A year of events for Strand Celtic’s 50th

1994: FOLEY CUP WINNERS

STRAND CELTIC is gearing up for a year of celebrations as the club marks its 50th anniversary. The Strandhill-based club has formed a special commemorative organising committee which is planning a series of events, including the official opening of the their new environmentally friendly park and community walkway and a senior team friendly against Sligo Rovers. Also planned are a golf classic, dinner dance, a book detailing the club’s history, a former chairmen’s evening, youth tournaments for boys and girls, along with special academy events and art competitions in conjunction with local schools.

In addition, a special commemorative club crest has been released with the support of wellknown local sports illustrator Dan Leydon which will be available on all club gear this year. Strand Celtic was founded on January 12, 1972. Those attending the first meeting included Michael Weir, Terry Kiely, Liam Flannery, Jim McMorrow, Cyril Meehan, Aiden McMorrow, Jim Kivlehan and Joey Mullaney. The club’s first chairman was Jimmy McMorrow, with Joey Mullaney elected as secretary. Aiden McMorrow took on the responsibility of treasurer. Aiden McMorrow had the distinction of scoring the club’s first ever goal when he netted against the then high-flying and now defunct Gillooly Rangers.

Strand Celtic’s first excursion was something of a disaster as, despite Aiden McMorrow’s firstever goal for the club, they lost 6-1 to Gillooly Rangers. Martin O’Connor was the club’s first ever manager.

With patience and hard work the team soon enjoyed better days thanks to the influence of players such as Francie O’Connor, Dessie O’Connor, Declan Curran, Tony Flynn, Dermot Cawley, Brian Byrne and the late Gerry McMorrow.

In their first year Strand Celtic were forced to play all their games away. The generosity of Collegians helped in that Strand Celtic was allowed to use their ground at Scarden and in the 1974-75 season Strand Celtic moved to Brown’s Field. While Collegians provided their ground in the first season, Strand Celtic did not repay the favour as they defeated the then Division One champions 2-1 in the old League Cup competition.

Gillooly Rangers came through the other semi-final after defeating Calry Bohemians. In the final the more experienced Rangers defeated Strand Celtic 3-1, but the club had established itself as a respected and well-organised club despite its infancy.

In the decades since the club has continued to grow and has over 450 members in the current season with teams from U-6 to seniors, for boys and girls, while facilities are ever-improving and are used by people from across the Strandhill community. 2007

A TEAM IN THE 1980S