UNVEILING: Tom O'Shea (FAI Grassroots Director), with Killarney Celtic officers and local politicians at the unveiling of the FAI Club Mark Entry Level Award at Celtic Park, Killarney, on Saturday (June 8). From left are: Mike Lyne, Helen Cancy, Cllr Michael Gleeson, Linda Clifford, Suzanne Scully, Cllr Donal Grady, Cllr Niall Botty O'Callaghan, Paul Sherry (Celtic Chairman), Tom O'Shea, Cllr Niall Kelleher (Mayor of Kerry), Ramona Burchill, Mary Lyne, Brian Spillane, Sean Kelly MEP, Padraig Harnett, Mikey Daly and Tim Jones. Picture: Eamonn Keogh

Killarney Celtic is the only club in Kerry - and one of 20 nationwide - to have achieved the exacting standards in administration and Governance required by the FAI to achieve the Club Mark.
On Saturday (June 8), Killarney Celtic members past and present were joined by local dignitaries for the unveiling of the FAI Club Mark at Celtic Park.

The club hopes that this will be the first part of a unique double as they have also been named as one of six clubs that are in the shortlist for the FAI Club of the Year.

Club Chairman Paul Sherry welcomed Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly, newly elected Mayor of Kerry Niall Kelleher, and Councillors Micheal Gleeson, Niall O’Callaghan and Donal Grady, and congratulated them on their re-elections.

He thanked all the members of the Management Committee who put in months of hard work to ensure that the Club achieved the standards required.

“Those involved in securing the Club Mark have put in a huge effort to secure this and should be very proud of their efforts,” he said.
“We can now proudly say to members and to parents of prospective players that Killarney Celtic operates to the highest possible standard off and on the field. We take great pride in this award and also thank the staff in the FAI for their guidance during the process.”

Unveiling the Club Mark on behalf of the FAI was their Grass Roots Director Tom O’Shea who has been with the club since day one. He was joined by founding member and fellow Trustee Mikey Daly.

Tom said it was a very proud day for the club and he was delighted to be in a position to unveil the award.

“Along with Mikey and Billy Healy, I have been involved with the club from the start,” Mikey said.
“To see what has been achieved at Celtic Park is huge credit to all involved over the years.
The present Management Committee has embraced the challenge of achieving the Club Mark and it shows that off the field they are one of the best run clubs in the country.
Add to this the facilities and the success on the field and these are very good times for the club.”

Tom also spoke of all the good work being done by many in the FAI.

“While we all know the challenges the FAI is facing, it is wrong to malign all the staff who are doing some wonderful work. The huge range of vital programs are still running and the Club Mark is one of these. These programs support the work being done by thousands of grass roots volunteers.”