Last game in St. Mel's

**harps1954** · 10/11/2006, 9:36 AM

I don't know if it has been mentioned already, but tonight Athlone Town will play their last ever match in St. Mel's Park.

I know the place is a bit of a dump and present, but even so it's the end of an era. A new ground for us all (well 1st Division) to visit next season.

**Magicme** · 10/11/2006, 9:43 AM

Yeah tonight is special and Mons are the ones to go down in history as last team to play Athlone Town there....one for future table quizzes me thinks!

**Peadar** · 10/11/2006, 9:46 AM

Free entry tonight too, I believe.

**Magicme** · 10/11/2006, 9:47 AM

Am sure there will be a few tears shed too.

**gufct** · 10/11/2006, 10:02 AM

I used to travel to mels before there was LOI football in Galway and have some great memories the highlight being the AC Milan game sad to see the house of tin falling down but good luck to all in your new home and please get rid of your recently acquired Junior scum before ye start playing there.

**Lim till i die** · 10/11/2006, 10:02 AM

They should have played it on Saturday, would love to go

I'm gonna miss Dachau

**monutdfc** · 10/11/2006, 10:23 AM

Athlone Town Press Release here
http://www.monaghanunited.ie/index.p...d=457&Itemid=1

**Magicme** · 10/11/2006, 10:41 AM

Hey monutdfc u gonna make it down? Should b a good nite on and off the pitch.

**Battery Rover** · 10/11/2006, 11:28 AM

A very special day for us down here as we say goodbye to the hallowed turf.

Its 33 years since I first started attending games there and have so many happy memories. The league wins and the Tyler Cup matches. Some great matches against the likes of Rovers and Sligo. The atmosphere was really something special down there when success was with the club and would be a pretty intimidating place for teams to come and get a result. Great players like the O'Connors, Noel Larkin, Rod DeKhors, Larry Wise, Stef Fenuick just to name a few.

Tonights match is not about the result even though it would be great sign of with a win but is about remembering the people and players that have graced us with their dedication to the club.

Farewell St Mels but I will be bringing part of you in my heart to the new ground and you will always be remembered

**Magicme** · 10/11/2006, 11:30 AM

I'm assuming Shane Brennan will be remembered at the prayer service today. One of our fans has his Monaghan United Jersey so will text her and suggest she wears it tonight in his honour.

**Battery Rover** · 10/11/2006, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by Magicme

I'm assuming Shane Brennan will be remembered at the prayer service today. One of our fans has his Monaghan United Jersey so will text her and suggest she wears it tonight in his honour.

Yes every player, official and supporter that has graced the ground will be remembered

**BrayUnknowns** · 10/11/2006, 11:47 AM

There was a nice little piece on the RTE sports news last night, good interview as well from the new stadium whicjh is looking very nice so far. Best of luck tonight, hopefully you can give St. Mels a good send off.

**The Stars** · 10/11/2006, 12:10 PM

might go up for the laugh

**paudie** · 10/11/2006, 12:16 PM

Did ye invite anybody from AC Milan for the last game?

Maybe they mightn't want to remember that game.

Isn't there that story of the Milan players walking through muck in their Gucci shoes to get to the dressing room?

**Ash** · 10/11/2006, 12:28 PM

Yep, the bus pulled up beside the muddiest puddle near the ground.

Theres a great picture on "A History Of Athlone tOwn - The Fitst 101 Years"
of the Milan players stepping off the bus looking bemused

**Battery Rover** · 10/11/2006, 12:32 PM

They were let of the bus outside the gates and it was really bad with muck. The look on their faces was priceless.

When they came out onto the pitch and the huge crowd they looked terrified that we were able to stretch out our hands and virtually touch them Remember this was in a time when hooliganism was really bad in Italy and supporters were caged in

**Battery Rover** · 10/11/2006, 12:33 PM

Your too quick for me Ash. Wednesday you get the first season ticket for the new ground and now this

**cheech** · 10/11/2006, 12:33 PM

I'm sure it will be a sad night for Town fans leaving St Mels but congrats on your new stadium

I've some great memories from the 70s of St Mels after we both joined the league together. The night you beat us in the playoffs there on penalties was also a special night even though we lost.

Best of luck in the future and will get to see it next season unfortunately!

**Ash** · 10/11/2006, 12:39 PM

Originally Posted by Battery Rover

Your too quick for me Ash. Wednesday you get the first season ticket for the new ground and now this

Just in the right place at the right time

You would have nipped in ahead of my for the 1st ticket only you were
filling out 2 applications

Liam was busy writing the cheque when I threw cash at them

I hope they recognise the fact and issue me with number 1.

I was number 16 this season. Have to frame that ticket