Moville Celtic admit their future is on the line ahead of club AGM

Moville Celtic have launched an appeal for volunteers to get involved or the club faces the grim possibility of closure. 

The Inishowen League club - who currently have no fundraising committee - held an emergency meeting ahead of their AGM this Tuesday, where discussions were described as “a matter of urgency where we stand as a club.”

John and Annamarie Canning are respectively vacating the chairperson and treasurer roles, meaning unless these positions are filled, the club cannot legally operate. Dermott Harkin, who is bound for Canada, is also stepping down from the committee.

Moville have set up a facebook event to entice potential newcomers to get involved at the AGM and if anyone would like to join their online lotto, they can do so online.

“In recent years we have made numerous attempts to get members of the community, past and present players, new members of the community involved in the club no matter what size of role you could offer, we need you,” read a club statement, posted on Saturday.

“We want enthusiastic people with fresh ideas on our team. 2023 is looking to be a landmark year in the club. Unfortunately, this looks like the year we may have to officially shut the gates to Moville Celtic. 

“With no fundraising team, meaning we miss out on vital funding from sports day, bazar and night of the races. We have been solely relying on the income from our club lotto, which has also seen a massive downturn in support.”

The club’s policy is to ensure that all players get football at underage level to harness talent and to keep interest and fairness. Some coaches are currently putting in massive shifts to keep all sides going.

“Unlike other clubs, we put forward an ethos of every player gets a game no matter what cost this has on our scorelines,” they continued. “We think this is key in all underage games for the development of each player.

“The help that we have within the club has been fantastic, and we would like to thank each and every one of our volunteers for all that you do. However, some coaches are running three teams just so that no child misses out on a game of football. This simply can not continue.

“Our committee members have been running numerous roles alongside work and family commitments to ensure the gates stay open. This year we have two major roles stepping away from the committee, both John and Annamarie Canning are stepping down from chairman and treasurer role. Dermott Harkin is also stepping down from the committee ahead of his move to Canada.

“We have done our utmost to keep senior football alive in Moville, going to extra lengths to secure a first team in the 22/23 season to try and attract players back onto the field, again this year we face the uncertainty of having a first team. 

“With members of the club training from U-8 right through to senior level, it is highly disappointing to be in a position once again of not having players to secure the future of men’s senior football within the club. 

“As always, we want local players that have played for the club throughout the years lined in the hoops come the start of the season. This Tuesday at 8pm,  we open our clubhouse for what could possibly be our last AGM. Without a treasurer and without a chairman we legally can’t continue to operate.  Have your say on whether we keep the doors open for the 23/24 season.  Get involved, make a difference!”.