Burrin Celtic FC
Burrin Celtic FC has grown from a 1987 Ballon foundation into a full community pathway at The Valley, with boys’, girls’ and adult football supported by a major local facility.
Burrin Celtic identity
Burrin Celtic AFC was formally founded on 14 February 1987 in Ballon, County Carlow. Its name comes from the River Burrin and was chosen to welcome players from Ballon, Rathoe and surrounding communities.
Green and black are the club’s defining colours, carried through the crest, the senior pathway and the many underage teams that use The Valley.
The Valley at Ballon Hill
The Valley is Burrin Celtic’s home at Ballon Hill on the Fenagh Road. The site includes three full size pitches, an all weather pitch, training space, floodlights, parking and a clubhouse with changing rooms and a multi purpose room.
Confirm the team’s exact pitch, entrance, parking and changing arrangements before travelling because age groups can use different areas of the ground.
From Pier Park to The Valley
Burrin Celtic’s first home was Pier Park, where the club began playing in 1987. After the move from its early grounds, a dedicated fundraising effort helped the club purchase 8.5 acres and develop The Valley as a permanent football facility.
The ground represents years of local work by volunteers, landowners, farmers and club members who helped shape pitches, drainage, floodlights and the clubhouse.
Boys, girls and adult pathways
Burrin Celtic caters for players from age six through juvenile development squads, underage boys and girls teams, senior football and adult participation. The club’s structure includes development groups from U8 to U11 and competitive age groups through the teenage years.
Age groups and squad places change each season. A first enquiry should include the player’s year of birth, experience and preferred pathway so the club can direct the family to the right coach.
Carlow football and local connection
The club is affiliated with the Carlow and District League and provides a nearby football route for Ballon, Rathoe and the surrounding county. The Valley gives local families a consistent base for training, competition and community activity.
Coaches, volunteers and families all help keep the pathway connected, giving players ways to remain involved as teammates, helpers, coaches or supporters.
Honours and milestones
Burrin Celtic won a divisional cup and promotion in its first league season, later lifting the Carlow Premier League after promotion in 2007. The club also reached the latter stages of the Leinster Senior Cup in 1997, a notable achievement for a community side.
These milestones sit alongside the everyday work of developing players and maintaining a major local football facility.
| Founded | 14 February 1987. |
|---|---|
| First home | Pier Park, Ballon. |
| Current home | The Valley, Ballon Hill. |
| Premier League | Carlow Premier League champions in 2007–08. |
| Pathway | Boys, girls and adult football from age six. |
| Facilities | Three full size pitches, all weather pitch, training area and clubhouse. |
Joining and first visit guide
For a first enquiry, include the player’s name, year of birth, playing experience and whether the interest is juvenile, boys, girls or adult football. Ask about places, the next session, registration, kit, fees, pitch allocation and access needs.
The Valley is the club’s main football setting. Arrive early, confirm the exact meeting point and allow the player time to meet the coach before activity begins.
| Club | Burrin Celtic AFC. |
|---|---|
| Area | Ballon, Rathoe and surrounding County Carlow. |
| Home | The Valley, Ballon Hill, Fenagh Road. |
| Pathway | Boys, girls and adult football from age six. |
| League | Carlow and District League. |
| Eircode | R93 HY90. |