Local Historian Seamus Lynch saves a 15th century piece of Athenry
A "hugely important'' medieval artefact was within minutes of being accidentally dumped before it was retrieved from builders' rubble. The stone carved bishop's head -- believed to date from the 15th century -- was rescued by amateur historian Seamus Lynch from the rear of a premises being renovated in Athenry, Co Galway. The head -- thought to have been used to adorn a nearby Dominican Abbey -- had lain undiscovered, set into a wall behind an old sweet shop in Athenry. But Mr Lynch finally managed to track it down and ascertain its whereabouts over Christmas. Before he had an opportunity to rescue it, fate intervened. "I was on my way last week to the post office when I saw the wall had been knocked as part of renovations. The man operating the JCB was horrified when I told him about the head. "With a couple of workmen we got down on our hands and knees and sifted through the very last mound of rubble and found it," said Seamus. Already there is huge excitement in the area about the find and a "probable'' date of the 15th century has been put on it by a local archaeologist. Said Seamus: "It was literally within minutes of being lost forever and we are very lucky to have it. We want to retain it here in Athenry." (Irish Independent) - Well done Seamus, the town and its great history would be lost without you. Lets hope that after 500 years of residence in Athenry it can remain here.
Click here to view photos
Athenry & Boston pays a sad farewell to Eddie Treacy
The parishes of Athenry & Boston are both grieving over the untimely death of popular Athenry native Eddie Treacy. Our hearts go out to the Treacy family and his many friends. May he rest in peace. It has been a tough period for Athenry, as three bright, popular young men have passed away before their time. Eddie is also sadly missed in Boston. The Boston Globe published an article titled "A toast to an Irishman" on Eddie's untimely death. Click here to read
Public Realm Plan Athenry
Galway County Council has determined the need for a consultancy assignment to develop and deliver a plan for the most effective presentation, management and development of Athenry's Public Realm with particular reference to the Town Walls.
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Happy Christmas & Happy New Year

The Arch Star is the Athenry Christmas image. A lot of you who cannot make it home this year have requested a photo of it to be placed on this site. From your emails I know how desperately lonely you are on the 25th. All our hearts in Athenry go out to the Nevin & Kelly families this Christmas. Marks and Barrys absence will be felt in all our lives. May they both rest in peace. Click here to view photos of Arch Star 2007
In memory of John Manning
John Manning was born in Manning's Bar, Bridge Street Athenry in November 1920 but his birth was not registered until January 1921, which became his official birthday.He was brought up in Manning's Bar with his sisters Mary, Betty, Grainne and Nodlaig. Read more
Athenry Musical Society
The Athenry Musical Society would like to thank everyone who generously supported its Annual Church Gate Collection at the weekend. Also, big congratulations are due to Marilyn Bane who has been nominated as Best Comedienne in this year’s national AIMS (Association of Irish Musical Society) awards. She has been nominated following her role in Athenry Musical Society’s production of “Guys and Dolls” earlier this year. The awards will take place in Killarney on Saturday the 16th of June.
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Election 2007 - Whats in it for Athenry?
Here are the responses from the candidates in East Galway. I asked them specifically what their mandate for Athenry was. These are their replies. Click here to view replies
Athenry Soccer Club - Premier League Champions!!
Congratulations to Athenry Soccer Cub who captured the Western Hygiene Supplies Premier League 2006/07 for the first time in the clubs history by beating Satlhill Devon 3-1 on Thursday evening. This is the first part completed of potentially a unique treble.
Please support us in the other 2 Cup Finals.
The Michel O'Byrne Cup Final versus Mervue Utd. Sunday 13th May Terryland Park KO 2.30pm
The Connaught Cup Final versus Carbury FC. Saturday 19th May Terryland Park KO 6.30pm. View photos here
Galway County Council guilty of Clarin river pollution Galway County Council has pleaded guilty to causing two pollution incidents last summer in which hundreds of fish were killed. The incidents happened on the Clarin River near Athenry, after the council's sewage processing facilities malfunctioned. (From RTE)
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Minister Fahey welcomes the €1.79m School Extension to Lisheenkyle NS, Oranmore
Minister of State at the Dept of Justice Equality & Law Reform Frank Fahey has welcomed the new extension to Scoil Mhuire Lisheenkyle, Oranmore, which is now nearing completion.
View full article here (word doc 26K)
Athenry Beer wins prestigous award.
Congratulations to Athenry cousins Ronan Brennan and Aidan Murphy for their award at the annual Irish Beer Festival in the Franciscan Well Brewery, Cork. "Galway Hooker" was named Beer of the Festival. Anyone who has not tried this tasty pale ale should pop in to the Hop Inn for a taster. It is also available in 11 pubs in Co.Galway. Congrats lads....
Kiss Fashion Show in aid if Athenry Cancer Care
The annual Kiss Fashion Show in aid if Athenry Cancer Care in the Raheen Woods Hotel raised €11200.
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Athenry Win All Ireland Club Racquet Ball Championship
For the second year in a row a team from Athenry has won the all Ireland club Racquet Ball championship. This years championship was held in Kingscourt, Cavan. Athenry defeated Arklow in the semi-finals before defeating a very fancied team from Fermoy in the final by one point
Read More and team photo
Huge number of complaints about rubbish at Athenry bottlebank
Athenry.net has received a large amount of emails complaining about the rubbish at Athenry bottlebank. Anyone who has passed by it or has used it recently will will have seen this mess. It should be noted that Galway County Council has cctv cameras covering the area 24 hours a day and that prosecutions are likely to follow. Whats worse is the bottlebank isn't even full, people are just too lazy to place in proper containers. Recycling is an activity that children usually help their parents with. What hope is there for a litter free Athenry when children see adults disposing of waste in such an illegal manner. I forwarded all of these pictures to Galway County Council and I offered to publish pictures of people illegally dumping. Maybe name and shame might work. Please email environment@galwaycoco.ie and complain.
View disgraceful pictures here
Galway Bay FM ran the story too. Click here to listen or right click and "save target as" to your pc (.WAV 9MB)
Athenry Historic Walled Town Photographic Competition
Participants are invited to summit photo(s), which they think best meets the theme of the above named competition: “Historic defensive walls have left unique and visible impressions on our Irish towns and cities” The objective of the competition is to select a photograph, which best captures this impression in our Walled Town.
Entries will be divided into two categories:
Adults (18 and over)
Children (under 18)
A prize of €250 will be awarded to the winner of the adult category and €250 for the children’s winner.
All entries must be in printed format
For further information www.heritagecouncil.ie/walled_towns
Success for Athenry Musical Society at national AIMS awards
Athenry Musical Society is celebrating a well-deserved win at the annual AIMS (Association of Amateur Musical Societies) Awards.
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2006 New Athenry Rose
The Galway Rose Selection night was held at Hayden’s Hotel , Ballinasloe last night, the 5th of May, and Claire Sheridan was Athenry’s own representative.
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Name your beer!!!
Congratulations to Ronan Brennan and Aidan Murphy for their new innovative business. A new local Galway beer will be launched in the coming months and you can have the chance to "name the beer". See their website for more details:
http://www.nameyourbeer.net/
Athenry frequent visitor named as Toronto Irish person of the year
In recognition of his amazing contribution to the Toronto Irish community and to the world's poor especially, Gerry Crowe, 72, has been elected as this year's Toronto Irish Person of the Year.
But it all began in Limerick City, where he was born in 1934. He lived near St. Joseph's Church on O'Connell Avenue, "Three blocks away from where Richard Harris was born and three blocks away from that Angela's Ashes lane...I went in that lane every morning on my way to church and it was terrible poverty. It had the wealthiest and the poorest," he recalls. In the area immediately surrounding the lane was a Presbyterian Church, and well-to-do homes for professional people like doctors, lawyers and priests.
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New Recruitment Agency launched by Athenry business woman
Athenry native Jacinta Conlon has launched a new recruitment agency, Bay Group, to serve the continuing growth in the employment sector in the west of Ireland.
Bay Group recruitment Website
Host families in Athenry required for French students
Galway East Tourism is looking for host families to welcome French students (aged 13 to 17) on school tours to Athenry. Please contact Karen Smyth on 091 850687 for host family guidelines, rates of pay and application forms
More on host families required for French students
Homophobic Shame for Athenry
Plans for a new gay nightclub in Athenry have been put on hold following anonymous homophobic threats. The new event was to be launched tomorrow (Friday) with a gala opening featuring drag queens and DJs from the capital, but the venture has now been abandoned following threatening phone calls to the venue.
Petrol Prices Athenry
Athenry has consistently been one of the most expensive places to buy petrol in the West of Ireland. Currently the difference between Athenry and Oranmore is 5c per litre. On 50 litres of unleaded at 5c of a difference, equates to €2.50 of a saving. This works out approx €150 per year.
More on petrol prices in Galway
Athenry to have stand-alone Irish College
THE proposed all-Irish secondary school for Athenry, Colaiste an Eachreidh, is to be a stand alone facility on a site adjacent to the Co. Galway Vocational Education Headquarters and not on the campus of Athenry Vocational Schol.
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Site not yet agreed for Athenry all-Irish College
NO site has been agreed for the all-Irish secondary school, Coláiste an Eachreidh, in Athenry and according to Co. Galway Vocational Education members it could be located in the campus of Athenry Vocational School.
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Irelands first underground waste system installed in Athenry
The first underground bin system in Ireland has been installed at the Raheen Woods Hotel in Athenry and will be officially launched by Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Eamon Ó Cuív this Friday.
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Registration of interest in receiving Broadband Services
Galway County Council is carrying out an on-line survey to determine the level and nature of interest in receiving quality Broadband services in the County (excluding Galway City Council's functional area) .
You can register your interest here
St Patricks Parade - Thank you
The Project Society wishes to thank the following for making the St. Patrick’s Day Parade such a wonderful success: Parade and Prize sponsors – Athenry Credit Union, Medieval town Band, Parade participants, Guests, Local Gardai, Parish newsletter, Connacht Tribune, Tuam Herald and Galway Bay FM. St Patricks Day Parade Photos
Athenry pays a sad farewell to Kitty Lardner
I remember meeting Kitty on the street last October and she told me that it was her birthday. Two fat ladies she said, with a smile ( bingo-speak for 88). I met her again on Saturday afternoon last, on North Gate Street. I spent all morning turning over and over in my head , she said, would Seamus (Fahy) have lived if they sent him to hospital? . She walked down towards the Castlegate Hotel for her lunch and I never saw her alive again.
Read more here
Athenry woman Rose Barrett to volunteer in Ecuadorian school for underprivileged
Athenry woman Rose Barrett, who recently completed a course in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, is off to Ecuador this summer to teach English to underprivileged children in the resort town of Bahia de Caraquaz.
Read more here
Tuam-Athenry line could be opened in just four months
THE Tuam-Athenry railway line should take just under four months to repair if it gets the go ahead from the Minister for Transport. More on Tuam-Athenry line
Athenry/Galway Runners Chip In
On St. Stephen's day last over 250 runners and walkers took to the roads around Athenry for the annual 'Fields of Athenry' 10K Road Race. Little were they to know of the natural disaster that was unfolding on the other side of the world at the same time.
More on Athenry/Galway Runners Chip In
Credit union gives Athenry heart-start machine :
Athenry Credit Union recently presented the first community owned defibrillator [ heart start machine] to Jody Kilkelly, the station officer of Athenry Fire Station.
More on Credit union gives Athenry heart-start machine
End of an Era as Athenry’s Last Male Barber Retires.
From Saturday evening, January 15th, for the first time in living memory there was no male barber working in Athenry. That date marked the retirement of Christy Archer from The Barber Shop on McDonald’s Lane. It also marked the 55th anniversary of his first day as an apprentice barber in J.C.Carey’s, Tipperary Town.
More on Christy Archer's long service to Athenry
Bottle Banks.
The Bottle Banks in Station Rd., Athenry are to be temporarily removed, due to the continual problem of illegal dumping. This illegal dumping is not only anti-social, it also costs substantial money to clean up. If there are any suggestions as to where the Council can relocate the Bottle Banks, please notify the Council Office in the Library or Athenry ADC on (091) 845422.
Services Directory.
Businesses, Trades and Voluntary Services in the parishes of Athenry, Craughwell, Gurteen, Kiltullagh/Killimordaly and Monivea that wish to be included in the soon to be published “Business, Trade Religious and Voluntary Services Directory” for these parishes are requested to contact Athenry Area Development Company at (091) 845422 as soon as possible.
Athenry Playground Development Group
The Playground has caught the imagination of the whole community and the committee are delighted with the support pledged and received so far, but of course there is much more to do. It is envisaged opening the playground to our young growing community in the Autumn of 2004. Contributions will be gratefully received by any member of the Athenry Playground Development Group: Patricia O Grady; Claire Parr; Claire Lundon; Teresa Coppinger; John Eagle; Ann Reaney;Michael Coppinger; Peter Feeney
Athenry Arts & Heritage Centre.
The Centre currently has vacancies for full-time and part-time summer work. The duties would include co-ordinating children’s activities and events, tour guiding and receptionist duties. Full training will be given. Positions would suit students or those eligible for the FAS Social Economy Scheme. For an immediate interview or more information please call Deirdre on (091) 844661 or (086) 8316587.
A Review of the Athenry Traffic Management Plan
A Review of the Athenry Traffic Management Plan can be viewed in the following locations in Athenry: The County Council Office, The Library and Athenry ADC. Any submissions in relation to the plan should be made no later than 4p.m. on Friday, 30th April.
An Idea to boost Tourism in Athenry
An Idea to boost Tourism in Athenry. Are you interested in becoming involved in an exciting community project to boost tourism in Athenry? If so, please leave your contact details at the Athenry ADC Office on (091) 845422. v
Athenry IDA plan needed to secure county’s industrial future
The IDA have unveiled their blueprint for the future of industrial development in Co. Galway which focuses on the creation of a major new science and technology park on the outskirts of Athenry and a similar linked development in Oranmore. Read more.....
City transport plan backs Galway-Athenry-Tuam rail link
A Park and Ride facility in Oranmore, commuter rail to Tuam and Athenry and a clamp-down on commuter parking are just some of the measures recommended in the Galway City Council’s Draft Development Plan in a bid to provide for an integrated sustainable transport system.
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Athenry Journal - Spring Edition
The editors of the Athenry Journal would welcome articles, stories, photographs etc for inclusion in the upcoming spring edition. Articles(half page, 400 words max. or full page, 800 words max.) can be hand-written or on floppy disc, and should be forwarded by Post, Fax (091) 845496 or
emailed: athenryjournal@hotmail.com to ADC House, Station Rd., Athenry, Co. Galway on or before February 6th last
West=On=Track
West=On=Track is a community-based campaign in the towns, villages and cities of the West of Ireland aimed at re-opening the Western Rail Corridor, a passenger and freight railway line which runs from Sligo to Limerick, and is one of the single most valuable pieces of infrastructure in the whole island of Ireland.
We invite you to join with us in our community campaign to help Minister Séamus Brennan to take the historic decision that will herald the rejuvenation of the West and a new era in rail travel and freight haulage.
www.westontrack.com
Proposal to close Post Office greeted with disbelief
The proposal to close the Post Office at Bridge St. has been greeted with disbelief in the area. The plan to replace it with a sub post office attached to an existing business has been very badly received and is seen as a definite down-grading of Athenry by the State sector.
Peter Feeney - Chairperson Athenry Community Council
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