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KILLARNEY CELTIC are this week reflecting on what can only be described as the greatest day in their 40-year history. For the first time ever they have reached the quarter finals of the FAI Junior Cup. And with Sunday’s incredible victory over Ballynanty this particular crop of Celtic players have proven once again that on their day they can mix it with the very best teams in Ireland.

The home side, Limerick cup holders Ballynanty Rovers, went into the game as firm favourites and Celtic’s task was made all the more difficult by the absence talented striker Cathal O’Shea (suspended) and regular left back Brendan Falvey (broken hand).

They suffered a major setback early 20 minutes in when Gary Keane, who was filling in at centre half, was caught on the wrong side of an onrushing Ballynanty striker at the edge of the area. Keane was adjudged to have brought down his opponent and received his marching orders for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. As if the brief weren’t already challenging enough for Celtic, they would now have to play the remaining three-quarters of the game a man light.

The visitors saw out the half and managed to weather a very heavy storm early on in the second, thanks in no small part to goalkeeper Roy Kelliher who denied the Balla attack with a string of high quality saves. The vociferous home crowd must have felt as though a goal was inevitable, but when it came it was the green and white faithful who were celebrating.

Young striker Stephen McCarthy, who was deputising for the suspended O’Shea, pounced on a loose ball inside the opposition area and smashed Celtic into the lead with seventy minutes on the clock. All of a sudden, the side from Kerry were on course for another shock victory.

The healthy Celtic following may have been in dreamland then, but things got even better ten minutes later. With Balla pressing for an equaliser, man of the moment Wayne Sparling - who hit two in the previous round against Newmarket - latched onto a long ball before bearing down on goal and applying a typically cool finish.

The hosts did manage to pull one back but Celtic held on for another momentous victory.

The club are now looking forward to the draw for the next round which takes place in the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday, February 15. The management team and captain John McDonagh have been invited to attend.

Celtic will be joined in the hat by holders Sheriff YC of Dublin and Limerick kingpins Janesboro, as well as Kilmallock (Limerick), Boyle Celtic (Roscommon), Carrick United (Waterford), Peake Villa (Tipperary) and Evergreen (Kilkenny).

Manager Brian Spillane is optimistic when it comes to his side’s chances in the next round. “I think we’re due a home draw at this stage. It’d be fantastic to get a quarter final at Celtic Park,” he said.

“We’ll be looking to go on another step. We know that’ll be a massive ask again but I don’t think we’re finished yet. I think there’s more to come.”