The 2024 Tournament

The tournament opened with a league format, and it didn't take long for the football to live up to expectations. Tuberclare and Mantua Town served up an opening match to remember, with a Goal of the Tournament contender arriving inside the first 20 seconds as a stunning volley from the halfway line flew into the back of the net. It was the perfect start and set the standard for everything that followed.

Over the next few hours, Athlone was treated to another unforgettable day of football. There was no shortage of drama, from United FC and Dean Kelly A Team contesting a controversial last-minute winner to defending champions Clowown Rovers scoring directly from kick-off through Niall Derwin in one of the tournament's most talked-about moments.

The newcomers Tuberclare battled hard but were unfortunately the first side to bow out. From there, every point and every goal mattered as seven teams battled for the remaining semi-final places. Previous semi-finalists Baido FC were the next to exit after finishing with three points, leaving Dean Kelly A Team, Mantua Town, Clowown Rovers and Afcon FC as the final four.

The semi-finals lived up to expectations. Dean Kelly A Team, captained by Biyi Odekunle, launched a determined late comeback but narrowly fell short. On the other pitch, Mantua Town and Clowown Rovers produced another closely fought contest before Clowown edged their way into yet another final.

The final saw Afcon FC, led by eventual Player of the Tournament Messiah Mane, face Clowown Rovers, featuring Goal of the Tournament winner Niall Derwin alongside Patrick and Oisin. In keeping with the drama of the day, the title was decided by penalties. Afcon FC missed the decisive spot kick, allowing Clowown Rovers to retain the Athlone's Finest trophy.