Happy International Women’s Day to our players, coaches and mothers pic.twitter.com/8PWj3AViim

— CastleknockCelticFC (@CastleknockCFC) March 8, 2022

Club Annual General Meeting will take place Monday, 7th March 2022. 

Kick-off 8.15pm SHARP.

Venue Parish Hall beside St Mochta’s RC Church.

This is your chance to help shape our future. 

Match photo action

Match photo action

Match photo action

12 Major : St Joseph’s Boys 1 v CCFC 1

12-3 Sun : CCFC  2  (Conor Garvey, Conor Gilsenan)  Mount Merrion  0

13 Intermediate : CCFC 2 (Aaron Kearney, Rian Giltrap) v Leixlip Utd 0

13 Major1 : CCFC  3  (Yousaf Mehmood, Dara Donovan)  St Joseph’s Boys  5

13D : CCFC 2 (Hamza & Omeragic) v Beech Park 1

14C : CCFC 2 (Shoubhit Mugamar, Seb Bates)  v St Maelruans 1

15 Major : CCFC 0 v Esker Celtic 2

15B : CCFC  4  Lucan Utd  1

18A : CCFC  5  (Wes Kupa, Ross Kennedy, Reece Harper x2, Declan O’Malley)  Esker Celtic  2 click for action

LFL U-19s: CCFC 1 (Scott Daly) v John Vianney 1

LSL 1B Sun : TEK Utd 2  CCFC 4 (Gavin Balfe, Cillian Daly x2, Aran Mulhall)

Position at Castleknock Celtic – Click for details

Celtic 3 out of 3 for Senior teams

Another big day for Castleknock Celtic. While their league campaign did not achieve their goal of promotion, they were still intent on ending on the winners podium in this prestigious Lummy O’Reilly Cup competition against Templeogue United who are in the Senior 1A, one division higher than Celtic’s. 

Celtic had qualified in emphatic form, including a 2-1 victory over St Francis in the semi. Templeogue had to rely on a penalty shoot out against Hartstown in the semi, but they still went into the final as firm favourites. Celtic were nevertheless confident of upsetting the odds after many impressive performances in league and cup.

The venue was Westmanstown Sports Club on a dry night though there had been showers earlier in the day which left playing conditions near perfect. While there were no crowds allowed, officials from both clubs were allowed.

Early on Templeogue showed more promise and their higher division status was apparent, with a number of threatening attacks. But they suffered a blow when they lost their main strike threat in the first quarter. Celtic started to show that they are dangerous opponents, and their passing game from back to front came to the fore. They broke on the right, Chris Whelan used his body strength to hold off a challenge. He laid the ball off for Celtic’s winger Davy Costello who jinked by the Templeogue midfield before threading an incisive pass to Niall Conran whose speed enabled him to get a brilliant shot away and past the excellent diving keeper, Daire Hancock. 1-0 to Celtic.

The second half was an open affair with both sides attacking at every opportunity. The difference largely was contrasting styles, Celtic’s passing game against the more direct route of Templeogue.

It was Celtic who were to draw first blood after the break. This time it was Cillian Daly who took possession 25 yards out, he picked out Shane Dunne who was having an excellent game on the left side. The full back crossed into the box for Chris Whelan. The centre forward managed to get a head on it, and Shane who had followed his cross in rose high to head fiercely past the helpless Hancock. It capped a fine performance by Dunne who is one of the most improved players in the team this season. 2-0 to Celtic.

Templeogue were not throwing in the towel however. Not unlike Celtic’s goal, it was a good pass through that Templeogue’s captain, Sean Ward, latched onto and dinked the ball over keeper Paddy Dunne who had been in commanding form and had been hoping for a Cup final clean sheet. Templeogue had now stepped up a gear, and a header and a shot in quick succession had almost drawn them level. It was squeaky bum time at this stage on the Celtic bench, but the introduction of Cormac Suen was to prove decisive. Templeogue broke forward and amid shrieks of ‘foul’ from their supporters, Daniel Germaine swept across and launched a long ball to the left hand side. Dylan Malone found the raiding Shane Dunne, and he in turn found Cormac who blasted a sizzler past the diving Hancock. It was a fitting finish to an excellent final, and as acknowledged by the Templeogue manager after the game, the better team won in style. Full marks to the full squad of players who have shown dedication in spades, led by the loyal management trio of Ray Bowe, Jimmy Kelly and coach Antonio Mantero. They now look forward to bigger challenges next year and a push for promotion which is well within the capability of this young team.  Facebook match action

Match action

Castleknock Celtic travelled to Ratoath Harps for this Lummy O’Reilly Cup quarter final, their first official competitive game after the Pandemic break. The teams had a healthy respect for each other, both in the LSL Senior 1B Sunday league. The game was quite even for the first 20 minutes with few chances at either end. Then Castleknock picked up the pace and dominated for the rest of the half. Niall Conran was causing the Ratoath defence all sorts of problems with his dribbling and pace. On the half hour mark, Conran cut in from the left wing beating a player and then from just outside the corner of the box he unleashed a beautiful shot with his right foot and it ended up in the top right hand corner giving the Harps keeper, Aaron Davis, no chance.

10 mins later and Celtic were two up. Again it was the ubiquitous Conran who ran at the Harps’ defence and as he tried to cut inside he was up-ended by the defender in the box. Davy Costello stepped up to take the penalty and the excellent Davis in goal made a superb diving save to his right but unluckily for Harps, the ball fell kindly for Celtic and he hammered home the rebound.

Castleknock continued on top at the start of the second half and had a couple of great chances to go three up. But Ratoath showed mettle and started to get into the game. They pushed Castleknock right back and started to create some chances of their own. Although Ratoath were on top  at this stage Castleknock still looked dangerous on the break. Ratoath continued to press and were given a lifeline about 15 minutes from time when Darren Tinnelly chased what looked a lost cause. Just as it seemed he wasn’t going to get there in time, Tinnelly got a touch on the ball to put it past wrong-footed Celtic keeper Paddy Dunne and it was  2-1. Game on. Celtic could have increased their advantage when they had a couple of chances that fell to centre forward Kevin Long, but he was foiled by Harps’ Davis diving at the striker’s feet, while his other chance was just wide of the post. Ratoath continued to toil for an equaliser, but the Castleknock defence, marshalled by John Byrne, held firm and made it over the line into the semi final. Man of the match was Niall Conran for his industry and no little skill and pace.

Castleknock Celtic’s Children’s Football Academy for 4-7 year old boys and girls resumed in Porterstown Park on Saturday and continues each week at 10am. New children very welcome where they can learn to play the beautiful game in a fun-filled environment.

13C: Emotional tribute to Blaise Cunningham at home in Porterstown Park as his team mates and Beechwood FC salute him with Minute’s Silence. His team went on to play heroically as they won all 3 points. Aran Dunne’s superb brace and 2 amazing goal line clearances by Kevin Wolniak ensured victory for the home side. [Cameraman apologises for strange formatting of the photos].

Congratulations to former Castleknock Celtic player, Tara O Hanlon, who this weekend was in action for the Irish international U15 Girls team as they took on England at the NSC in Abbottown.

In a highly entertaining game of free flowing football Tara put in a strong performance on the left wing. Tara’s talent was evident from a young age having been selected as Player of the Tournament at Castleknock’s Mini World Cup back in 2016.

This young lady is an example to every young aspiring player. Tara has combined talent with a commitment to hard work which has resulted in her meteoric rise in the game.

Congratulations Tara – you are a credit to the game of football and your friends at Castleknock Celtic wish you continued success

Click to see HSE information page

Some good advice:

• Wash your hands frequently

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

• Maintain social distancing

Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

• Avoid shaking hands

Instead of shaking hands before or after games, use alternative greeting, e.g. after game, clap your opponents as you leave the field.

• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

• Practice respiratory hygiene

Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

The death has occurred of the father of Castleknock Celtic team manager, Gary O’Connor, James (Shay) who has passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gary and his family at this very sad time. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dhílis. Funeral arrangements 

https://rip.ie/death-notice/james-shay-o-connor-glasnevin-dublin/414883

Castleknock Celtic thanks the huge number of football clubs for the messages of sympathy they sent to us following the tragic death of our Under-13 player Blaise Cunningham. We are passing them on to the family who will greatly appreciate all the thoughts and prayers.

ALL OUR GAMES FOR FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY ARE ALSO CANCELLED.

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the tragic death in an accident of Blaise Cunningham who played on our Under-13s team. We wish to convey on behalf of our members our sincere sympathies to all the Cunningham family on their terrible loss. As a mark of respect, we have cancelled all our club games this weekend.  Blaise’s Funeral Mass will take place Saturday morn at 11am in Castleknock College Church.  Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dhílis.  

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Well done to Castleknock Celtic’s Under-9 Blue team who performed so well in the DDSL Futsal Tournament over the past 6 weeks.

 Ciarán Collins’ brace, and goals from Aran Long and Cathal Flynn sealed the points for Celtic away to SKB. 3-1 at half time. After the break, playing with the very strong wind they put in a battling performance. Keeper Laurence Essoyien made some very good saves. It was an excellent team performance that delivered this great result. Man of the match was awarded to Victor Ogbomo who put in a powerful performance.

This backpack was found at our all weather pitch in Laurel Lodge on Wednesday.  

Celtic too sharp for Crumlin Utd. 2-0 with goals from Craig Anderson and man of the match, Cillian McGrath.

Thank you to our club members who joined the local community as part of their local estate clean-up.  

Thank you to our representatives, Sophie Bell, Harry Bell, Eoin Lynott and Dáire Wigglesworth,  who participated in the Football for All tournament in Knocklyon Utd Football Club this weekend. We are indebted to Jenny Bell who has spearheaded this project at Castleknock Celtic. She was accompanied by hubby Simon at the event. 

This is part of the preparations for the new DDSL/FAI football league for children with additional needs that will start after the 2020 summer. Next up in the meantime is a mini-league. We are also now looking for more kids with additional needs to participate, so contact us for more information please. Contact us at info@castleknockceltic.com

Parents of kids aged 4-7 years -? Are you looking to get your child involved in team sports?

We run a kids academy for boys and girls aged 4-7

It’s a great environment where the kids get to learn the basics skills of football – with the emphasis on FUN!

Castleknock Celtic hosted Jobstown Celtic in Porterstown Park in this 2nd round LFL Dalton Cup tie. This was the first fixture for both teams after the winter break but it didn’t show as both sides put in very competitive performances.

Both teams started with great intent and it was end-to-end football for the initial quarter hour. However, Castleknock broke the deadlock after 15mins when Gavin Byrne split the Jobstown defence with a through ball that was collected by Luke Danaher and he placed it coolly beyond the goalkeeper. After that goal, Jobstown were in the ascendancy creating numerous chances. They were rewarded with an equalizer when their midfielder Davy Simpson cut across the penalty box and beat the Castleknock goalkeeper Oisin O’Donoghue with a well placed shot. 1-1 at halftime and it was all to play for.

Jobstown carried on where they left off in the 1st half and looked the more likely to score as the match progressed. Castleknock were not looking forward to extra time as they had emptied their bench and a further 30 mins would be a tough ask. However, with 5 mins remaining, David Onitiu cut in from the left and set up an opportunity for Sean Hogan. The Castleknock striker turned superbly and volleyed the ball beyond the Jobstown goalkeeper into the roof of the net. Celtic had achieved an unlikely win in a game largely dominated by the visitors. Jobstown must be commended for how they competed throughout the match. Castleknock can now look forward to the next round of cup fixtures with confidence as their victory was achieved without many of their regulars.

winning goal

match action

The first match back after the Christmas break, and the boys were delighted to get back in to the swing of things. It started off as a close match with Castleknock trying out their new formation. The game was played mainly through the centre of the pitch with both teams well matched in the midfield. Castleknock were on flying form and enjoyed creating some great opportunities. The first goal came for Castleknock from a free kick just outside the box for a Peamount-disputed decision. It was Oleg Sinkevics who stood over it while TJ whispered ‘top corner’, and he duly lofted it into the net.

Peamount came back fighting but with some outstanding defending from Ben backed up by Mustafa, Alex Matthews and Cillian D, they struggled to break through to get a real chance. Castleknock’s pressure never faltered with the midfield combination of Fred Mutawe and Cillian as CDMs and the trio of Hakim, Oisin Dunne and Saul working their way around the pitch to win the ball and create chances. Again Oleg was rewarded with his second goal with a great attack where he used his strength to break through and get a clean shot on goal. Hakim had many chances that wouldn’t go in for him and was eventually rewarded just before the half time whistel when he ran through everyone including the goalkeeper to roll the ball into the net.

Half time saw 5 changes for Castleknock removing the majority of our attack. Now with Patrick and Charlie in the CDM role they jumped straight in and supplied great support to the back 4 and also breaking down any counter attacks that arose. Eoin and Zach came on in an attacking midfield role and provided a new angle to the game applying more pressure onto the Peamount defence. Hakim got his brace from a beautiful cross into the box, he swiveled and finished spectacularly with a bicycle kick into the net. 4-0 to Celtic. Peamount hit back and got a consolation goal with some good link up play and a brief lapse in concentration in the Celtic defence. Nearing the final whistle, Kleo Klevis was played through 1 on 1 with the keeper, and he coolly slipped the ball past the keeper into the bottom corner. Man of the match with everyone agreeing was Ben Thomson playing in centre back.

Match Action