Civic reception for Clare soccer club which enjoyed 'unprecedented success' in 2023
Newmarket Celtic FC made history last year with FAI Junior Cup victory
Clare County Council hosted a Civic Reception on Thursday night for Newmarket Celtic FC, to mark the outstanding achievements of the senior men’s team last year.
The club became the first ever County Clare side to bring the FAI Junior Cup back to the Banner last April, beating Tipperary side St Michael’s AFC 5-4 on penalties after a nail-biting final.
The team won three more trophies throughout the year.
In June, Newmarket added the Clare District Soccer League Premier Division to their ever-growing trophy cabinet, beating rivals Avenue United in a play-off, before claiming more national titles with the Tom Hand Memorial Cup win in August, beating the FAI Intermediate Cup winners, Rockmount AFC from Cork, and then the President’s Junior Cup, overcoming Northern Ireland’s Junior Champions, Dergview FC from County Tyrone, in October, again, in a penalty shootout.
Addressing those in attendance at the Civic Reception, Cllr Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, said: “Today’s event is one which affords the Council an opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding success of this Newmarket Celtic side, the first team to bring FAI Junior Cup success to County Clare.
I have no doubt that your unprecedented quadruple success in 2023 will be remembered for years to come.”
Newmarket Celtic captain, Eoin Hayes, and manager, Paddy Purcell, accepted a glass presentation piece and Civic Reception Presentation scroll on behalf of their teammates and management teams, from the Cathaoirleach.
Following his opening address, Cllr Cooney added: “To the players in attendance here today, to the coaches and the backroom team– each and every one of you are a credit to yourselves, your families, your club and your county. Congratulations again on your success in 2023, I wish you all continued success and I look forward to seeing you play in 2024.”