Pearse Celtic thriving as a football club but their own home is what is required next

To have a place they could call home is the dream for all involved with Pearse Celtic.

Founded in 1992, the ever-growing Togher based club continues to thrive within the community providing football for all across all ages and abilities.

Recently, I caught up with Academy co-ordinator Aidan Herlihy and he spoke fondly of his beloved club and his dream of one day having a club house for the club, a place they could call home.

The father of one, to Lennon, from Togher has been involved with the club for almost three decades holding many positions during his time. 

He has seen many players pass through the club and most recently many youngsters depart to play league of Ireland. 

While disappointed to see them leave, he is proud to know the coaches of Pearse Celtic have done their bit for these talented youngsters on their path to a higher level.

"It's always sad to see any player leave the club but when they leave to go and play at a higher level like league of Ireland then you have to be happy for them," said Herlihy. 

"Of course it's frustrating as it can totally disrupt a team but I take the positives out of it. We must be doing something right for these big clubs to come after our players. 

"These kids, within months are competing in the league of Ireland and I don't think that's down to the league of Ireland clubs but more so to do with what we, at the club have been doing since these players came to us as kids. 

"Our role as coaches are to nourish these kids and develop them as players, but equally as good people and that is what we pride ourselves on.

"The club at the moment is thriving to be honest. We have academy teams from U6 to U11 and schoolboys teams at ages U12, U13, U16, a youths U17 team and an adult junior team. 

"We have now over 200 members which is something we're very proud of. We play out of three different grounds such as Clashduv Road, Coffey's field and Leghanamore Park. 

"All three have been a great asset to our club."

To facilitate for over 200 players, it takes a lot of hard word and dedication from many volunteers within the club. 

Funding can be a main issue and for Pearse, this is something they wish could be better for the smaller clubs in the country.

"With the recent capital grant funding we did receive a small amount however nowhere near what we would have loved in order to make our facilities better for the kids. 

"Unfortunately, when we don't have our own grounds, it makes applications harder as we're not entitled to as much as bigger clubs which is frustrating. 

"At the end of the day we're working very hard to facilitate over 200 players and I feel more help should be given to the smaller clubs. 

"Maybe that needs to change and help the small clubs who work just as hard if not harder than other clubs who are getting huge handouts. 

"It just never seems fair when we cannot get funding when it is for the betterment of so many kids.

"One day it’s a personal dream of mine and a few others who are at the club a long time that we get our own clubhouse in Togher. 

"A place we can call home. This we know will take a huge effort but it is something we will work hard to try and achieve.

"As a club we also also very proud that we can cater for all abilities with our football for all programme a huge success. 

"The numbers have gone through to the roof and we are proud that we are one of a few clubs that provide this programme. 

"It is important to be able to facilitate every child that wants to play the beautiful game. After all it's not just about a game of ball, it's about kids meeting and making friends for life also.

"We will continue to keep moving forward and provide football for kids in Togher and surrounding areas."