Clare County Council held a Civic Reception on Thursday 11th January, to mark the outstanding achievements in 2023 by Newmarket Celtic FC’s Senior Men’s team.
The Civic Reception, which was proposed by Cllr Pat McMahon, honoured Newmarket Celtic’s first team for their unprecedented success in 2023, becoming 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, while also picking up 3 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 the audience in attendance, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Cooney, 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.”
PJ Murrihy serenades the Council Chamber with a rousing rendition of “Red is the Rose” to celebrate the achievements of Newmarket Celtic FC pic.twitter.com/RZszksozGL
— Clare FM (@ClareFM) January 11, 2024