Fantastic turnout at AGM
Our first proper AGM in nearly 3 years was held on Friday night. There was a fantastic turnout of over 30 coaches, players and supporters in attendance in the parish hall.
There was an election of a new committee, as the existing committee has stepped down after years of leadership and service. Special thanks must be made to the following: Kevin Wheeler, who has been club treasurer since the inception of KCFC in 1996 - an amazing 26 year tenure at the top table in roles of both treasurer and chairman. Outgoing Chairman Gus Shanahan was at the helm for 16 years, John Caplice 9 and Dave Gill 8. The Club wishes to extend its gratitude and respect to these gentlemen, who dedicated a combined 59 years of leadership and experience. It’s due in no small part to the efforts of these gentlemen that the club is thriving, with a brand new clubhouse, and a bright, bright future ahead.
The newly elected Kilworth Celtic Committee for 2022: Chairman, Peter Kellaway. Vice chairman, Gus Shanahan. Treasurer, Joanne O’Keeffe, Asst. treasurer, Emmet Coffey. Girls secretary, Michelle O’Leary. Boys secretary, Dave O’Halloran. Child welfare officer, Lorna Collins. Public relations officer, Glenn Brokenshire.
The new Committee duly enumerated the goals for the club this year: Membership policy and pricing structure to be reviewed. Player Recruitment policy to be revisited. Club Constitution to be updated. Junior Teams for men’s and ladies teams. Create an Academy sub-committee. Focus on Club development and Strategy to align Academy, Juniors and Seniors. Coaching support, proposed local FAI training courses for PDP 1 , PDP 2, PDP 3 for all coaches. Fundraising Committee elected, fundraising major focus on year ahead. Clubhouse management, Clubhouse keys. Creating correct clubhouse culture going forward.
PITCH BOOKING AND PITCH POLICY
New chairman Peter Kellaway thanked everyone for their attendance, enthusiasm, and passion to see Kilworth Celtic FC continue to build on the excellent and long-standing work that was achieved as a direct result of the energy and passion of the outgoing committee.
Kilworth Celtic Seniors 8 Buttevant 0
The seniors were at home this weekend and return to the league was much anticipated. Buttevant were the visitors and nothing less than 3 points would satisfy George and Paudie and the Celtic squad. 20 were togged today which should be celebrated in itself. The mood in the camp is very positive and the strength and depth is like it’s never been.
The starting line- up went as follows: 1. Tommo Twomey 2. Jamie Condon 3. Eoghan Cody 4. Bob Allen 5. Brian Sheehan 6. Dean Jordan 7. Kevin Dolan. 8. Eoin Condon 9. Taran Kelly 10. Seanie Shanahan 11. Ciarán Gowen.
Celtic started vibrantly and looked about themselves with some tidy passing and an early through ball from Eoin Condon unlucky not to see Gownie put through for a one on one. Buttevant got a foothold on the game and both teams levelled up until the first quarter had elapsed.
A Celtic attack poorly cleared by Buttevant with a miss- kick into the sky fell just inside the 18 yard box and Seanie Shan smashed a perfect volley home from the falling ball. The White Wizard’s second in as many games. Kevin Dolan had also his two from two confirmed minutes later with a penalty after Gownie nipped cleverly in front of a Buttevant defender to claim a spotter. Dolan smashed into the side netting giving their keeper no chance. The General leading by example as always.
Taz Kelly who has been a huge addition to the squad this season and was very lively from the kick off added a third in 10 minutes and Buttevant began to struggle with the quality of Celtic. Jamie, Eoghan, Bob and Brian were leaving nothing past while Gownie, Eoin C, Dean and Kev kept the pressure up high. Dean notched up the 4th and kept up his super stats for the season. HT 4-0 to Celtic.
Management decided to change it up at half-time and bring fresh legs. The gaffer looked for an equal performance in the second half. So, Kalin for Taz, Cathal for Seanie, Sean Hegarty for Jamie and on 55” Pa Coughlan came in for Guppy and Alan Kaczmarczyk in for Kev!
The second half was as ruthless as the first with heavy tackles and quick ball, Celtic were hungry as ever with the new intro’s eager to impress. Alan K only managed a hat trick in the second half with Taran grabbing his second of the season. Tommo, Bob, Eoghan, Gownie, Eoin C and Deano all giving a gallant 90 minutes which will give the management great confidence going into the next game.
Buttevant battled hard but were tight on numbers and today showed the importance for a good squad more than ever.
The man of the match was a tough one and Alan K’s hat-trick was almost worthy but it was a non-scorer took the accolade today. Well done to Ciarán Gowen who was immense from start to finish. With tackles, through balls backtracking and great runs Gownie was a joy to watch. Let’s hope the momentum keep going in the senior squad and well done on a brilliant squad performance today. Many thanks for the fantastic support from our sponsors One Stop Homestore and The Village Inn, Kilworth.
FEATURED PLAYER OF THE WEEK: KEVIN DOLAN
Kilworth Celtic FC powerhouse Kevin Dolan is our featured player this week. Midfield general, team leader, role model for younger lads, hard tackling, a real character on and off the pitch, reared in Ballybeg, Co Waterford so he’s hard as nails. Kilworth Celtic’s Roy Keane would sum him up perfectly. Kevin’s experience and drive
has brought on all those around him and stepped us all up a level. Also brought in his nephew Eoghan Cody, another great addition to the team. His daughter Bonnie is our newest team mascot too! When the chips are down Kevin is there fighting for Kilworth Celtic. Always!
KILWORTH CELTIC FC SENIOR LADIES V CASTLEVIEW
First game of the year for our senior ladies taking on a recently promoted Castleview side. Our girls played brilliantly with only 11 players in tough conditions. It ended 3-1 to Castleview but Kilworth fought all the way and were unlucky not to score a couple more.
Best of luck to Castleview AFC who will be playing in the Premier division this year. Thanks for having us.
U12 WW/EC League Lismore AFC 1 Kilworth Celtic FC 2.
A battle to the very end in Lismore on Saturday under very tough conditions. Lismore opened
the scoring with 1 minute on the clock. Kilworth replied on the 14 minute with a surge forward by Sean Riordan with a fine shot on the edge of the box by Sean to level the tie. End to end chances for both sides with huge credit to the KCFC goalkeeper and defense for closing down Lismore and keep the tie at 1 all.
In the closing stages of the game with 5 minutes remaining, KCFC were awarded a penalty. Luke Browne left bottom corner. L. AFC 1 KCFC 2 and it remained at that until the final whistle. Well done to all players. Onwards and upwards! Final game of the league is vs Ballyduff in SFP on Sat Feb 26th.
LOTTO
Numbers 10,13, 22, 30. Lucky dip winners Paddy O’Brien/Taija Howard/Joanne O’Keeffe/Kenneth Condon. No winners this weeks, jackpot next week is €2,450!