Lurgan Celtic Club is 'definitely not closing' but is actively looking for a new home as its premises go up for sale

It’s been in the heart of the Co Armagh town for decades, but now the current base of the Celtic Club is considering moving out of its premises at Church Place – but not for a while yet.

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The club is seeking new accommodation with more accessibility for its members.

While it has a growing younger membership, the stairs at the Church Place property has been a struggle for some of those older members who sustained it for generations.

Indeed 2a, Church Place has been the home of Glasgow Celtic Supporters Club since 1977 – it was originally the White Horse Inn.

The club’s roots date back to a discussion by a group of workers at the old Optical Factory in Lurgan with the foundation of the club laid in April 24, 1965 – the Celtic v Dunfermline Cup Final.

Two weeks later Thomas McConaghy let them use of one of the rooms in his bar in William Street, where the first meeting was held, chaired by Patsy Cassidy. A princely sum of eleven shillings was collected and the Supporters’ Club was underway.

McConaghy’s Bar was becoming overcrowded as membership increased so they used the Irish National Foresters building as many were members of both clubs.

In 1966 premises were purchased in Edward Street and a drinks licence was obtained. These premises were in daily use up until the Troubles when an explosion, which almost wrecked the building, caused the premises to be closed for a short period for renovation.

In 1977 the new club at Church Place was officially opened by ‘Lisbon Lion’ Tommy Gemmell.

Lurgan as a town has, over the years, provided Celtic with players such as Eamon McMahon in the 50s and former player, captain and manager, Neil Lennon.

The club’s one constant was to provide a place for Celtic supporters in the town to meet and travel to watch Celtic. That has not changed and it is hoped new premises, which has good accessibility, will be obtained in the future.

In the meantime, the club remains open for business and no other premises have been secured as yet.

Chairman Mark Doran said: “We are looking to move into more accessible premises to suit different generations of members. But we are still very much open for business.”

The current building is however up for sale with an asking price of £249,950.

Described as a ‘substantial and highly versatile commercial premises’, the building unit spans 4,000 sq ft and arranged predominantly across the first and second floors.

"Presented in excellent condition throughout, the premises offer an impressive amount of adaptable floor space and could lend themselves to a wide variety of alternative commercial, leisure, community or other uses, subject to any necessary planning, statutory and licensing approvals,” says Marc Fegan Estate Agent.

"Its central location provides excellent accessibility, with Lurgan town centre’s shops, businesses, hospitality venues and transport connections all immediately accessible,” said Marc adding that the liquor licence is not included in the sale.

If you are interested in the sale of the club, details are via Marc Fegan Estate Agent in Lurgan.