Celtic unveil monument to key figure in Clare soccer

A tribute to Frank Healy, who was a key figure in Clare soccer, before his passing in 2015 is set to be unveiled this Sunday at the home of Fern Celtic.

His wife Eileen and the Healy family are installing a memorial bench for Frank at the club’s home ground in Tiermaclane on Sunday afternoon. Frank was instrumental in the purchasing of the grounds as he spent countless hours maintaining the facility to a high standard.

There is no doubt that the former Chairman of the Clare District Soccer League would be delighted to see the continued development of the grounds with children and adults alike both benefitting from Frank’s hard work.

Frank’s son Timmy alongside Leonard Meaney helped to establish the club in 2001. He took a keen interest in Fern Celtic’s continued growth, which he contributed immensely towards.

His daughter in law Catherine Healy told The Clare Champion that Frank held a strong passion for soccer within the county and that the pitch was a great source of pride for him.

“Frank was instrumental in Clare soccer. The memorial bench has been in the pipeline but due to COVID it was put on the backburner. The pitch was something he put a lot of time and effort in to. Frank always frequented the same spot when watching Fern Celtic so that’s where we have placed the bench.”

The Healy connection with the club continues with Frank’s grandsons Mark and Josh lining out for the club while his granddaughter Shauna Mulvanny also represents Fern Celtic.

Both of Fern Celtic’s sides are in action at 2pm this Sunday with the B team at home in Tiermaclane against Manus Celtic while the flagship outfit travel to the Fairgreen to face Hermitage FC.

The plan on Sunday is for both teams to be present at Fern Celtic’s home ground at 12.30pm with the Healy family present for the unveiling of the memorial bench.

The club also wish to thank O’Sullivan & Hansbury Motors Ltd and Woodhaven Developments, both on the Kilrush Road, for sponsoring a set of jerseys each, Sile Lynch of Madrassori who has sponsored two sets of jerseys for the club and Tom Behan who has sponsored a set of training tops.