Portlaoise · County Laois · Leinster
Old Fort Celtic
A Portlaoise club that grew from one senior team into a wider football community while searching for a permanent home.
Club beginnings
A new chapter in 2016
Old Fort Celtic was founded in 2016, growing from an organisation that had previously operated as LOFFA, Laois and Offaly Families for Autism. The change gave the football side a new name and a new chapter in Portlaoise.
The club’s identity is rooted in the town. Its name points back to the Old Fort area while its football life is built by players, coaches, volunteers and families who want a welcoming place to play.
Portlaoise identity
A local club with room to grow
Old Fort Celtic grew in response to demand for football in a growing Portlaoise community. What began as a single senior team developed into a broader setup with senior and youth football, and a committee working to keep that growth moving.
The club’s story is less about arriving fully formed and more about adding the next team, the next coach and the next group of players when the opportunity is there. A recent Portlaoise football feature captures that growth and the search for a permanent home.
Growth
From one team to a wider pathway
Old Fort Celtic now connects senior football with Under 20 and Under 16 activity, while its longer term ambition is to add more boys’ and girls’ teams across different age groups.
That pathway depends on dependable training and match venues. It also gives players different ways to stay involved as their football develops, whether they are starting out, returning to the game or looking for a senior environment.
A winning period
Success helped the club attract players
A run of league and cup success over several seasons changed the club’s scale. More players came from the area, a second senior side became possible and the friendships around the teams became part of the appeal.
That atmosphere matters at every level. Players need a place where they can compete, improve and enjoy being with the group, not only a result to remember at the end of a Sunday.
FAI Junior Cup
A comeback against Suncroft
In an FAI Junior Cup second round tie, Old Fort Celtic trailed Suncroft after 50 minutes. Eoin Carroll headed the equaliser before Aaron Rafter put the Portlaoise side in front.
Scott Coyle completed a 3–1 win in added time, and Carroll was named player of the match after contributing a goal and an assist. It was the kind of second half response that fits the club’s growing competitive character.
Casey Division 2 Cup
Another cup brought home to Portlaoise
Old Fort Celtic won the Casey Division 2 Cup 4–1 against St Anthony’s Youths FC. Three early goals gave the Portlaoise side control before a late fourth settled the final.
The win was described as the third time Old Fort had lifted the trophy. It added a fresh chapter to the club’s run of cup success and showed how senior competition continues to shape its identity.
KDFL football
Competition beyond the town
Old Fort Celtic plays in the Kildare & District Football League, meeting clubs from across Kildare and neighbouring counties. That travelling connection gives Portlaoise players a regular competitive programme beyond their own training ground.
League and cup fixtures can use different venues, so the competition, kick-off and ground should always be checked together before a team travels.
Home ground challenge
A club still looking for permanence
Old Fort Celtic does not yet have a permanent home of its own. The club has worked with available grounds while continuing to look for a place where teams can train during the week and play at weekends.
A dependable base would make it easier to plan sessions, welcome new players and add more teams. Until then, every fixture needs a venue check.
Portlaoise Leisure Centre
The familiar pitch is not guaranteed
Portlaoise Leisure Centre is one of Old Fort Celtic’s playing venues, but availability is not guaranteed for every fixture. A booking change can affect the pitch, parking, changing arrangements and travel time.
Use the location named for the particular match rather than assuming that the Leisure Centre will be the destination.
Portlaoise Rugby Club
A valuable shared arrangement
An agreement with Portlaoise Rugby Club gave Old Fort access to a pitch and facilities and helped guarantee summer fixtures. The rugby ground became an important second setting while the club continued to seek a permanent football home.
The KDFL venue list names Portlaoise Rugby Club and Portlaoise Leisure Centre for Old Fort Celtic, but the match notice remains the best guide to the ground for a particular day.
For players
Ask about the right team route
A new player should share their year of birth, previous experience and preferred position when asking about football. A returning player can explain what they want from training and competition, while a senior player can ask about the current squad route.
Families should ask about training days, trial arrangements, fees, kit, footwear and the venue used for the next session. The right details help a coach point each player towards a suitable group.
For visitors
Check the Portlaoise ground before setting out
Old Fort Celtic’s shared venue arrangement means a home fixture may be at Portlaoise Leisure Centre, Portlaoise Rugby Club or another named ground. Check the address, kick-off time, parking and changing arrangements before travelling.
Bring suitable layers and allow extra time after wet weather. If the fixture has moved, follow the latest organiser message rather than relying on a previous visit.
What comes next
Build the home around the football
Old Fort Celtic’s next stage is closely tied to finding a permanent Portlaoise base. A home ground would support weekday training, weekend fixtures and the addition of more teams for boys and girls.
The club has already shown what can grow from one team and a committed local committee. The next step is making that environment easier for players and families to find and return to.
Live football
Use the current sections for the next match
The live team, fixture, result and standings sections below carry changing information for Old Fort Celtic. Use the full club name when searching, and confirm the ground before travelling.
If you are considering joining, begin with the player’s age and experience, then ask the club contact or team organiser which session is the right starting point.
