Established in 2003 in Bagenalstown, the club is now based in Ashfield, Bagenalstown.
The club takes part in the Carlow & District League and the Senior Men's team currently ply their trade in the Premier Division.
Kilree Celtic's aim is to improve the infrastructure around the club to allow a smooth formation of new teams and achieving the Club Mark is one of numerous measures being put in place.
Having started out in Division 3 in 2003, the club quickly rose up the divisions and made it to the Premier Division in 2008 picking up league titles along the way.
They stayed there and routinely competed for many years, the core of that original team hung up their boots and the club started a transition period creating a new squad in the process.
Winning a Cup Double in the lower divisions in 2017 was the catalyst for the club's return to the Premier as they have picked up two league titles, three cups and two runners-up medals in the last four seasons.
Kilree were the only senior team in Carlow to secure a league title before Covid-19 last season going unbeaten in the league, completing the club's journey back to the top division.
The players and coaches deserve enormous credit for their hard work, dedication and helping out with fundraising along the way.
Throughout all this on the pitch, many of the volunteers off the pitch have remained the same and given countless hours to the club since day one.
Chairman Paul Gardiner, Treasurer Anne Marie Monahan, current first team manager Michael Salter and committee members Derek Hynes & John Dermody have all been at the club since its inception and have provided incredible service.
New volunteers have joined and in the last year the club has done trojan work behind the scenes obtaining grants for new training equipment, making massive improvements to our home pitch and maintaining it throughout this pandemic, special mention to Stuart Hynes for his work.
Huge praise must also go to Alan Salter, Ella Meaney and Jenny Crowe who pulled everything together to achieve the FAI Club Mark award.
This combined effort has allowed the club to lay down the foundations for the expansion and development on the pitch in the coming years.
Finally, everyone at Kilree Celtic wish to thank their loyal supporters who show up to games no matter the weather and the local community, who support the club at every turn and generously donate to every fundraising event making the development of the club possible.
The club look forward to welcoming new members and supporters in the near future!
The FAI Club Mark is free and optional for clubs and aims to:
• Improve the management of clubs ‘off the field’
• Establish and promote best practice
• Empower and support clubs
• Recognise and reward clubs for achieving high standards
• Increase a club’s capacity to operate effectively and grow football in communities throughout Ireland.
If your club is interested in learning more about the FAI Club Mark please complete this short Registration Form