Looking forward with optimism to new season

LURGAN Celtic go into the forthcoming season with a lot of optimism and belief under a new look management team.

New manager and former player Ciaran O'Kane has taken the reigns and has hit the ground running in pre-season.

First up was a game against local rivals Hill Street. Despite the returning Stephen Boyd scoring the Hoops went down 3-1 with an experimental looking side.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In the next week Celtic played three games in quick succession and first up was a game against Tullygally at the Lurgan Town Arena and a fine header from last season’s player of the year Ciaran McEvoy was enough to shade it.

Glenavon Reserves then proved to be a beneficial workout and a 1-1 draw was a fair result with midfielder Niall Lavery impressive as he got himself on the scoresheet.

Saturday past Celtic welcomed Amateur League side Downpatrick to Knockramer and in an entertaining contest it finished 2-2 with the Co Down team impressing with their passing ability up against a very youthful looking Celtic side.

Manager Ciaran O'Kane commented: "I’m looking forward to the new season with a degree of optimism. Pre-season has been encouraging however with the number of players committed to gaelic until their season is over it will be a while before we have a full squad available.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Having said that the lads who are available now are more than capable of performing at the required level and it is an excellent opportunity for them to stake a claim before everyone becomes available.

“My immediate priority was to build a squad where both teams could improve on last season’s showing. I am very happy at the moment with the players I have brought in and with the season starting on Saturday week things are starting to take shape.”

In the next week the management team will be hopeful of fine tuning the squad with hopefully a few more players coming for the first game on August 7 away to Queens.

The reserves have also a new manager with John McMahon taking control and the second string will be hoping to challenge for honours this season after a dissapointing outcome last year.

Next up for the Hoops is a friendly at home to Ballymena side All Saints tonight (Thursday) at 7pm followed by the annual Sean Creaney Memorial day on Saturday.

Related topics: