Clubs start from scratch because somebody in a town or village loves football. For Kill Celtic FC that passion for the game was first felt by Christy McDonald. In 1999, he established the club from the seeds of his own imagination and set about finding a piece of grass to call home. Over the course of two decades Christy’s vision has gradually been realised, culminating recently in the achievement of the FAI Club Mark Award. The journey continues, there is much to be done, but this Mark is a critical cornerstone in the Clubs structure and evidence of its ambition for a bright and sustainable future.
The journey to this point has been rewarding and challenging in equal measure.
The Lawlor Family offered up an area on Straffan Road that became Kill's first home and John O’Brien became the club's first manager as it entered Division 3 of the Kildare League. Other Kill Celtic FC trail blazers who gave selflessly of themselves in the early years and since included Paddy Byrne, Justin Kearns, Brendan Cullen and the ever-present Anthony “Binzer” Coyle who was Kill Celtic's most dedicated fan.
No club identity is complete without club colours to don with pride and both home and away kits were kindly sponsored by Kevin Lawlor of “The Old House” and Marsella’s take-away.
21 years on the Club is transformed. Kill Celtic FC continues to play its games at Straffan Road and have plans now in motion for significant development of the football club. The Club has 14 competitive teams playing in the KDUL and KDFL and over 200 players registered with membership growing year on year. The progress being made is directly related to the enthusiasm and energy of the committee under the stewardship of current Chairman Paul Ryan and Kill Celtic secretary Adrian Mooney.
The club simply wouldn’t be where it is without the selflessness and dedication of an army of volunteers over the years who give of their time for the love of the game and the enjoyment of children. Kill Celtic FC is succeeding because people are giving of themselves for a cause, from players and coaches to volunteers, sponsors and supporters. And great things are possible. In early April this year former Kill Celtic FC player Hayley Nolan won her first senior cap for Ireland against Belgium having been capped at all levels prior to that. Hayley played on Joe Callaghan's team for Kill Celtic from U8's right up to U12's. Something special is happening in Kill Celtic, it is a special environment with special people who are creating an unstoppable momentum and living the clubs motto of “together we achieve more.”
Speaking about the FAI Club Mark Award Secretary and long serving committee member Adrian Mooney said "This award is a major milestone for the club and we are very proud to be the first club in Kildare to be awarded the FAI Club Mark. It reflects positively on everyone’s commitment to ensure that we run the club in line with best practice and to the highest standards. Our mission now is to both protect and develop those standards. Kill Celtic FC provides a crucial footballing outlet for the children and young adults of our community and as the country emerges from adversity, recovery will inevitably come in clubs and communities like Kill and Kill Celtic FC.”
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