CASTLEKNOCK CELTIC FC NEWSLETTER -

04/11

“THE CELTIC WARRIOR”

Hello and welcome back. Due to the poor weather we went into hibernation in February but thanks to some good weather of late there has been a lot of activity in recent weeks. By the way thank you for your support for the newsletter in recent weeks.

Off the Pitch

· John Giles Walk – On a beautiful spring afternoon, over 12,000 young (and not so young) members of Clubs around Dublin took to the streets to support this worthy cause and their Clubs. It was one of many events around the country. While the activities at the end of the walk in the Aviva stadium may not have matched the weather, it was still a great day, so thanks to all of you who supported and contributed.

· M & S Bag Pack – At short notice we got the opportunity to do a bag pack in M & S. Thanks to John Ronan/Kieran Kelly's team and to Peter Hoey and the girls for filling in at short notice. The funds are much needed and will go towards new kits for our teams.

· Quiz Night– A good crowd turned out for the Quiz where the birthday boy (Young Tony Jordan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and his team were victorious. Well done and thanks to all.

· Football Executive Committee – A new Committee was set up to review football activities in the Club. The Committee Members are Philip Zambra, Brian Kennedy, Pat Reilly and David Hughes. They will be joined by Alan O’ Connor, an ex Professional Footballer and full time Health & Fitness instructor. Rome wasn’t built in a day so the initial review will cover the SSG set up. This is a positive step for the Club as it continues to try and encourage and develop the young and not so young in the area. What is important is developing the kids, helping them to be the best they can be –“Educating, in a relaxed and fun environment, the skills of football that will allow our players to achieve their potential as both footballers and human beings.” This will be the way that Castleknock Celtic teams will be coached in the future. In April we will see the launch of the “Coaches Club” (First session Apr 28^th) which in addition to introducing new Coaching techniques will also offer our Coaches a forum for general discussion.

· World Cup – It’s back – by public demand the Mini World Club for kids born 2000-2003 will take place from June 7^th-11^th. Football, fun and loads of prizes. Make sure you book it into your diary and don’t forget the BBQ on Sat 11^th. See you there.

· Club House – By Sept this year the Club House will be floored and with a bit of luck painted inside.

· Club Draw – Tony Jordan has tickets for Sale @ €5 each. Some great prizes including 2 Tickets to see the Script, 2 Tickets for the Europa League Final, and 2 Tickets to see Man Utd (although personally I would call the Utd tickets a penalty not a prize) plus €300 spending money (sponsored by John Roe of First Ireland Risk Management). Thanks also to those who participated in the Alternate Last Man Standing, keep up to date with it on the Website.

On the Pitch

So what’s been happening in recent weeks? Well a lot actually. With the long evenings now here, and with the back-log of matches, Porterstown has been quite busy in recent weeks. When originally trying to come up with a name for the Newsletter, we discussed quite a few and in hindsight what else could it have been, given the performances in recent weeks, but the Celtic Warrior. We have had nail biting finishes, last minute goals and penalty shoot outs in the dark but the common theme throughout has been the spirit and hard work of our teams. Fantastic, keep it going.

So here’s where things stand at time of going to press:

SSG

U 8’s – Pat Reilly & David Hughes’s young team continue to receive praise as they dominate their division by playing lovely passing football while Alan O’Toole’s & Tom Ayres’s team are scoring goals all around them as they challenge for Cup and League honours. We wish them the bes of luck in the Semi-final replay. Meanwhile Kevin Billington and Dave Curran’s charges have been treating their followers to some wonderful football on Sunday mornings.

U9’s – After a difficult mid season Robbie Ryan and Derek Kilkenny’s team have rediscovered their form and are finishing the season in style. Damien Hunter’s team, that only came together this season, are on course for honours this season while playing attractive football. Meanwhile Peter Killian’s youngsters are scoring for fun while targeting a league/cup double. Following a tough start to the season, Craig Shiels’ team, having found form of late, finished the season well. Finally John O’Reilly’s new little team have given their all this season. You can hear John encouraging the children on any given Saturday. Well done John and to your team
U 10’s – Paul Danaher’s charges are mid table following their promotion last year. Good football combined with great team spirit has seen this team reach the Cup final – a tremendous performance and a reward for all their hard work this year. Paul Mason’s team sit just outside the Top 4 and with a great Cup run behind them, it’s clear it’s been a roller coaster season. Shane White’s charges continue to progress and sit proudly on top of the league following some great performances this season. Pat Darcy’s troops continue to improve which is down to a dedicated management team led by Pat. Well done one and all.
U 11’s – A difficult first season at 11 a side for one of our top coaches, Tony Rush, as it started not only with the need to increase the squad but also the loss of some players. It’s a credit to Tony and his young players that the team settled comfortably into the league while not betraying their principles of playing passing football against what have been some very physical teams. Well done to all their players. Like Tony Rush’s team, Tony Molloy had to bring new players into the team and are also in a very competitive league. After a tough start they have found their feet and currently sit mid table. John Ronan and Kieran Kelly’s team results have been Jeckyl and Hyde but what is undeniable is their spirit (as evidenced by a great Cup run to the Semi’s) and their commitment to passing football. Well done Boys, keep it up. Finally Eamon Atkinson’s team continue to progress and currently sit mid table. Well done to Martin Steevens’ squad who hit Dunboyne for 7 in a fantastic 7-3 victory over their neighbours from Co Meath. Such a rout was a long time coming, but it was worth the wait.
U 12’s – Enda Mullen’s charges are in a tight league but with 6 games to go are certainly in the mix for honours. Derek Dixon’s youngsters lie 10th but their performances have not been reflected in the final result. Only last week they lost 1-0 to the League leaders and an independent observer would have struggled to know who the League leaders were. Mike Farrell’s team have been a revelation this year. Playing good football and with 6 games to go, they are in pole position to take the title. C’mon the Celts.
U 13’s – Andy Kelly’s team are in a really competitive league but Andy has his team still playing passing football come what may. Gavin Collins and CONTACT _Con-379856BE35 Steve McLoughlin are pleased that their team continues to be very competitive right down to the final games of the season. Well done and keep it going. Roy Barron has been with this team since before the kids were born!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well it’s pay off time as this team’s good football sees them top of the table.
U 14’s – Freddie Murphy’s team have just finished their campaign in mid table. Martin Treadwell’s team currently lie 9th while John O’Leary’s team have been giving some great displays in what is a very competitive league.
U15’s – Brian Kennedy’s team continue to please as their attractive style of play sees them challenging for a top 2 finish and promotion to the top flight in schoolboy football. Meanwhile Tony Hanlon/Sean O’Donnchu’s and Gerry Miller’s team currently sit mid table.
U16’s – John Roe’s team are in a really competitive league as evidenced by the number of draws. We’ll also have to ask John about his team’s technique for penalties in the dark as seen (or not seen as the case may be) with their dramatic night time Cup semi final win. Meanwhile Dermot Bradshaw’s team gave some admirable displays in a really tough division. Jimmy Kelly’s charges are chasing a top 4 finish while Pierce Goslin’s team have an outside chance of a top 2 position.
U17’s – Donal Hanlon’s team under the watchful eye of Philip Zambra continue to play attractive free flowing football and are reaping the benefits as they challenge for the league and are in the Cup semis. Barry Tallon’s team had a tough time but battled gamely in the Major division
The Girls – Hugo Boyle’s team finished third,winning silver medals in the NDSL Cups and the Enniskerry Tournament recently, while Trease Hoey’s girls finished 5th.
The Seniors – Ray Bowe’s team lie mid-table at present in the LSL, as do Tom O’Neill/Derek McGivern’s Prem C team who have reached the Cup Quarter Final. In the AUL both Peter Finns’ and G Hunt’s teams have top 3 positions and are challenging for a Top 2 finish.

So as you can see our teams are doing us proud. Hail, rain, snow, whatever the weather, whatever the division, our players give their all and some of the quality of football being played is a credit to all involved. Well done and keep it up.

REMINDER - And finally the Cups - OUR TEAMS NEED YOUR SUPPORT

· U8 – Balscadden V’s Alan O’Toole/Tom Ayres youngsters on Sun 15^th May 2011, TO BE CONFIRMED.

· U9 – Ballymun V’s Peter Killian’s warriors at 2.30pm on Sat 7^th May 2011

· U16 – Prem Cup Final when John Roe’s warriors at 4.30pm on Sun 15^th May 2011, TO BE CONFIRMED.

Matches will be played at the NDSL complex on the Oscar Traynor Road. Please come along and support.

· U10A – DDSL Cup Final v Home Farm, 1.00pm on Sun 8th May 2011, at the AUL Complex Clonshaugh

C’mon the Celts

Oh and by the way don’t forget to visit our Tea Room to catch up with all the gossip where you will find all sorts of knick-knacks from classic vinyl (yes they did exist!!!) to an Epson cartridge for you printer. I’m sure you can’t wait but what the hell, its worth a look!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!