Athenry Credit Union has entered into a sponsorship agreement with St. Mary's GAA club. Athenry Credit Union will sponsor the senior club for the next three years. At a reception in Keane's Bar and Restaurant the president of the Credit Union Mr. Gerry Doherty, Mr. Michael Higgins, chairperson of St. Mary's GAA club together with Eugene Cloonan, captain of the Senior Hurling team, announced the new sponsorship deal.

The president of the Credit Union outlined the reasons for this unique sponsorship deal. The Credit Union's strategy is to make the community aware of the unique position of the Credit Union. The Credit Union is part of the community and is owned by the members. Athenry Credit Union has always sponsored voluntary organisations in its common bond area. This sponsorship is an expression of the Credit Union's commitment to encourage, acknowledge and reward the contribution of St Mary's GAA club to the parish of Athenry over the years.

The president of the Credit Union highlighted the many benefits of being a member of Athenry Credit Union; low interest rates for personal borrowing, flexibility of payments, quick decisions, insurance on members savings and loans, a monthly member's draw with a car as first prize every four months.

Athenry Credit Union like St Mary's GAA club is going from strength to strength. There are over 10,000 members of the Credit Union with assets of over €50 million. The Credit Union is continuing to expand and sponsorship is part of an ongoing strategy to encourage new members to join and to expand its services to the community.

Beyond The Glory ( May 2004)

At the beginning of 2002, St. Mary's GAA Club, Athenry, set out on the road to greatness. Over the previous decade they had established themselves as on of the greatest hurling clubs in the history of the game. With three All-Ireland titles already in their trophy cupboard, one more would make them the most sucessful club of all time. This is the story of their quest. With unlimited access to the team, this year long journey gets you close enough to feel the mud splashing up as they drag themselves through their arduous training regime. Close enough that the empassioned voices ring around the dressing room before their biggest games bring the hairs on the back of your neck standing to attention . It's about your club, your neighbour. It's about chasing the dream... ...And the glory. The video was compiled by sports presenter Darren Frehill and was launched in The Castlegate Hotel, Athenry on Monday 3rd May 2004. It follows the St. Mary's Senior Hurling Team through the County, Connacht and All-Ireland Championships in 2002 with video footage of their championship matches as well as an inside look at the dressing room atmosphere before and after games. The video is available fromm Cloonan's Filling Station, Athenry at a cost of €15.00