We have created this Blog to enable all our club members, parents and anyone associated with Castlebar Celtic FC to keep up with all the latest news and events. With this Blog you, the reader, will be able to respond to Blogs made by the administrator and in time lots more content wil be added for our readers benefit. We also have a new club website with dedicated areas for each and every one of our competing teams & the academy. This will be regularly updated and will have a great new format including the seasons fixtures, results, league tables, player profile, photo's and videos etc. The new website can be found at www.castlebarceltic.ie

Final Registration

Registration 2017 Due to unprecedented demand in 2017 there will be one final Youths Registration night on Monday 30th January from 7pm – 9pm at the Castlebar Celtic Clubhouse.
New members are always welcomed to join Mayos largest Youths Football Club.
Yours in sport,
Brian Hope
Chairperson Castlebar

The Big Match : Celtic V Home Farm U15

We are all familiar with these illustrious names……… Ronnie Whelan, Liam Brady, Johnny Giles, Kenny Cunningham, Richard Dunne.

All of the above, household names in Republic of Ireland football…. alongside a host of others too numerous to mention, who have donned the green jersey with distinction over the years. But what mutual bond do these illustrious figures share? What collective involvements in the game we all love have these Irish legends in common?

The answer is all of these greats cultivated their burgeoning skills in their formative years playing their football at one of the most eminent clubs in Ireland…Home Farm FC. The Dublin outfit who’s Youth system has produced over 40 Internationals are welcomed to Celtic Park on Saturday 28^th January, 2.30pm Kick off, when their current under 15 side look to progress in this season’s SFAI National Cup.

Standing firmly in their path to the last 16 are last season’s semi-finalists Castlebar Celtic.

Our u15’s as many will be only to aware are a pretty special side themselves, and this weekend’s clash promises to be a Saturday spectacular as two of the finest teams in Irish youth football lock horns.

It has been exactly forty years since the two clubs last met. Famously, way back in 1977, a Celtic u13 team played host to Home Farm. The Hoops captained then by Gabby Downes not only defeated the Dubliners with goals from Noel Moran and Noel Coll, but brought to an end one of the longest winning streaks ever in Irish football.

This weekend is one not to miss, so come on down to Celtic Park and get behind our boy’s and roar them onto another famous victory.  Following last week-ends superb victory by our u16’s away to Boris St Kevins, the 15’s are fully focussed on joining those lads into the latter stages of the National competition

Kick-off is at 2.30 pm .C’Mon The Hoops

Youth Registration 2017

Click on the ‘join here’ image to visit payment gateway

Registration for 2017 will take place on the 16th & 23rd of January only in the clubhouse from 7 – 9pm.

Fees for 2017 remain unchanged and can be paid on the night or through our new on line link:

https://goo.gl/C2xNFR

New Members and Volunteers are welcomed for the 2017 season.

New Coaches are also welcomed subject to FAI Garda Vetting approval.

Please download the attached registration form which can be completed in advance which will save you time on the night..

As the FAI do not have an on line registration facility the completed forms must be presented to the committee.

registration-form-2017-1

Seniors Mayo FA Cup Champions

FOLLOWING their bitterly disappointing last-minute exit from the FAI Junior Cup, Castlebar Celtic claimed the final spoils of the Mayo League season at Milebush Park on Sunday last.
Even without the services of Gerry Hunt, Imoa Atoi and James Minogue – all influential figures  in last week’s dramatic encounter – Celtic’s strength in depth proved too strong for a Ballyglass side hampered by injuries. It was a point not missed by Celtic manager Ciaran Kelly.
“Football is always about squads,” he told The Mayo News. “These players know how to play the game. Jordan Loftus obviously came back today and one thing he offers us is the ability to score goals. They win football games and that was the difference between the two sides today.”
Indeed, the ex-Finn Harps striker indeed looked in razor sharp form from the outset and was denied after seven minutes by a fine Niall Gallagher block. Ballyglass went close themselves five minutes later when Keelan McDonell’s inch-perfect crossfield ball found Conor Heneghan on the edge of the area. The winger’s effort was destined for the top right corner but for an heroic one-handed save by Mark Benson.
Celtic’s high line continued to frustrate Ballyglass, and the Candystripes found themselves 1-0 down on 20 minutes. An inch-perfect ball from Jose Sola found Loftus, who side-footed home from 12 yards. Celtic quickly pressed for a second and were duly rewarded just five minutes later. This time, the opportunistic Loftus capitalised on indecision in the Ballyglass defence following a corner  to fire home a half-volley, doubling Celtic’s advantage.
Liam Hughes, JP O’Gorman and Conor Heneghan continued to toil and engineer opportunities for Ballyglass, but they failed to make any significant inroads for the remainder of the half.  Celtic put real distance between the sides on 36 minutes when  Jordan Loftus completed his hat-trick with arguably the goal of the game. A beautifully lofted ball from full back Mark Howley found Loftus, whose sublime first touch afforded him the time and space to rifle home and leave Celtic three up at the break.
As with all of Tom Connolly’s sides, Ballyglass certainly didn’t lack heart and courage, which was  epitomised by the attitude shown on the resumption. From the restart, Conor Heneghan expertly found Liam Hughes, who brought a smart save from Benson. Keelan McDonnell and JP O’Gorman were coming more and more into the game, but in their efforts to get back into the tie, Ballyglass were left vulnerable on the counter.
Niall Gallagher made another fine stop from Anthony Johnston on 56 minutes, and the introduction of Alan McHugh breathed new life into the Ballyglass midfield moments later. McHugh was instrumental in Ballyglass’s first goal, with Liam Hughes tapping in from close range following a Conor Heneghan strike, but the revival – and optimism – were short-lived.
It was that man Loftus again who found the top right corner on 70 minutes from a Colm Nevin assist, brilliantly placing his effort past the outstretched hand of Niall Gallagher.  Gallagher did thwart Celtic on two further occasions, the second of which a marvellous reaction save to deny substitute Rory Nevin. Ballyglass pulled back a second in injury time, with Hughes and Heneghan again combining for the latter to coolly finish to the bottom right corner, but it proved to be mere consolation. It was a deserved victory for the Hoops in the end with skipper Ioseph O’Reilly lifting the Connacht Gold Super Cup, much to the delight of the Celtic faithful.

CASTLEBAR CELTIC
M Benson, I O’Reilly, M Howley, W Hanney, S Ryan, C Nevin, J Ivers, G O’Boyle, J Loftus, A Johnston, J Sola.
Subs used: C Griffin for A Johnston (74 mins); J Curran for M Howley (85 mins); R McTigue for J Sola (86 mins).

U14 Girls Advance To Mayo Cup Final

On a frosty morning, which resulted in the match switching to the Astro, Celtic U14 girl’s welcomed Achill to Celtic Park for the Cup 1/2 Final. Celtic controlled the match early on and a number of chances were missed before Rolayo Aramide finally eased the tension with a well taken goal. Celtic continued to dominate but were unable to increase their lead before half-time. Achill set about Celtic in the second half and some resilient defensive work was required. Celtic weathered the storm and a slick sequence of twelve passes was rewarded when Rolayo netted her second of the match. The Celtic girl’s played out the game well but were unable to add to their tally, the match ending 2-0 to Celtic. They now go on to the final. Squad: Megan Pattinson, Aoibhin Sinnott, Katy Gavin, Hanna Ueno, Emma Lavelle, Ciara O’Neill, Emer O’Neill, Molly Granahan, Maria Cannon, Rolayo Aramide, Sherin El Massry, Sarah Grady, Sarah Harper and Brianna Bruton.

Noe Baba Named In Irish U21 Squad

Republic of Ireland Under 21 manager Noel King has unveiled a squad to take on Czech Republic and Slovakia in two friendly games in Spain.

8th Nov 2016

Ireland will take part in a five-day training camp in La Manga, Spain as part of their preparation for the 2019 UEFA Under 21 European Championship qualifying campaign.

Included in the squad are 15 uncapped players, amongst whom is Walsall midfielder Liam Kinsella – son of former senior international Mark – and Tyrone Duffus – younger brother of three-times capped Courtney.

“This camp is an opportunity to get to know the players, their characters, and if they are best suited to our style and playing international football, which is very important,” said King.

“The more time we get with the players the quicker we get to know our strongest team. So we will use this time to make assessments over these players and hope that we rise to the challenge of the games.”

King has also brought in four SSE Airtricity League players in Shamrock Rovers’ Sean Heaney, Derry City’s Ronan Curtis, St Patrick’s Athletic’s Jamie McGrath, and Dundalk’s Ciaran O’Connor.

“We have always had a strong representation of SSE Airtricity League players in the Under 21 squad with Kevin O’Connor and Sean Maguire, who both helped Cork City win the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup last weekend, in our most recent squad,” said King.

“There has been a steady flow of League players in our squads, which shows that the League is producing players and that they are there on merit. It is when they come into the squad whether they can step up to international football. That is why we include them.”

King extends that perspective throughout the squad and wants the players to use these two friendly games as an opportunity to impress.

“Czech Republic will be strong and Slovakia are technically very good, so they are good games for us to get and it’s important that we learn as much as we can from them,” said King.

“We will know a lot more about these players after the two games and that is what this is all about. But I think we are more advanced at this stage in building the base of our squad and that gives us hope for the coming campaign.”

Republic of Ireland Under 21 Squad
Goalkeepers: Liam Bossin (Anderlecht), Kieran O’Hara (Manchester United)
Defenders: Noe Baba (Birmingham City), Danny Kane (Huddersfield Town), Ryan Sweeney (Stoke City), Sean Heaney (Shamrock Rovers), Declan Rice (West Ham United), Corey Whelan (Liverpool), Shaun Donnellan (West Bromwich Albion), Dylan Barnett (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Bradford City*), Jack Byrne (Blackburn Rovers*), Ronan Curtis (Derry City), Dylan Watts (Leicester City), Connor Dimaio (Chesterfield), Liam Kinsella (Walsall), Jamie McGrath (St Patrick’s Athletic), Harry Charsley (Everton)
Forwards: Tyrone Duffus (Everton), Olamide Shodipo (Queens Park Rangers), Ciaran O’Connor (Dundalk), Jake Mulraney (Inverness Caledonian Thistle)

Clubs Lotto Results

Click here to join the lotto and play on line

Castlebar Celtic lotto result.                              6 th Nov 2016 Prize Money €2,400 Numbers,11-27-29-31 No winner, €20 winners. 1  Martin Cosgrave 2. Margaret Lisibach 3. John Mcellin 4.  Paul Davis

Next weeks lotto will be in Hogs Heaven with jackpot of €2,500

Castlebar Celtic would like to thank Coady’s and all our patrons who purchased tickets. Lotto can be played online at www.smartlotto.ie

U15’s dismantle brave Ballisodare

There are few sides that can live with Celtics U15’s on top form and our visitors from Sligo had the misfortune of meeting Celtic on a day that the boy’s were in goal mode. A hat trick from the big man up top Kevin Kenneally, nestled between strikes from Paul Walsh, Ben Feeney, Callum Lavelle and….. the sweetest of all James Cunningham saw the lads home in convincing style to set up a Qtr final tilt at Galway Champions Colga.

A goal from James Cunningham is something of a rarity but true to his word pre match  the Mayo U15 and Celtic right back who came agonisingly close with a terrific shot that struck a post finally got himself on the score sheet with a fierce strike that went in off the underside of the bar. His brother…and close rival….. Mark, came close on two occasions, the diminutive midfielder with such balance and composure with the ball is such a technically outstanding individual and caused Ballisodare real problems through the middle alongside his U14 team mate Eoghan Hughes who both look so comfortable playing a year above their age.

Ballisodare always looked threatening throughout and credit to them never let their heads drop. The Celtic defence had to be at their best to repel the attacking menace of this Sligo outfit. On the day Emmet Murphy at centre back was awarded man of the match for his composed leading of a solid back four comprised of James Cunningham, Donnacha Mc’Hugh, Captain Ciaran Mylett and Emmet himself ahead of keeper James Robinson.

Paul Walsh and Luke Mc’Nicholas showed just what a powerhouse central midfield partnership they have forged in the first half and closing period as Celtic utilised the rolloing of subs, and Callum Lavelle was everywhere on the park as the number ten behind the striker.

It was Kevin Kenneally who opened the scoring early in the opening few minutes and by half time the lead had been extended to five without reply. Ballisodare after the break could have been forgiven for capitulating but just the opposite, determined to have a real good go they threw caution to the wind and pitched four men in attack, giving Celtic a torrid time defending such a threat. On the break the Hoops did stretch their opponents but despite wingers Callum Cairns, Iain Murphy and Ben Feeney at any one time supplying the ammunition, the second period saw two goals only for what ultimately proved a comfortable win, but one that certainly did not reflect the large part Ballisodare played in this entertaining cup tie. Without four key players to call upon the Management team were pleased with the overall display even if to some extent it took a good quarter hour to blow off the cobwebs of inactivity before really setting the pace and pretty much dominating the game.

Super 16’s are Cup Kings

The U16’s are in a rich vein of form in cup competition following a thrilling Mayo Cup win over Manulla last weekend. Saturday’s SFAI encounter in the fourth round saw Salthill Devon make the trip up from Drom confident of repeating a 3-1 victory when eliminating Celtic from the SFAI at the same round a year ago on home soil.

Saturday was a different story however and the conviction that runs through the whole squad is one of invincibility, and it was this self assurance that has returned which carried the side through to a deserved away tie V Tuam Celtic and a potential final place slot in the new format of the Connaught regional stage.

A goal in each half from Ben Edeh and Ciaran Lyons was enough to secure a merited victory, but the Hoops did edure some hairy moments from a strong and dangerous Salthill outfit. James Robinson in the Celtic goal pulled off a great save to deny an equaliser in the first half coming out the better in a one on one and then went on to deny Salthill a foothold back into the game in the second half with a stunning save from almost point blank range when a striker struck a low drive that was going nowhere but into the open net before Robinson with lighting reflexes somehow got down to save. Robinson was assured throughout dealing with every high ball thrown into the box cleanly, for which he earned a man of the match nomination.

Although threatening throughout the game it was Celtic rather than Salthill Devon who edged this tight tie in all departments. Conor Mongan proved a real handful up top with his physical presence and quick feet, a strike that came crashing off the bar denied the industrious striker and a further rasping shot from Ciaran Lyons also thumped back off the crossbar midway through the first half. It was Ben Edeh who broke the deadlock on 15 minutes, wriggling past the attention of three defenders before slotting home past a despairing keeper for a goal of some class.

Ciaran Lyons doubled the lead midway through the second half with a long range effort that the unfortunate keeper let wriggle beneath his body which effectively put this game to bed.

What this Celtic side do possess is an ability to shut up shop when they need to protect a lead and between Robinson in goal Dillon Tighe,  Eoghan Mc’Hale, Ryan Baynes, James Cunningham and Michael Fahy once Celtic had the 2- 0 advantage the back line were rock solid in frustrating their opponents.

It was another unyielding self assured display and a second clean sheet in as many weeks in cup competition against top class opposition.

Squad on the day :

James Robinson, Dylan Tighe, Eoghan Mc’Hale, Ryan Baynes, Michael Fahy, Ben Feeney, Ben Edeh, Ciaran Lyons, James Basquille, Dylan Felle,Conor Mongan, James Cunningham, Elton Kimpwene, Jamie Mcardle, Iain Murphy and Darragh Moran.

 

Celtic Lads Selected For Mayo Squad

Congratulations to Gavin Forry,  Luke Flately, Cian Walsh and Oisin Mulroy on being selected for Mayo U11 squad.

Clubs Weekly Lotto Results

Click here to join the lotto and play on line

Castlebar Celtic lotto result.                              16th Oct 2016 Prize Money €2,100 Numbers, 2-21-25-30 No winner, €20 winners. 1. Pat ludden jnr 2. Arron Dempsey 3. Fr Jim  BUGGY 4.Tony FALLON

Next weeks lotto will be in The Cobweb with jackpot of €2,200

Castlebar Celtic would like to thank Sloyan’s Bar and all our patrons who purchased tickets. Lotto can be played online at www.smartlotto.ie

U16’s are Cup Heroes in Manulla

Maulla 0  :  2 Celtic

In one of the most nail biting edge of the seat encounters of the season at any age, the under 16’s took on the newly crowned Premier League Champions who were brimming with confidence following their recent run of form in all competitions.

But if anyone thought this talented U16 squad had come here to Manulla to roll over and hand this Mayo cup tie to their fierce rivals on a plate, they had not taken into account the fire and desire that lay in the hearts of these lads even when reduced to ten men, following the  dismissal of Dillon Felle, who on on 20 minutes received his marching orders for what did seem more of a  mistimed attempt to make contact with the ball being contested between two battling opponents. clumsy ? certainly yes….. a red card offense …. unfortunate !

By the time of Dillon’s early exit,  an even an entertaining contest was being played out in good spirits,  but with a passion that personifies the battles between these two sides. Cillian Haeney fired Celtic into the lead midway through the first half when the winger, recently elevated to the Ireland under 15 squad, struck a sweet half volley through a melee of bodies past Cormack Henry in the Manulla goal.

Celtic could not build on this early lead, as down to ten men only five minutes following the opener, Manulla poured forward in anticipation of dismantling the Hoops with two thirds of the match still remaining. It is with enormous credit to the Celtic defense, and team as a whole that should this game have played for another half dozen hours the equaliser still likely would not have materialised, such was the utter determination from Celtic to preserve that slender lead.  With a solid wall of Green n White in front of him, James Robinson in the Celtic goal was not seriously tested in over an hours frenetic action.

Every player in Celtic colours threw themselves desperately into the battle to keep the blues at bay and other than one penalty area scramble that hero Dylan Tighe cleared off the line Manulla were restricted to tame long range efforts that amounted to very little. Celtic personified the “Park the Bus” mentallity, fully aware that any progress in this cup tie rested squarely in preserving their slender lead, and didn’t they do this in style as Celtic gambled on inviting Manulla to try and break down a ten man defensive strategy.

Despite handing almost total domination of the ball to Manulla, sitting back deep and allowing the opposition to swarm forwards, it was Celtic who could easily have ran out winners by at least four clear goals and a clean sheet to boot, as catching an ever more  desperate Manulla on the break, a number of excellent opportunities fell to Conor Mongan, Ben Edeh and Cillian Heaney who all came agonisingly close to extending the lead. In the final minute with nothing left to lose, Cormack Henry in goal joined the attack as a free kick was floated into the box, the ball cleared quickly was picked up by Ryan Baynes and carried virtually the full length of the pitch as Manulla scrambled desperately to get men back behind the ball, Ryan came out on top of a 50 50 challenge deep inside Manulla territory before unselfishly  squaring the ball to Ben Edeh to slot home the winner.

While every player was outstanding on the day, Ben Edeh receives the accolade of Man of the Match for his gut busting never say die 110% efforts, covering every blade of grass and chasing down every cause all afternoon, it was this pride in wearing the Jersey that made the ultimate difference on the day in a stunning two nil cup victory.

Special mention to Cillian and Ezzy who have stepped into the Managerial hot seat and stylishly guided their young charges to a fine winning start.

Club Lotto Results

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Castlebar Celtic lotto result.                                                                                                                                                          9th Oct 2016

Prize Money €2,000

Numbers, 2, 16, 20, 26.

No winner,

€20 winners.

1. Martin Lydon.
2. Michael Dwyer.
3. Damian & Greg.
4. Seamus Canning.

 

Next weeks lotto will be in Sloyan’s Bar with jackpot of €2,100

 

Castlebar Celtic would like to thank Paddy Moran’s and all our patrons who

purchased tickets.

Lotto can be played online at www.smartlotto.ie

U13 March On In SFAI Cup

The young hoops made the long journey to Mount Temple which is just outside Moate Co Westmeath on Saturday afternoon in the second round of the national u 13 cup.
All involved knew that this would be a difficult game more so to the fact that this u13 team had their last competitive game on 12th July but despite this the hoops were fully up for the fight.
They started brightly and pressed the opposition at every given opportunity.While the playing surface left a lot to be desired the young hoops stuck to the game plan and tried to keep the ball down and play.
In the13th minute clever interplay between Gavyn McManamon and Ben McHale forced a corner down the left. McManamon took the kick and swung it in beautifully to the inrushing Jake Daly. Their towering number 5 managed a foot in but the ball fell nicely to right full Sean Morahan who had crept up unnoticed and the alert defender thumped the ball home from all of 20 metres to give the away team a slender lead.
This rocked the opposition and Celtic went for the kill.The ball was worked down the right side between Conor Mulroy and the impressive Aiden Cunningham. Striker Ross Kirrane made the run into the channel and was quickly picked out. The striker then ran from the endline before picking out Mc Manamon who had joined the attack and the blonde winger fired home to leave Celtic 2 up just before the interval.
Villa came out in the second half in a flurry but found the Celtic rearguard of keeper Tom Comerford Morahan McHale Niall McDermott and captain Dara Reilly in commanding form.
The middle of the park was dominated by Cunningham and his partner Dylan Howley whos’e workrate was immense.
10 minutes in McManamon was again striding down the flank. He looked up and delivered a pinpoint cross to Daly who struck first tie. Their keeper made a great save but the ball spilled to Kirrane who had a simple tap in to give him a goal his hard running deserved.
Simon Biggins Robert Callaghan Ethan Minogue Calum Filan and Shane McPhilbin all entered the fray and all showed what talent is available.
In the 50th minute man of the match McManamon yet again with another pinpoint cross found the young Callaghan and with coolness beyond his years neatly finished.
Temple Villa pulled 1 back just before fulltime when they scored from a freekick despite Tom Comerford turning the strike onto the crossbar. Nobody in the Celtic defence reacted and their number 9 poked the ball home.
Overall management were well pleased with the squad performance and know that improvements can still be made.

Academy Finals Take Place On Sunday 9th October

The final session of the 2016 Celtic Academy will take place on SUNDAY 9th October in Celtic Park.
The session for boys born in 2009/10 will kick off at 3pm while the session for boys born in 2007/8 will commence at 4pm. All players are asked to arrive 15 minutes early. There will be a penalty competition for both sessions and the awards ceremony will be held afterwards in the clubhouse where players of the academy will be reckonised. Light refreshments will be available.
Please show your support for the future stars of Castlebar Celtic.

Cillian And Oran Called Into Irish Training Squads

All at the club are delighted to announce that Cillian Heaney, who joined Celtic this year, has been called into the U15 ROI International training squad. We are also delighted to announce that Oran Groarke, who has been with Celtic since he joined our academy, has been called up to the U14 ROI National Development training squad. Congrats to both players, their parents and coaches and the very best of luck!!!

Michael Whyte Cup 2016

The annual Michael Whyte blitz took place last Saturday with 16 teams and over 160 boys under 10 came to Celtic Park to participate in what is known as the best u10 blitz in Mayo.
The day itself ran beautifully thanks mainly to the organisation of Pat Naughton who ensured that every game was on time and all knew the schedule.
The main cup competition Claremorris were the eventual winners overcoming the hosts in the final while in the trophy competition Westport won out over a gallant Manulla side.
The underage penalty competition was won by Celtic’s Harry McHale while his team mate Joe Forry was runner up. A special word of mention to u11 keeper Oisin Mulroy who kept goal during the competition.
Joe Forry won the player of the tournament which was picked by the referees.
A big thankyou to senior players Stevie Ryan Ger O Boyle Cillian McNeela and Derek O Sullivan along with Mick Wallace and Michael Fox all of whom refereed expertly.
Mick Wallace deserves special mention when he defied age and body to give an unreal display of goalkeeping skills when he stood in for the ever popular adult penalty competition which was won by Cillian.
The youth committee would especially like to acknowledge the kind sponsorship of Dunnes Stores, Hopkins Butchers, O Hara’s bakery, Supervalu, Johnny Gavin, Padraig McManamon, Joe McDonald and Stuart Doyle.
We are also indebted to Annmarie Downes, Threasa Deane, Davina, Eimear and Ella for all their help with keeping the punters fed and watered.
Finally the youth committee would like to thank the Whyte family for their continued sponsorship of this huge fundraising event for the youth club. The Whyte family were represented on the day by Greg Ger Cathriona and Kitty.
Undoubtably a brilliant day was had by all and 160 kids and hundreds of adults went home happy all full of praise for another superb effort by a small but hardworking youth committee.

U15’s hit the goal trail in Mayo Double

Castlebar Celtic  7  :  1  Kiltimagh Knock

Castlebar Celtic’s under 15 side retained the Mayo cup for the third year in succession against the team who pipped them to the U14 Connaught cup only a few months prior to this wet and cold encounter in Milebush Park. There was to be no repeat joy for the boys in blue this day however, as Celtic crushed K&K with an awe inspiring performance that wowed a sizable crowd who had come to witness what is always an entertaining contest between these arch rivals.

This, like always, proved as entertaining as ever, with Celtic’s high intensity pressing game shaking K&K  from the off. Kevin Kenneally the Celtic no 9 played a superb defense splitting ball in behind the two central defenders that Cillian Heaney raced on to down the right but his shot was struck narrowly wide on only three minutes, this effort was repeated two minutes later, the resultant effort this time a little high over the bar. The dye was cast, as Celtic poured forward in wave after relentless wave, Cillian again bursting beyond the backs down the right wing and on this occasion with great vision, screwing the ball back into the path of Paddy Heneghan on the 18 yard box to drive home for the early opener.

Paddy was at the centre of Celtics next attack with a dink over the top that Conor Canny was alert to, coming out quickly from his goal to deny the onrushing Heaney. K&K made their first real foray into Celtic territory on ten minutes as Stephen Gill fed Aiden Cosgrove a delightful through ball that, like Conor Canny a minute earlier, James Robinson for Celtic raced off his line to win the 50 50, knocking the ball safely into touch. K&K followed this up with a curling shot from distance from Jordan Henry that was narrowly off target.

It was Celtic who struck again before 10 minutes had elapsed. Donnacha Mc’Hugh in the centre of the park was superbly spraying the ball out to the flanks, this time finding wing back Ciaran Mylet who swept past his man before cutting inside the right back and unleashing a thunder bolt that Conor Canny could only stand and watch as it zipped past him.

Stephen Gillespie came closest for K& K when finding a yard of space 30 yards out, he powered a shot goal bound that looked certain to hit the net until James Robinson pulled off an arching finger tip save to push the ball over the bar. The Celtic lead was extended on 15 minutes then, as Ben Feeney found himself in space behind the centre backs to rifle home Celtics third.

Both sides then peppered their opponents goals without ever troubling either keeper as the game settled into a less frenetic phase of play midway through the first half that allowed both sides to catch their breath.

Celtic however soon began to again turn the screw, as wing backs James Cunningham and Ciaran Mylett linked adeptly with wingers Feeney and Heaney to keep K& K on the back foot as they struggled to contain a now rampant Celtic outfit. Kevin Kenneally came close with a first time shot when put through that Conor Canny saved brilliantly at point blank range, Paddy Heneghan then struck a post with a cool drop of the shoulder, quick turn and a curling left foot shot.

Celtic soon extended the lead to four without reply. In the move of the game so far. K& K looked to trouble Emmet Murphy and Eoghan Ryan at the heart of the Hoops defence but the long ball from Liam Walsh was cooly left to James Robinson in goal who collected and got play moving swiftly out from the back through Luke Mc’Nicholas, he in turn split the defense with a perfectly weighted pass that allowed Cillian Heaney to race onto and drag the ball back away from his marker and into open space. The cross that followed was an inch perfect effort for Ben Feeney to place a strong header into the roof of the net.

K& K started the second half briskly, but with a mountain to climb, even the consolation goal that Jordan Travers pulled back was never going to be enough. A long range effort which was not held cleanly by the Celtic keeper at height in the wet and slippery conditions as the rain lashed down, the ball falling behind Robinson as he scrambled to keep it unsuccessfully from crossing the line. This was not to be the second half fight back that K& K often pull off. Despite a stoic effort to get back into the game with chances falling their way early in the first ten minutes that had Celtic pinned back into their own half , it was left to Callum Lavelle who again helped turn the tide, as he continues to find full fitness from an early season long term injury. A first effort was ruled offside when finding the net, but Callum made no mistake a minute later with an easy side foot finish following great work yet again from Celtics wide men. James Robinson then got down well at full stretch to take the ball from the toe of a K&K player as he prepared to fire home. This was to be the final half chance that fell to a blue jersey as the Hoops as good as wrapped up events with a fine strike from Mark Cunningham. Racing onto a neat through ball that again prised open the K&K defence, his first touch took the ball into space at full pace and was lashed into the corner of the net. The final goal of this entertaining contest was arguably the best left till last, as Iain Murphy collected the ball out wide right. Iain pushed a fine ball into the path of Cillian Heaney who wrong footed a defender with a deft back heel that allowed him a free run on goal from the corner of the box. This neat manoeuvre allowed him time and space to hammer the final nail into the coffin with a placed effort slid beyond the keeper to close proceedings for the evening. All round this was a clinical and inspiring performance that K& K simply could not live with, Callum Cairns  Eoghan Hughes, Joe Tuohy and Paul Walsh all came into this game in the second period  and made telling contributions to such an emphatic victory. All credit to K&K for their battling spirit, but there are few teams countrywide who can live with this Celtic side on this form as they set their sites on bettering an SFAI National semi final berth as achieved this last season, now concluded. Indeed as the curtain fell on this campaign it was only one defeat in Cork in that SFAI semi final, a draw at home to K&K in the league, alongside that Connaught cup 3-2 reversal to the same opponents that spoiled what would otherwise have been the perfect season. The Hoops were rewarded with the Mayo trophy to add to their well earned cup winners and additional Premier League medals as the rain finally relented on a feast of football in Milebush Park that saw two other Castlebar sides in Snugboro United and Castlebar Town battle for the Mayo Trophy. Congratulations to both as Castlebar football continues to flourish.

Michael White Cup

The annual Michael Whyte blitz for boys born in 2007 takes place this Saturday 3^rd Sept in Celtic Park. Castlebar Celtic FC wish to welcome the teams from Westport, Ballina, Achill, Snugboro, Claremorris, KKU, Ballyheane, Fahy and Manulla who will take part in this prestigious competition with over 160 boys playing games on both the astro and grass pitches. The competition kicks off @ 11am sharp and concludes with the Trophy Final @ 4.30pm and the Cup Final @ 5pm.

Hot and cold foods will be available to purchase from our BBQ and shop at very competitive prices on the day. For only 5 Euro you have a choice of Burger, Drink and Crisps or Hot Dog, Drink, crisps and Chocolate Bar. All items can also be bought separately. For adults Tea and Coffee with a pain-au-chocolat are only 1 Euro with top ups free all day!!! A special area for parents will be available in the clubhouse to relax with your cuppa in peace!!

There will also be a penalty competition for adults again this year. This proved a huge success with parents last year with the retired professional goalkeeper Mick Wallace guarding the net – entry can be paid at the shop and is only 5 Eur. Can anyone beat last years winner???

U15’s take Irish Champions to the wire

St Josephs (Dublin)  2  :  1  Castlebar Celtic

The Celtic U 15 side, ahead of their upcoming Mayo Cup Final V Kiltimagh Knock on Tuesday 23rd (Milebush 7.30 K.O) were welcomed to Pearce Park Dublin on Sunday last to challenge the current All Ireland champions St Joseph’s in a friendly game, designed as a warm up for both sides ahead of important upcoming fixtures.

While the Hoops shook off the cobwebs before their fourth consecutive Mayo cup final appearance, Joeys were preparing to face elite competition themselves at their home in Sallynoggin this coming weekend (19th – 21st) where famed footballing  powers of the game Glasgow Celtic, Wolves, Swansea, Sunderland, Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forest, Norwich, Brighton, N.Ireland and a R.O.I Development Squad compete in the three day Hibernia Cup Tournament. While the friendly fixture gave Joey’s a stiff challenge it also answered many questions this Celtic squad had been asking of themselves since an SFAI semi final loss earlier this year, in testing our level of competitiveness against the best Irish football has to offer.

Joey’s and Celtic line up for a penalty shoot out

In a game to be played over three half hour periods it took Joeys less than a minute to show their worth when striking James Robinson’s crossbar almost straight from the off. Celtic were shook into life from this early fright and although Joeys pressed and probed for long periods the Celtic defence held firm while  troubling the home side on the break. On 15 minutes a cross in from the left found a loosely marked striker inside the 18 yard box who managed to turn a defender and strike a low drive through a mass of bodies into the left corner of the net. Celtic were by no means overawed by a side that boast no less than eight players of the DDSL Kennedy cup winners of 2016. Within only five minutes of falling behind, Ciaran Mylett delivered a deep corner from the right which was met by the rising Paul Walsh at the far post who thundered a close range header to the net to draw Celtic level. While it is fair to say the well organised St Josephs enjoyed the bigger percentage of possession in the first third of the game they were restricted to long range efforts that for the most part were struck high or wide without troubling the Hoops keeper as the defence of James Cunningham, Emmet Murphy, Paul Walsh and Ciaran Mylett worked incredibly hard to contain the potent threat of the Joey’s strike force.

The second period was far more evenly contested, again Joeys, constantly menacing in attack, were thwarted in their build up play by a well organised defence with Donnacha Mc’Hugh and Luke Mc’Nicholas  in midfield working tirelessly as the home side pushed forwards. Again it was long range shots only for Joey’s other than one fine save from Robinson when a striker managed to find enough room in the box to fire off a shot on target. At the other end Luke Mc’Nicholas, Paddy Heneghan and Ben Feeney found their range without unduly troubling the keeper. Celtic did come agonisingly close to taking the lead when Kevin Kenneally made a superb run down the right channel and whipped in a cross under pressure to the far post that the keeper and Ciaran Mylett contested, with Ciaran getting enough on it to cause the keeper to spill the ball which he scrambled to collect before it fully crossed the line. It was fair to say Celtic shaded the second period and certainly created the clearer chances without either side being able to add to the goal tally.

The final third saw Joey’s take up the initiative as Celtic began to tire in the warmth of the afternoon following a long journey East. The subs were rolled frequently and both formation and positions were interchanged to try and see out the final phase of the game. Again Celtic defended resolutely and Callum Cairns came close to snatching a lead towards the end as he broke down the left. Mark Cunningham defended magnificently at right back against a player twice his size as he took over the berth from brother James who had contained Joey’s Destiny Okonkwo ably all afternoon assisted by the hard working Iain Murphy in right midfield. Cillian Heaney  twisted and turned when he got on the ball and was a real threat moving forwards as was Callum Lavelle on his return from his long term injury. Diarmuid Heneghan enjoyed a spell that showed why he was voted player of the season in 2015 as he made a cameo appearance as he battles back to full fitness after a long lay off. Lastly Eoghan Hughes stepped up to U15 level from the year below (along with Mark Cunningham) and, as always, showed why he is considered one of the best talents in Mayo schoolboys football.

It took something special to seperate the sides as in the final minutes the Joeys winger spun away from  his marker as he was being ushered away from danger, and with only a yard of space picked out the top corner of the net from the corner of the 18 yard box, a goal that would grace any Premier league fixture. Overall a great day out completed  in St Josephs clubhouse with a fine spread of refreshments to send our boys home west very satisfied with the display on the pitch and a number of valuable lessons you can only draw from competing against the very best. A lot of work to be done now on the training pitch as the Hoops set their sights on lifting the Mayo cup and going one better than their two semi final appearances in the SFAI National cup in the past three seasons. Certainly Sundays game proved we are not far behind at all and that small gap can be closed with the commitment of this talented squad over the up coming months.

The Management team stated  “It swill be very interesting to see how the triple SFAI winners Joey’s fare against the elite professional clubs in the Hibernia cup, we will take a great deal of satisfaction if they hold their own in such company considering how well we ourselves performed against them, and it will certainly give us a lift, to know that we have nothing to fear as we set our sights on facing top English League sides in the Galway Macron Cup next year”