Pearse Celtic in Togher is going from strength to strength on and off the pitch

Pearse Celtic Football Club in Togher is experiencing a remarkable period of growth, with the club’s numbers, teams and programmes expanding rapidly while remaining firmly rooted in its community.

At the heart of that development is the club’s academy, which now has approximately 140 children between the ages of five and 10, alongside its schoolboys teams competing from U11 through to U15 level. 

In total, Pearse Celtic currently has 10 underage teams across its academy and schoolboys structure.

Academy Coordinator Darren Roche has witnessed that growth first-hand since taking up his role two years ago.

“My role is mainly to oversee the running and development of the academy, working closely with our coaches, players and parents,” said Roche. 

"A big part of the role is making sure our young players have a positive introduction to football and an environment where they can enjoy themselves, develop their skills and hopefully build a connection with Pearse Celtic that will last for years.

“The growth over the last number of years has been phenomenal. For us, the increase in numbers is a really positive sign. 

"It shows that children and families in the local community want to be part of the club.” 

One of the key factors in allowing Pearse Celtic to accommodate that growth has been its relationship with Munster Rugby and access to Virgin Media Park, where nine of the club’s teams currently train.

“Having access to Virgin Media Park is hugely important for Pearse Celtic. We have a fantastic relationship with Munster Rugby and the environment enables us to provide our players with the best-in-class facilities, especially during the winter months.

“For a club with the number of players we now have, having somewhere like Virgin Media Park available to us makes a massive difference. 

"It allows us to give our players and coaches a good environment to train in and helps us continue to grow.” 

Inclusive

While success on the pitch is certainly part of the club’s development, Pearse Celtic’s commitment to its community is perhaps best demonstrated through its Football For All programme.

The programme now has 42 members and is supported by 11 dedicated coaches. Its philosophy is simple: football should be accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.

“Our Football For All programme is something we are extremely proud of at Pearse Celtic. Three Pearse Celtic players are currently involved with Munster Football For All, providing an excellent example of the pathway the programme can create.

“It gives our players an opportunity to enjoy the game, make friends, build confidence and, most importantly, feel part of the Pearse Celtic family.” 

That sense of family is central to the club’s identity, and volunteers play a huge role in maintaining it. Coaches, managers, committee members, academy volunteers, and parents all give up their time to ensure the club can continue to provide opportunities for local children.

“The commitment of our coaches and volunteers is incredible. A club like Pearse Celtic simply couldn’t operate without people giving up their own time every week.” 

There has also been plenty of success on the pitch. Pearse Celtic’s U12 and U13 teams both won their respective leagues, while the Under-14 side gained promotion. 

The academy enjoyed a memorable achievement too, with the U7 team winning a major tournament in Carrigaline against some of the biggest names in Cork football.

For Roche, those achievements reflect the dedication of the club’s coaches as much as the talent of its young players.

Looking ahead, the ambition is to continue building on that strong foundation.

“From an academy point of view, success isn’t only measured by results. 

If children are enjoying football, improving, making friends and wanting to come back the following season, then we know we’re doing something right.” 

Roche’s own connection with Pearse Celtic stretches back many years. He first played for the club at 18 in the Cork AUL before moving into coaching, working with the club’s First Division and Junior Premier teams before managing at senior level in the MSL.

After a spell away, he returned to Pearse Celtic and took on the Academy Coordinator role from previous coordinator Aidan Herlihy.

“It’s been great to see how the club has developed during that time, particularly at academy level. There is a real community around Pearse Celtic, and I’m delighted to be able to play a part in helping the next generation of players come through the club.” 

With growing numbers, strong facilities, successful teams and a Football For All programme that embodies including Pearse Celtic is showing that a football club can be about much more than what happens on the pitch.

It is a place where children can learn, compete, make friends and feel they belong — a genuine community club with an exciting future ahead.