BLACKPOOL CELTIC MAR 2000

BLACKPOOL CELTIC




It says much for Blackpool Celtic's ambitions this season that they weren't entirely satisfied after Sunday's 1 - 0 away win over Ballyclough in Murphy's Stout AUL 1A. The satisfactory aspect of course was the fact that it put them into second place in the hunt for the title and besides there was a brilliant show by man of the match Kieran O'Callaghan who set up the winner for Noel Hawthorn.



The likes of Maymount and Ballyvolane were among the early favourites but now Blackpool, and others, have forced themselves into the reckoning and secretary Jimmy Howard says their aims for the season are very realistic: "We want to win promotion to the Premier and build a good solid squad of young players and then go on to better things in the future".



The rebuilding work is largely the responsibility of young player-manager Shaun Murray. Shaun, who doubles as goalkeeper, has introduced new blood in the shape of Kenneth Landon, Padraig O'Connell, Danny Quinlan, Derek Power (the captain), and Mark O'Driscoll, who have all played at senior level. Also in is Tom Collins, leading scorer with Castleview juniors last season, and the defence has been boosted by the signing of centre back Tommy Flynn.



Blackpool have been long term tenants in Kilcully and plans are in hand to upgrade the facilities, according to long serving clubman Howard: "The plan is to install showers and outdoor lights for winter training. We hope to complete all this with continued support from the likes of Bowler's Rest, B & G, and Southern Pumps".



Kieran Murray and Gerry O'Riordan run a weekly pools and this too is a big help. This season Kieran Doherty took on the job of bringing in more financial support and his hard work resulted in a sponsored club calendar, a very successful venture.



Another new venture is on the horizon. The weekend after next, Blackpool are undertaking their first trip overseas when they visit Swansea. The trip will have both a social and sporting content and Celtic hope to make it an annual event. The club's social committee consists of Gerry O'Riordan, Donal Cronin, and Michael O'Shaughnessy.



Dessie Donnelly is the Blackpool president and the officers are Tony Murray (chairman), Kieran Doherty (vice-chairman), Kieran Murray (Treasure), and Jimmy Howard (secretary).



* Before they can start turning their thoughts towards the Swansea trip, Blackpool have one major playing date and that comes against leaders Grattan Utd tomorrow. Blackpool, five points behind but with three games in hand, will be going all out to improve their position.