• If you are looking for a good night out or would like to buy jerseys belonging to a host of well know stars, Raftery’s of Corofin is the place to be on Saturday night where the local soccer club is holding a Racenight to raise funds for the club. Established in 1980, Corofin United FC has recently purchased land and developed two playing pitches, plus a training pitch at Myles Park in the village. This is the first phase of a five-year plan which also includes the development of a clubhouse and all-weather playing facilities. In addition to the usual races, there will also be an auction, including a signed T-shirt belonging to Pádraig Harrington, and a host of signed jerseys that include soccer greats Eric Cantona and Ronaldo, an Irish soccer jersey signed by a number of the players plus manager Giovanni Trapattoni, a Connacht Rugby jersey, a Galway football jersey, and a Wexford football jersey signed by Mattie Forde.
•Galway missed out on All Star selection at this year’s O’Neills/TG4 Ladies Gaelic Football All-Star Awards, but there was some joy for Dora Gorman - the Salthill/Knocknacarra player who was one of four to win the The Young Players of the Year Awards. All-Ireland champions Cork, who have dominated the senior grade over the past four years, picked up the majority of the honours on the night with new Cork captain Angela Walsh collecting her fourth award to match her four All Ireland medals. Monaghan were rewarded for their outstanding displays this year with four All Stars. Mayo’s Cora Staunton was once again selected.
•Athenry AC, having made the short list, were pipped for Club of the Year by Donegal's Tir Chonaill AC at the recent National Athletics Awards in Dublin. It followed the club’s recent success in the Dublin City Marathon where pride of place went to the women's team who were second, behind Mayo AC. Elaine Walsh broke three hours, while Jane-Ann Healy and Ita Carter chased her home. The men's team were eighth. Mick Rice competed successfully in the 100k IAU World Cup outside Rome last weekend. His time of just over eight hours and 12minutes was good enough for 65th place in a top-class field. A new Fit4Life programme has just started up in Athenry. For more details, visit www.AthenryAC.com, e-mail [email protected], or phone Maeve Noone 087-7648343 or Maria Hehir 085-7243224.
