A BRIEF HISTORY OF LEICESTER CELTIC


Leicester Celtic Football Club was founded in 1967 by Michael Flaherty and Father C. F. Lee, then a curate in Rathgar parish. The club took its name from Leicester Avenue in return for parish support and has no connection to the English club of the same name. It began with a single under 17 team and expanded quickly in its early years.

Rapid growth followed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with matches played in Dartry and Bushy Park before the club relocated to Marley Park in 1975. This move widened its catchment area and supported sustained development, with teams attracting players from across South Dublin.

Leicester Celtic became known for innovation at grassroots level, introducing mini leagues for younger players in 1977 and pioneering small sided football with the launch of Six a Side in 1986.

Now based at Loreto Park in Rathfarnham, Leicester Celtic Football Club made a significant investment in 2025 with the development of a second all weather playing facility and a dedicated visual training room.

The club has produced players who have gone on to represent Ireland at senior international level, including Josh O’Dwyer, (current U16 captain), Freddie Turvey, (U19 2025 FAI Player of the Year), and Gavin Bazunu ,( Republic of Ireland senior men’s international with 22 caps).