TOMMY MCCONVILLE TAKES OVER AT DROGHEDA CELTIC
1997: Local players hoping to enjoy success in Leinster League football by the Boyneside have never had it so good. But one thing that will be demanded is dedication.
That was the call word from the new Boyne Rovers boss Pat Mohan on his appointment at Parkview and its something shared by Drogheda Celtic, who have just unveiled their new coach... Former Dundalk legend Tommy McConville.
McConville accepted the role at the Marian Pak club after talks with Celtic management, Martin Finlay and Fintan McGinn and now the trio hope for great days ahead. Certainly McConville’s appointment is a huge coup for Celtic, hoping to get out of Division 1B at the first attempt. The former Ireland player was confirmed he’ll be bringing a couple of players from Dundalk, as well as the possibility of lining out himself when needed, to boost the Celtic playing staff and Martin Finlay sees his arrival as the boost the club needs. ‘ There are some great players in the town playing in a lower standard and they are simply selling themselves short. We have the facilities to help them and it just takes two training sessions a week to get it right,’ he stated.
Already McConville’s arrival has added a buzz to the club and the players in advanced of a return to pre-season training on July 12.‘ Tommy is an old friend of mine and I was keen to get him involved here. It did take awhile but his addition is terrific,’ Martin continued.
McConville has been much sought after in League of Ireland managerial terms but turned constantly turned down offers.
Recently he has been acting as a coach to colleges and schools.
‘ We have a few players in the pipeline and we’d be hopeful of building a first and second team squad capable of contesting for honours come next season,’ Martin stated.
Regarded as a strong, reliable defender in his day, he was capped 6 times for the Republic of Ireland, once in 1972 and 5 times in 1973.