deserved All-Ireland Club title - one that sealed the legacy of a remarkable group of players and brought immense pride to the Athenry and Galway. Nearly five decades on, the memories of 1977 still resonate with players and supporters who were present, a testament to a golden era when belief, skill and community spirit combined to deliver an All Ireland title and a cherished place in camogie history. Team: Breda Coady, Noreen Treacy, Gretta

O’Brien, Anne Duane, Anne Delaney, Olive Coady, Midge Poniard, Madge Hobbins, Marian Freeney, Madge Daly, Anne Morris and Teresa Duane. All-Ireland Club Camogie Champions 1977

78 Athenry - Front Row: (left to right) Anne Duane, Noreen Treacy, Mary Daly, Madge Hobbins, Teresa Duane, Anne Morris, Ann Poniard. Back Row: (left to right.): Ita Gannon, Gannon, Anne Delaney, Marian Freeney, Midge Poniard, Breda Coady, Greta O’Brien, Olive Coady and Bernie McDonagh.