Defeat in the next two county finals was followed by success in 1907.

"You did go to the county finals," his opponent reminded him.

As 2009 closed, following a club record 6 county finals, the club has indeed come a long way in the last 89 years.

In 2004 county finals played at under 12 level for the first time.

The minor team of 1959 broke through at senior level to play in eight successive county finals.

They also set a new record with four teams reaching the county finals.

The club lost a remarkable four county finals in five years in 1977, 1978, 1980 and 1981.

Athenry went on to compete in the next two county finals as well, 1988 and 1989.

The club also recently reached county finals in 2006 2008 and 2012.

The club contested the next four county finals, however, they lost on every occasion.