Former goalkeeper returns to The Hoops as first team manager

CASTLEBAR Celtic have announced the appointment of Ciaran Kelly as manager of the club's first team squad.

A former goalkeeper with the club, Hollymount native Kelly rose to prominence between the posts for Sligo Rovers when, two years in succession (2010 and 2011), he emerged as the hero in the FAI Cup final by saving decisive spot-kicks during penalty shootouts to decide the desination of the title.

In 2010 he saved all four penalties he faced as Sligo beat Shamrock Rovers 2-0, and the following year he came off the bench and saved twice as his side defeated Shelbourne 4-1 in the shootout.

In total he holds three FAI Cup medals from his time at Rovers and also won League of Ireland Premier Division and League Cup medals with the Bit o' Red.

Kelly made 94 appearances for Rovers in two spells with the club and, in Mayo, he played for his local team, Ballinrobe Town, as well as for Castlebar Celtic.

Latterly, Kelly has been involved with the Rovers Under 19 team and has worked as first team coach at The Showgrounds.

As manager of the Under 19s, he has taken Rovers to the quarterfinals of the knockout phase of the league. They play Limerick at The Showgrounds this Saturday afternoon (3 p.m.), with the winners at home to either St. Pat's or Dundalk in the semi-finals a week later.

Kelly's first game in charge of Celtic is also due to take place that weekend as they face Slievedaragh United from Tipperary in the FAI Junior Cup. That game will be in Celtic Park, most likely on Sunday, December 6. It is understood that he will remain involved with the Rovers Under 19 team until their league campaign comes to an end.

Damien Burke was in charge of Celtic for the majority of the Elverys Sports Super League campaign. They lie third with one game remaining and, as mentioned, are still invovled in the FAI Junior Cup.