The on field progress made by the Athlone senior women’s team during the 2022 season was duly reflected at the recent SSE Airtricity Women’s National League awards, the club rewarded for its success with two major accolades and three players named on the ‘Team of the Year’.
Team manager, Tommy Hewitt, was awarded ‘Manager of the Year, while striker, Emily Corbett, who netted on 23 occasions during the season, was awarded the ‘Player of the Year’ accolade.
A season to remember saw Athlone Town reach their first senior FAI Cup final since 1924 and achieve second place in the league standings, winning 18 games from 27 played. In comparison, the club won four games from 24 played in the 2021 league season.
Speaking to the Athlone Advertiser on Tuesday afternoon, team manager, Tommy Hewitt, reflected upon a progressive season for the club as he received the ‘Manager of the Year’ award.
“Truly speaking, I wasn’t expecting the award particularly with Shelbourne achieving the league and cup double. The award reflects the hard work of my management and players and we can all look proudly on the season. We exceeded the expectations of many, but we have to build upon our progress made as look towards the 2023 season,” Hewitt said.
Hewitt expressed his gratitude to all those who have offered words of support since the season’s conclusion and awards ceremony.
“It is great to see some pride return to the club. Our fan base is improving and hopefully, come the start of next season, supporters will turn out in large numbers to see us play. A large support travelled to watch the cup final in Tallaght Stadium so that augurs well for the future,” Hewitt added.
Having re-signed a core group of this season’s team, Tommy is intent on adding to the playing squad as he aims to build upon the momentum achieved.
“I see no reason why any player would wish to leave our set up unless they were moving into the professional game and I would also like to add new faces to the squad. I do believe that we are now an attractive proposition given the season just past and I look forward to building upon our success,” Tommy concluded.
The trio of players, Jessica Hennessy, Muireann Devaney and Emily Corbett were named on the ‘Team of the Year.’
