Athlone Town FC

Athlone Town FC is to host a free open day at Athlone Town Stadium, Lissywoollen on Sunday next.

A memorial match in honour of the late Brideswell resident John (Sean) Gately will be held as part of an Athlone Town FC Open Day on Sunday next, August 15, in Athlone Town Stadium. John passed away suddenly in July 2009 aged just 52.

Cam Celtic, of which John was a founder member, will take on Willow Park in a masters (Over 35) friendly at 2pm. The game, organised by Cam Celtic FC, will be played for the John Gately Memorial Cup.

A former CEO and General Manager of St Hilda's Services in Athlone,John Gately was also joint treasurer of Athlone Town FC at the time of his passing.

The game will be the centrepiece of a free open day of activities for all the family at Athlone Town Stadium.

The stadium will open its doors at 1.30pm until 5.30pm and the club is inviting the local community to partake in a wide range of activities and events.

First team manager Brendan Place and members of the club's playing personnel will be present to help run a number of football events,including skills challenges and exhibitions.

For the children, there will be plenty to entertain, including bouncing castles and slides and face painting.

World champion dance troupe Attitude Dance will strut their stuff for the attendance, while The Ravens Marching Band will also be performing.

There will be a number of trade stalls on a wide range of themes, from beauty and cosmetics to bric-a-brac.

DJs Pete Casey and Noel Lackey will also be on site providing musical entertainment throughout the afternoon.

Refreshments and snacks will be available on the day in the stadium.