The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
Long time Bridge Celtic FC official Joe Aherne is to be honoured by the FAI. The club celebrated its golden jubilee at a function in the Castle Oaks Hotel in Castleconnell on Saturday night where news of Aherne’s upcoming honour was announced.
The club was founded in 1963 and the weekend function was attended by a number of the club’s first members.
Guests of honour were FAI general secretary, John Delaney and Clare District League chairman, Donie Garrihy.
Club chairman, TJ Burns was the MC for the evening.
Five members of the first team to represent the club in 1963 were in attendance; Pat Aherne, John Walsh, Tom Kiely, Haulie Fitzgerald and Joe Aherne.
Fitzgerald, the team’s first goalkeeper returned from New York for the function, while Tom Kiely, the club’s first captain, travelled from Dublin.
Fitzgerald was one of the club’s founders along with John Ryan and Eddie Storan.
These five have been invited as VIPs by the FAI secretary John Delaney to an international game of their choice at the Aviva Stadium.
John Delaney had huge praise for the club and its officers over the past 50 years and the contribution the club has made to life in the area. He invited 50 members of the club to an international game of their choice at The Aviva to mark the club’s golden jubilee.
The association’s CEO also announced that lifelong member, Joe Aherne is to be given a national award at the FAI’s annual general meeting in Wicklow next July in recognition of his work with Bridge Celtic. He has been continuously involved with the club since day one and following a long playing career he turned to management. He has also held every position on the club executive.
Clare District League chairman, Donie Garrihy praised the club, its players and members for the contribution they have made to Clare Soccer for the past 50 years.
The club made a special presentation to Haulie Fitzgerald in recognition of his ongoing support for the club. Fitzgerald praised all who continue to work for the club and told the gathering that, although based in New York, he follows the fortunes of the club closely.
Joe Aherne spoke of the enjoyment he derives from his involvement.
“I have got huge pleasure out of being involved with this club” Joe told the Clare champion. During his playing career he filled every position on the pitch.
“We have won every competition in Clare soccer except the cup. To win that title would be massive and if we could do it this year, it would be the ideal anniversary gift,” he said, anxiously looking forward to this Thursday’s third round draw.
He acknowledged the contribution of two men over the years.
“John Howard was the club manager for 15 years, while Jack Cooney made a field available to the club, which helped greatly. These are just two of many who have helped keep the club alive and well.”
John Delaney is currently participating in a Sky sports documentary and this resulted in the presence of TV cameras at the weekend function. Earlier this week a portion of Delaney’s address to the Clare club’s function was featured on Sky.
