Biggest ever Kilworth Celtic FC representation in St Patrick's Day parade
In 2022, Kilworth Celtic FC had 160 people marching in the parade. We were easily the largest group on the day, and the craic was mighty for all those who turned out in club colours. The club had set a benchmark, one which the organisers promised to better the following year.
And so we came to the 2023 iteration of the best parade in the country. The forecast was not good, and it was evident from the outset that topping 160 this year was going to present a major challenge if the promised rain materialised as predicted.
The organisers quietly revised their attendance target to 150 at best, and given the poor weather in the run up to the day itself, with all matches being cancelled due to unplayable pitches all over the county- it did not look good.
But we failed to take into account the sheer determination and pride that being involved with this small club in North Cork means.
The only flood that materialised at the appointed assembly time of 10.30 was a sea of Kilworth Celtic FC members, supporters and coaches, all dressed in red and black, waving flags, banners, placards, vuvuzelas, even bringing their dogs along for the festivities.
At the commencement of the march, our crowd count verifiers Senan and Conor were able to agree on an exact number of club participants. After four head counts, the boys ascertained that the turnout for the club was not 150.
It was not 160. As the rain fell down, it was duly announced and recorded that Kilworth Celtic FC had indeed broken the record set last year, and had surpassed even the 200 target, which was assuming good weather. 206 members and supporters of this mighty little club had taken the time to turn out and showcase just what it means to wear the fabled red and black.
206 Kilworthians thumbed their noses at the rain clouds and were determined to be singing in the rain, come what may.
As if by heavenly intervention, the rain that had threatened and in fact had fallen over the preceding hours wilted in the face of the mighty gathered throng. Rain drops made way for cheering, singing, and gleeful demonstrations of the joy that only comes with the St Patrick’s Day Parade.
Our U14 girls assumed their now-traditional position at the very forefront of the Kilworth vanguard, and carried the club banner with style and aplomb. They also served to marshal the buzzing throng of Academy players who darted in and out of the formation like so many fireflies on a summer evening, much to the delight of the huge crowd that attended, and sometimes to the exasperation of the U14 ‘mammies’!
But what a delight our youngsters were. They showed unity and passion for their club in spades, and led the rest of the Kilworth squadron in a cacophony of sight, and sound. They are our future, and they will always be at the forefront of not only the parade, but also the club.
And so we marched, skipped, and danced our way down through the streets of Fermoy town. The reception of the crowd was incredible, with thousands lining the route to take in the spectacle afforded by so many groups taking part. Sports clubs, community groups, volunteer organisations, local businesses, and a collection of some of the most vibrant and noisy classic cars you could ever hope to see all made the 2023 St Patrick’s Day parade in Fermoy one of the most memorable ever witnessed.
Many, many thanks to all those who turned out, to the parade organisers, committees, volunteers and of course the thousands of people who were there in mighty spirit to enjoy every moment of the event. Take a bow, Fermoy, you were amazing. “Next year lads - we aim for 250 marching!”
PDP2 COURSE HELD AT KILWORTH ASTRO
We were delighted to have the FAI PDP2 course held in Kilworth this week at the astro facility. Coach Education lead DO Ray Claffey oversaw the training of the next generation of coaches!
U13 FRIENDLY VS FERMOY FC (ALL WEATHER PITCH)
Our U13s played a friendly against Fermoy FC. Goals by Oran Hegarty, Luke Browne, Darragh Crawley, and OG. Good strong team performance with some great passages of play. Plenty of good attacking passing, and pleasing to see the goals go in as a reward for the creativity and enterprise shown by the boys on the pitch. Our Player of the Match was Sean O'Loughlan, although it must be noted there was valuable contributions by the entire squad. Thank you for your hospitality as always, Fermoy.
Our squad: Ben Cummins, Jack Condon, Aaron Buckley, Sean O'Loughlan, Matthew Long, Peter Sarsfield, Darragh Lynch, Paudie Hurley, Bailey Browne, Dominic Vaitkunas, Senan Gately, Darragh Crowley, Justin Gowen, Luke Browne, Oran Hegarty, William Nash-Khan, Harry O'Brien, Paul-Og Philpott, Mikey Hurley.
Thanks to our sponsor Camida! MATCHES FALL VICTIM TO ONGOING POOR WEATHER
The recent heavy downfall has wreaked havoc with match schedules all over the county, and Kilworth Celtic FC was no exception. Our Seniors, Youths, U14 Boys, U14 Girls, U13 Boys all had matches cancelled due to unplayable grass pitches. This further strengthens the case to begin planning for a full-sized all weather pitch in Kilworth in order to accommodate the needs of a growing and vibrant club.
Other clubs in the area with foresight and vision have done this, and it is something that must be considered most seriously to help the club to continue to grow and meet its fixture commitments. The only matches that were played this weekend took place on all-weather surfaces.
GOOD GAMES FOR U11
Another two matches Saturday last for our busy U11s squad, this time welcoming to Kilworth our visitors from Youghal for two good games.
In the first game we got off to a flier with an early goal from Kai O’Meara after some good play in the middle from Jayden Brown. Our back line of Darragh Casey, JJ Slattery and James Kearney marshalled well in front of our goalie Fionn Twomey and kept Youghal quiet up front for the 1st half. Across the middle Frank O’Brien and Darragh Murphy joined Jayden and worked tirelessly when not on the ball and smartly when in possession.
A good few chances came our way up front with Gabi Kiosmak and Kai, but it was into the 2nd half when Frank doubled our lead. A lovely interplay set him free on the right, he took on the last man and rifled to the corner. Youghal got back into the game with a well worked goal. Nathan Molnar joined the front line for us and got involved in the action straight away making the pass to Jayden who score a beauty from 20 yards out to beat the keeper. It’s stayed 3-1 to the finish and another good performance from the lads
In the 2nd game that followed we lined out with Cian O’Donoghue in goals with a back line of Jamie Brosnan in the centre of Cathal Lane and James Roche either side. A very solid performance from our back line here today, keeping Youghal very quiet. Our attack of Shane O’Donogue and Jack Brokenshire were doing well up front, linking with the midfield of Zack Long, David Sisk and Fergus McCaullum.
We opened the scoring from a corner with our fist attack. David swung in the ball for Fergus to nod home from close range. No chance for the Youghal goalie. Youghal to be fair kept coming but the back line was holding firm. A 2nd goal was added through Hugo Sarsfield and a third followed by Jack. Youghal pulled one back however Hugo struck again and Fergus followed up with a fifth. Youghal pulled another one back near the end.
Overall, a good run out again for these boys who continue to get plenty of game time under their belt.
Many thanks to our club ref for handling both games. As always thanks to the opposition for travelling and a word of appreciation for the great facility of the Astro in our village. As the grass pitches were closed this weekend we wouldn’t have been playing without it.
Many thanks to our sponsor Specsavers Mallow.
WELCOME BABY MATILDA!
We are all delighted with the news that our own Maria and Sam have welcomed baby Matilda into the world! Many congratulations to the proud new parents, and we can’t wait to meet our newest team member.
YOUTUBE
We recently launched our own YouTube channel to showcase video footage of the club, and at the time of writing KCFCTV has amassed nearly 100 subscribers. It is hoped that the club will purchase a HD video camera in order to allow live-streaming of matches to occur, something that not many clubs in our region are able to do.
The YouTube channel will also showcase our valued sponsors, without whom the club would not exist. We encourage any potential sponsors who would like to come on this journey with us to contact kilworthcelticpro@irelandmail. com for details as to how your business/ brand can benefit from a partnership with one of the most progressive social media-savvy clubs in the country!
SOCCER SISTERS
We are delighted to be hosting the fantastic FAI Soccer Sisters programme at Kilworth Celtic FC on the 12th and 15th April!
What is the Aviva Soccer Sisters programme? The objective of Aviva Soccer Sisters Easter programme is to retain girls in the game through the upskilling and awareness raising of both coaches and parents. We will aim to increase coaches' awareness of specific topics in relation to the girl's game (i.e. menstrual cycle) dovetailed by providing parents with necessary supports and information. All the above will create a better environment for the players.
Who is it for? The programme is for clubs nationally. The workshops will focus on the women’s game and in particular, coaches, parents and players (9 - 12 years). Eligible players in the club will be invited to attend, as will parents and coaches directly. This is a great programme that is not to be missed. For further details, contact Peter Kellaway KCFC Chairman on 083-1026444.