Sligo County Council hosted a special Civic Reception at City Hall on Friday, 28th November, to celebrate the achievements of Gurteen Celtic FC Ladies and Arrow Harps FC Ladies teams.
Civic Reception Honours Gurteen Celtic FC Ladies and Arrow Harps FC Ladies Teams
Civic Reception Honours Gurteen Celtic FC Ladies and Arrow Harps FC Ladies Teams
Cathaoirleach Councillor Dónal Gilroy welcomed the clubs, their families, and supporters to City Hall, noting the significance of the occasion:
“It gives me immense pride to welcome you all to City Hall this evening for a Civic Reception in honour of two remarkable teams who have brought glory to County Sligo. This is a night of celebration, not only for the players and managers who stand before us, but for the communities they represent, the families who support them, and the volunteers who sustain them. Tonight, we gather to acknowledge history being made in Connacht women’s football — and to recognise that history was written by two proud Sligo clubs.”
Cathaoirleach Cllr Gilroy paid tribute to Gurteen Celtic FC Ladies, who achieved what many thought impossible — winning the Connacht Cup for the very first time in the club’s history with a 2–0 victory over Athenry FC. He highlighted Tara Phillips’ brace and the collective effort of every player, coach, and supporter, while offering special recognition to Team Manager David O’Dowd for his leadership and vision.
Turning to Arrow Harps FC Ladies, Cathaoirleach Cllr Gilroy praised their commanding 4–1 victory over Manulla FC to secure the Connacht Women’s Shield in the club’s 50th anniversary year. He commended Orlaith Scanlon’s hat-trick and Orla Devaney’s goal, and acknowledged the outstanding contribution of Team Manager Paul McTiernan, whose guidance and dedication were central to the team’s success.
“Together, Gurteen Celtic and Arrow Harps now hold both major Connacht women’s soccer trophies. That is an extraordinary achievement — one that places County Sligo at the very heart of women’s football in the province. It is a source of immense pride for all of us, and a testament to the talent, dedication, and passion that thrives in our communities.”
Cathaoirleach Cllr Gilroy also paid tribute to the volunteers, mentors, families, and supporters whose commitment underpins the success of both clubs:
“Behind every great team are the volunteers, mentors, families, and supporters who give their time, energy, and encouragement. Tonight, we salute the coaches who nurture talent, the committees who keep clubs alive, and the supporters who travel near and far to cheer their teams on. Your contribution is the foundation of these victories.”
The reception was attended by Councillors Paul Taylor, Fergal Nealon, Liam Brennan, Gerard Mullaney, Thomas Walsh, and Marie Casserly, Eamon Scanlon TD, Minister Frank Feighan TD, and Director of Services Jim Molloy, alongside club officials, players, families, and supporters.
In closing, Cathaoirleach Cllr Gilroy extended heartfelt congratulations:
“You have brought honour to your clubs, your communities, and to County Sligo. May your success inspire the next generation of players, and may it remind us all that when we work together, believe in ourselves, and support one another, there is no limit to what we can achieve. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in celebrating our champions — Gurteen Celtic FC and Arrow Harps FC.”
