Blue and black football at Lissywollen
Athlone Town AFC connects League of Ireland men’s and women’s football, academy development and community activity at Lissywollen.
The Town of the Midlands
Athlone Town AFC is one of the great names in Irish football and the oldest club participating in the League of Ireland. Based in the centre of Ireland, the club brings men’s football, women’s football, academy development and community activity together at Lissywollen.
Its central location and long history give Athlone Town a distinctive role in the Midlands football community.
| Town | Athlone |
|---|---|
| County | Westmeath |
| Province | Leinster |
| Established | 1887 |
Athlone Town Stadium
Athlone Town Stadium in Lissywollen has been the club’s home since 2007. The modern ground includes a main stand with capacity for more than two thousand spectators and provides a strong setting for League of Ireland matches, academy football and community events.
The stadium is a meeting place for players, families, supporters and visiting clubs.
| Ground | Athlone Town Stadium |
|---|---|
| Area | Lissywollen, Athlone |
| County | Westmeath |
| Opened | 2007 |
Blue and black identity
Blue and black are closely associated with Athlone Town AFC. The colours appear across senior teams, academy groups and supporter culture, giving the club a strong visual identity at the stadium and around the Midlands.
Players should confirm the current kit requirements with their team before attending.
| Colours | Blue and black |
|---|---|
| Nickname | The Town |
| Home | Athlone Town Stadium |
| Area | The Midlands |
A first match in 1887
Athlone Town’s first recorded match took place on 9 February 1887 against Castlerea FC of County Roscommon. The game finished scoreless, beginning a story that has carried the club through local football, national competition and League of Ireland seasons.
That early start remains a central part of the club’s identity.
| First match | 9 February 1887 |
|---|---|
| Opponent | Castlerea FC |
| Result | Scoreless draw |
| Legacy | Oldest League of Ireland club |
Early League of Ireland history
Athlone Town first entered the League of Ireland in the 1922 to 1923 season, becoming the first club from outside Dublin to compete in the Free State League. The club later returned to national football in 1969 and has remained part of the League of Ireland story since then.
Its history gives every generation a connection to one of Ireland’s longest running football institutions.
| First entry | 1922 to 1923 |
|---|---|
| Return | 1969 to 1970 |
| Status | Long standing League of Ireland club |
The 1924 FAI Cup
In 1924 Athlone Town won the FAI Cup, defeating Fordsons of Cork by one goal in the final. The team completed the competition without conceding, creating the club’s first major national honour and an enduring part of its history.
The achievement remains a powerful reminder of what the club has accomplished on the national stage.
| Honour | FAI Cup |
|---|---|
| Year | 1924 |
| Final | Athlone Town defeated Fordsons |
| Defensive record | No goals conceded in the competition |
European nights
Athlone Town reached European competition after finishing second in the league in the 1974 to 1975 season. The club defeated Valerenga in the first round and then welcomed AC Milan to St Mel’s Park, holding the Italian giants to a memorable scoreless draw before the return match in Milan.
Those nights remain part of the club’s international story and the town’s football memory.
| Competition | UEFA Cup |
|---|---|
| Season | 1974 to 1975 |
| Opponent | AC Milan |
| Home result | Scoreless draw at St Mel’s Park |
The glory years
The late 1970s and early 1980s brought a remarkable run of success. Athlone Town won two league titles and three League Cups across four seasons, including the 1980 to 1981 league title and the 1982 to 1983 league and cup double.
That era established the club as one of the strongest forces in Irish football.
| League titles | Two |
|---|---|
| League Cups | Three |
| Key era | Late 1970s and early 1980s |
| Highlight | 1982 to 1983 league and cup double |
Men’s First Division football
Athlone Town men currently compete in the League of Ireland First Division. The team gives players a professional national competition route while representing Athlone at the highest level of the domestic game.
Supporters can follow the club’s current team information through the club’s live channels.
| Section | Men’s football |
|---|---|
| Competition | League of Ireland First Division |
| Home | Athlone Town Stadium |
| Identity | The Town |
Women’s Premier Division football
Athlone Town AFC Women compete in the Women’s Premier Division. The women’s team was established in 2020 and quickly made a major impact, winning league and cup honours and earning European opportunities.
Women’s football adds another high level pathway for players in Athlone and across the Midlands.
| Section | Women’s football |
|---|---|
| Competition | Women’s Premier Division |
| Established | 2020 |
| Pathway | Senior and academy progression |
A thriving academy
The academy develops young players through training and competition. A dedicated programme for children aged 6 to 14 gives players a structured introduction to technique, decision making and teamwork while keeping the experience enjoyable.
Families can ask about age groups, coaching times and the best entry point for a new player.
| Age range | 6 to 14 |
|---|---|
| Focus | Technique, tactics and teamwork |
| Setting | Athlone Town Stadium |
| Next step | Ask about academy registration |
Youth development
Athlone Town’s wider youth pathway helps players move from academy football towards representative and senior opportunities. Training can support confidence, fitness and understanding of the game while keeping players connected to their local club.
The right group depends on age, experience and the current programme.
| Entry | Academy football |
|---|---|
| Progression | Youth teams and senior pathways |
| Development | Skills, fitness and decision making |
A community gathering place
The club’s vision for Lissywollen includes a stadium that works as a gathering place for Athlone. Matches, academy sessions, school activity and community initiatives can all bring people together around football.
That wider role helps Athlone Town remain part of everyday life in the Midlands.
| Place | Lissywollen |
|---|---|
| Activities | Matches, academy and community events |
| Purpose | Connection through football |
Planning a first visit
Before visiting Athlone Town Stadium, confirm the team, kick off time, entrance and any academy instructions. Bring weather layers, water and suitable footwear for training, and allow time to find parking and meet the coach.
A little planning helps new players and visitors enjoy the stadium with confidence.
| Confirm | Team, time, entrance and arrival |
|---|---|
| Bring | Weather layers, water and suitable footwear |
| Ask about | Parking, toilets and changing |
| Arrival | Meet the coach or steward |
Joining Athlone Town
A first academy or team enquiry should include the player’s age or date of birth, football experience and preferred section. The club can explain the right programme, registration, fees, kit and current places.
Wait for the relevant club contact to confirm the correct session before attending.
| Include | Age or date of birth |
|---|---|
| Mention | Experience and preferred section |
| Confirm | Training, registration, fees and kit |
| Next step | Receive session details |
A complete Midlands pathway
Athlone Town AFC connects historic senior football, a successful women’s programme, academy development and community activity at Athlone Town Stadium. Blue and black colours unite the teams while the club’s long story gives every player a sense of place.
For players and families in Athlone, the club offers a route to begin, progress or return to football at every level.
| Home | Athlone Town Stadium |
|---|---|
| Pathway | Academy, youth, men and women |
| Identity | Blue and black |
| Community | Athlone and the Midlands |