St. Francis are one of the top clubs in Athlone and caters for a number of age groups from their base in Iona Park.
The club has grown from humble beginnings to be one of the leading lights of the underage game not only locally but also on the national stage.
As the name suggests, the idea for the setting up of a club to cater for youngsters originated in the St. Francis Terrace residential area near the town centre. Little did those involved all those years ago imagine that the fruits of their labour would prove so successful. Indeed, the club were victims of their own success as they soon realised that a permanent base to cater for the growing numbers involved was needed. A number of possible locations were looked at before the current venue at Iona Park was selected.
There was already a fine football pitch there and the Saints committee put a lot of time and money into improving the facility. Two pitches are regularly in use while an excellent dressing room and club room facility adds to the attractiveness for those looking to get involved. A long term lease was arranged with the local Council and further plans to modernise the ground and improve the dressing rooms could be focused upon. The Council fully supports the club in its efforts as it recognises the fine work undertaken by all concerned. The work put in to improve the playing surface means that very few games fall foul of the weather. Other clubs in Athlone have been glad to use the facility after their own pitches had been unplayable.
Over the years, the club has put many players on the road to success and several have carved out very successful careers in the game. A number have graced the League of Ireland including Tom Silke who played for Athlone, Galway and Longford while Robbie Benson also started his LOI journey with Athlone. A hugely successful spell followed at Dundalk, including some fantastic scores in European football and the town native is currently plying his trade with St. Patricks Athletic.
Probably the most famous player to have learned his trade with the Saints is not even playing the game now having switched allegiance to the oval ball. Robbie Henshaw is an exceptional talent and could have succeeded in a number of codes. The Leinster star also played gaelic football before devoting his time to rugby. Athlone and Westmeath GAA player Ray Connellan is another who graced the pitch at under age level for the Saints. The conveyor belt continues to produce the goods with Dylan Gavin the latest success story with the makings of a fine career beckoning with English club Charlton Athletic.
Prior to the cessation of action on the playing front, the Saints were set for another successful campaign. The new year got off to a flying start with both the under 14s and 15s successful at the top of the table in the Midland Schoolboy League. The under 15s continued with their winning run in Tullamore and with the ADSL teams also doing well, the Saints were set for further success.
The under 14s made it to the SFAI Connacht final with a dramatic win on penalties over Knocknacarra. Unfortunately the under 14s could not continue with a good run in the SFAI Cup when beaten by Malahide United. A week later saw the final of the Connacht Cup being played in Eamonn Deacy Park where Mervue United were the opposition. There was little shame in being beaten in the decider as the Galway team won by three goals to one. Both teams signed off on the campaign to date on a winning note with the under 14s trouncing Clara Town and the under 15s proving too strong for Portlaoise.
The clubs AGM is set to take place next month as the Saints continue to flourish both on and off the pitch.
