Cockhill Celtic and their members were celebrated at a special Civic Reception held by Donegal County Council on Friday.
The club was shown recognition for their achievement in reaching the FAI Intermediate Cup Final, their consistent excellence in the Ulster Senior League and their dedication to promoting football at a local level.
Donegal County Council honoured Cockhill Celtic Football Club on Friday evening (5th April, 2024) at a Civic Reception at the County House, Lifford at the reception presenting the commemorative trophy are Tommy Doherty, Club Chairperson, John McLaughlin, Chief Executive Donegal County Council, Gavin Cullen, Team Manager, Cllr. Rena Donaghey, Cllr. Martin Harley, Cathaoirelach Donegal County Council and Patsy Lafferty, Director of Housing, Corporate & Cultural Services. Photo Clive Wasson
Donegal County Council honoured Cockhill Celtic Football Club on Friday evening (5th April, 2024) at a Civic Reception at the County House, Lifford at the reception presenting the scrool are Gavin Cullen, Team Manager, Cllr. Martin Harley, Cathaoirelach Donegal County Council, Cllr. Rena Donaghey, Tommy Doherty, Club Chairperson, Patsy Lafferty, Director of Housing, Corporate & Cultural Services and John McLaughlin, Chief Executive Donegal County Council. Photo Clive Wasson
The club was founded back in the 1970s and started life as Westbrook Celtic playing in the D&D League which covered counties Donegal and Derry. The club moved to Cockhill in 1974 and became Cockhill Celtic entering the Inishowen Football League becoming 5 times winners of that league. The Club entered the Ulster Senior League in 2005 where the Club dominated winning a total of 11 Ulster Senior League titles. In the 2022-2023 season the Club were the runners up in the FAI Intermediate Cup coming within a kick of a ball of bringing the trophy back to the county.
Donegal County Council honoured Cockhill Celtic Football Club on Friday evening (5th April, 2024) at a Civic Reception at the County House, Lifford at the reception are team members and invited guests. Photo Clive Wasson
Donegal County Council honoured Cockhill Celtic Football Club on Friday evening (5th April, 2024) at a Civic Reception at the County House, Lifford at the reception are Photo Clive Wasson
The ceremony was presided over by Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Martin Harley, Chief Executive John G. Mc Laughlin, and the MC for the evening was Mr. Patsy Lafferty, Director of Housing, Corporate & Cultural Services.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Martin Harley was delighted to host this Civic Reception acknowledging that “this is an incredibly special day for the players both past and present, the managers, coaches, everybody associated with the club and all their family members. He further stated that “Support and encouragement of managers, coaches and club staff play a crucial role in the development of the players and the Club”.
Donegal County Council honoured Cockhill Celtic Football Club on Friday evening (5th April, 2024) at a Civic Reception at the County House, Lifford at the reception are seated Tommy Doherty, Club Chairperson, Cllr. Martin Harley, Cathaoirelach Donegal County Council and Gavin Cullen, Team Manager. Back from left are Patsy Lafferty, Director of Housing, Corporate & Cultural Services, James Bradley, Team Captain, Cllr. Rena Donaghey, Donal O’Brien, Former Team Captain, Liam O’Donnell, former Team Captain and John McLaughlin, Chief Executive Donegal County Council. Photo Clive Wasson
Donegal County Council honoured Cockhill Celtic Football Club on Friday evening (5th April, 2024) at a Civic Reception at the County House, Lifford at the reception are Team Members with Tommy doherty, Chairperson, Cllr. Martin Harley Cathaoirelach Donegal County Council, Cllr. Rena Donaghey, Cllr. Donal Coyle, Cllr. Jack Murray, Patsy Lafferty, Director of Housing, Corporate & Cultural Services, John McLaughlin, Chief Executive Donegal County Council and Cllr. Paul Canning. Photo Clive Wasson
Cathaoirleach Donegal County Council, Martin Harley speaking at a Civic Reception for Cockhill Celtic Football Club on Friday evening (5th April, 2024) in the County House, Lifford. Photo Clive Wasson
The Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, John G. Mc Laughlin said that “This current bunch of players have set a precedent for future generations, demonstrating that through perseverance determination, and hard work, we can conquer any challenge. Their accomplishments serve as a beacon of hope for our youth, encouraging them to dream big and reach for the stars”.
The Club was presented with a specially engraved piece along with an official scroll marking the occasion of the Civic Reception.
The Club thanked the Council for honouring them in this way and attendees were treated to refreshments after the event in the Lifford Old Courthouse.
