Permanent TSB LFA Senior Cup: Athlone Town AFC vs Longford Town

Date and Time: Tuesday, January 30th 2024

Kick-off: 7.45pm

Venue: Athlone Town Stadium

The first El Clasico of the year takes place tonight at Athlone Town Stadium. Although it is Permanent TSB LFA Senior Cup, The Town are determined to build on last Monday’s 3-2 win over Maynooth University Town in the first round of the competition.

Team News

Athlone Town come into this match on the back of a 3-1 friendly defeat at home to Shelbourne over the weekend. Jamar Campion-Hinds is still recovering from an injury and is not expected to feature. Speaking to the ATAFC Media Team, Dario Castelo stated “It’s always special to play at home in front of our fans and in a game that, as usual will awaken a lot of emotions for everyone”. “For us without taking away the competitive component and clear objective of wanting to win, it will be another game that is part of the growth process” he added.

Past Encounters

The Town are unbeaten in El Clasico since May 2022. Winning three of the last six Midlands Derbies. Dario and his squad will be hoping to extend this great run of form into the 2024 season and beyond.

Key Players to Watch

Dylan Hand has began pre-season postively following his return to the club. Providing consistently positive performances in his centre back role.

Longford’s recent addition Chris Lyons brings a wealth of experience to their club as he has more than 300 League of Ireland games under his belt scoing 74 times and is expected to be their danger man tonight.

Purchase your tickets for the game by clicking here.

Pre-Season Friendly: Athlone Town AFC vs Shelbourne FC

Date and Time: Saturday, January 27th 2024

Kick-off: 6pm

Venue: Athlone Town Stadium

This weekend, the stage is set for Athlone Town AFC prepares to face off against Shelbourne FC in what promises to be a much needed match in both teams preseason preparations.

Team News

Athlone Town comes into this match with high spirits following a win in the Permanent TSB LFA Cup earlier in the week. New signing Ruben Candal may make his first appearance for the club having started training midweek. Jamar Campion-Hinds is carrying a knock and has been ruled out for the game but may return on Tuesday in the LFA Cup. The squad has been training hard, focusing on their preseason preparations and coach Dario Castelo is quoted as saying “It’s important that we can get a good run out against a very good side”. He stated the that squad was in good spirits for the game with a formidable Shelbourne side.

Past Encounters

History has seen some memorable battles between these teams. One such meeting was the FAI Cup Quarter Final where Athlone won 4-1 to progress in the competition. Fans may know the Shels scorer on the day Ciaran Kilduff.

Key Players to Watch

For Athlone Town, Shane Forbes could be pivotal in this match. He has bags of talent and will be looking for a good showing against his former club. On the Shelbourne side Sean Gannon is looking to impress his new boss Damien Duff, the strong defender who was part of ten League of Ireland winning sides and is the one of the most decorated players in League of Ireland history.

Purchase your tickets for the game by clicking here.

Athlone Town AFC are delighted to announce that Jamar Campion Hinds and Noah Van Geenen have both agreed to extend their stay with the club for the upcoming season.

Jamar, known for his skillful play and finishing ability, has been a key player since joining the club last year. His decision to continue with Athlone Town underscores his dedication to the team’s success and development.

Noah Van Geenen, equally respected for his consistent performance and quality on the ball, has also been a crucial part of our squad. His commitment for another season strengthens our defensive capabilities and overall team dynamics.

Together, Jamar and Noah’s combined talents and experience will be invaluable as we aim to build on last season’s achievements. Their continued presence in the team is a huge boost for the club, the fans, and their teammates.

We are excited about the upcoming season and confident that with players like Jamar and Noah, Athlone Town AFC will continue to grow and achieve great success.

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
media@athlonetownafc.ie

We are happy to announce that our Men’s Senior team will welcome League of Ireland Premier Division opposition to the Athlone Town Stadium in two pre-season friendlies next month as we look forward to the 2024 season.

On Saturday 13th January 2024 at 3pm, we will host St. Patrick’s Athletic, while on Saturday 27th January 2024 at 6pm, we will host Shelbourne FC.

In our first outing of 2024, we look forward to welcoming the recently crowned FAI Cup champions, St. Patrick’s Athletic, while Leinster Senior Cup ties against Maynooth University Town and Longford Town will take place either side of our second friendly against Damien Duff’s Shelbourne FC.

The busy start to the year will see us play five fixtures at home and one fixture away in the first four weeks of the season.

Order your 2024 Season Ticket Here

Athlone Town AFC is thrilled to announce the signing of the highly-talented Portuguese international player, Ruban Candal.

The 20-year-old dynamo, who primarily operates as a left winger and attacking midfielder, brings with him an impressive resume, having developed his skills at the esteemed FC Porto and represented the Portuguese National Team at various youth levels.

Ruban Candal’s journey to Athlone Town AFC has been nothing short of remarkable. Hailing from the renowned Portuguese football powerhouse, FC Porto, Candal honed his skills within their youth ranks, making significant contributions at U15, U17, and U19 levels. His participation in the UEFA Youth Champions League served as a testament to his exceptional abilities and potential.

Notably, Candal has also proudly donned the Portuguese National Team jersey, showcasing his talent on the international stage at U15, U17, and U19 levels. His inclusion in the national setup further underscores his status as a rising star in the football world.

Athlone Town AFC, in collaboration with the Valeo International Academy, an elite global football training organization, demonstrated its commitment to nurturing young and ambitious talent. The club’s recent success, making it to the playoffs this past season for the first time in years, has laid the foundation for a promising future.

Speaking about the signing of Ruban Candal, Athlone Town AFC’s Director of Football, Dario Castelo, said, “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Ruban to the Athlone Town family. His pedigree, having come through the ranks of FC Porto and represented his country at multiple youth levels, speaks volumes about his abilities. We believe he will be a crucial addition to our squad and contribute significantly to our continued growth and success.”

Ruban Candal himself expressed his excitement, saying, “I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter in my career with Athlone Town AFC. I’ve heard great things about the club’s ambition and commitment to developing young talents. I can’t wait to contribute to the team’s success and make the fans proud.”

The signing of Ruban Candal marks an exciting milestone for Athlone Town AFC as they look forward to building on their recent achievements and cultivating a bright future for Irish football.

Season Tickets are now on sale for the 2024 season. Season Tickets include entry to All Home Games for Men, Women, and underage for Athlone Town AFC.

Purchase your Season Ticket before Christmas and save €30 with the Early Bird rate!

SEASON TICKETS

The draw for the PTSB Leinster Senior Cup has taken place. There will be four groups of four teams in the new layout for the competition. We have been drawn into Group B along with Maynooth University Town, Longford Town and Shamrock Rovers. The top two teams from each group will progress to the quarter-finals, with the group winner earning a home quarter-final.

Group B Fixtures:

Maynooth University Town v Athlone Town

Monday, January 22nd, KO: 7.45pm

Athlone Town v Longford Town

Monday, January 29th, KO: 7.45pm

Athlone Town v Shamrock Rovers

Monday, February 5th, KO: 7.45pm

Dates are subject to change and venues are to be confirmed.