Bernard O'Byrne's experience will be a huge boost for NEFL club Athboy Celtic in his role as newly-appointed chairman.

Bernard O'Byrne in the chair at Athboy Celtic

Published: Sun 7 Mar 2021, 2:09 PM

Former FAI CEO and current Basketball Ireland CEO Bernard O'Byrne is back at the coalface of junior soccer after he was returned to the chair of North East Football League club Athboy Celtic at the weekend.

"We have our new committee in place for the year ahead and the club is delighted to have Bernard O’ Byrne taking on role of chairperson," commented a club official.

"Bernard has a wealth of experience and the club are delighted to have Bernard on board this year.

"We are looking to the return of football and training whenever we get the go ahead," added the club official.

During his term with the FAI Bernard O'Byrne was provided assistance and guidance to the then Meath & District League (now NEFL) and attended the launch of a sponsorship announcement in 1999.

At the launch of the Meath & District League three-year sponsorship with Stafford Oil (1999-2002) from left were: back - Damien Fitzhenry and Matty Donnelly (both Stafford Oil), Gerry Gorman (MDL secretary / treasurer), Tommy Dowd (Stafford Oil); front - John Gorman (MDL vice-chair), John Daly (Stafford Oil), Eugene Lynch (MDL chair) and FAI CEO Bernard O'Byrne.

ATHBOY CELTIC

Last month Athboy Celtic completed the FAI Club Mark for the Entry Level Award.

The club was established in 1982 as Athboy Blues and traditionally had their base in ‘The Convent Grounds’ in Athboy but has recently expanded to new additional facilities at ‘The Athboy Celtic Community Park’.

These include two six-a-side astro pitches and a new full sized grass pitch. The new clubhouse is in the process of being completed.

The club has over 250 members with under-age boys and girls teams from u-7 up to u-18s that participate in the NECSL.

The club also operate a Mini-Kickers Academy which offers fun skill-based football for kids from four years old.

During the winter, futsal sessions are provided also.

As well as under-age teams, the club has two senior teams in the NEFL.

The 2021 committee is: chairperson - Bernard O’ Byrne; vice-chair - Senan Edwards; secretary - Lauren Casey; juvenile secretary - Ross Geddes; treasurer - Brendan D’Arcy; child welfare - Claire Monaghan; committee - Larry Murtagh, Derek Hegarty, Gary Ennis.

SELECTION OF ATHBOY PHOTOS OVER THE YEARS