Killarney Celtic have announced Brian Spillane as manager and Tim Jones as Assistant Manager for the club’s National League team.
Celtic statement:
Brian Spillane Appointed Manager
Brian Spillane is widely regarded as one of the most successful managers in the history of Killarney Celtic FC. A lifelong club man, he progressed through the club’s underage structure before enjoying a successful playing career with the senior side, including helping the club capture the prestigious Munster League Champions Trophy in 2012.
As manager, Spillane guided Killarney Celtic through the most successful period in its history, leading the club to an unprecedented four consecutive Kerry District League Premier Division and Greyhound Bar Cup doubles. His tenure also saw Celtic become a force on the provincial and national stage, including winning the Munster League Champions Trophy in 2020 and achieving notable success in the FAI Junior Cup.
A UEFA B Licence holder since 2019, Spillane stepped down from the managerial role in September 2022 after a remarkable spell in charge. He later went on to qualify as a referee with Kerry in 2023.
Brian Spillane on his appointment:
“I am incredibly honoured and privileged to be appointed Manager of Killarney Celtic’s National League team. This club has been a huge part of my life from the day I first pulled on the green and white jersey, and to be given the opportunity to lead the club into a new era is something I am extremely proud of.
The club has worked tirelessly to reach this point and gaining entry into the National League is a landmark achievement for everyone involved. There will be challenges ahead, but there is also enormous potential. We want to build a team that represents the values, ambition and tradition of Killarney Celtic while competing at the highest level possible.
I look forward to working with the players, staff, volunteers, supporters and the wider community as we begin this exciting journey together.”
Tim Jones Appointed Assistant Manager
Joining Spillane in the dugout will be Tim Jones, who takes up the role of Assistant Manager while continuing his position as Facilities Development Manager with the club.
Jones is another highly respected figure within Killarney Celtic and has played a pivotal role in the club’s development both on and off the field over many years. Having previously served as Vice-Chairman and Assistant Manager of the Senior A team, he worked closely alongside Brian Spillane during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
In 2021, Jones became Chairperson of Killarney Celtic FC and oversaw a period of continued growth and success. During his tenure, the club was awarded the FAI Club Mark One-Star Award in recognition of excellence in governance, player development and child safeguarding standards.
Following Brian Spillane’s departure as Senior A manager in 2022, Jones stepped in as Interim Manager. Away from football, Tim has also been a longstanding supporter and sponsor of the club through his family business and has made significant contributions to club fundraising and infrastructure development.
His ongoing work as Facilities Development Manager has been instrumental in helping position the club for its exciting National League future.
Tim Jones on his appointment:
“I am honoured to be appointed Assistant Manager of Killarney Celtic’s National League team and to have the opportunity to work alongside Brian once again. We enjoyed tremendous success together in the past and I am excited to be part of this new challenge for our club.
Killarney Celtic has always been about community, ambition and providing opportunities for players to develop. Entry into the National League is a massive achievement and one that everyone connected with the club should be proud of.
My focus will be on supporting Brian, helping create the right environment for players to succeed and ensuring we continue to build something that our members, supporters and community can be proud of for many years to come.”
Club Chairman Philip O’Callaghan paid tribute to both appointments and expressed his confidence in the leadership team.
On Brian Spillane’s appointment:
“On behalf of everyone at Killarney Celtic, I am delighted to welcome Brian back into the managerial role. When the club began planning for life in the National League, it was important that we identified a leader who understood our culture, our ambitions and our values. Brian was the outstanding candidate.
His record speaks for itself. He has delivered unprecedented success for this football club and has consistently demonstrated leadership, professionalism and a deep commitment to player development and excellence. More importantly, he understands what Killarney Celtic means to our members, supporters and community.
This is a historic moment for Killarney Celtic Football Club. Entry into the FAI National League represents the next stage of our development, and we firmly believe Brian is the right person to lead us on that journey.”
On Tim Jones’ appointment:
“Tim’s appointment as Assistant Manager was a natural fit. Few people have contributed more to Killarney Celtic over the years, both on and off the pitch. His experience as a manager, chairman and facilities development leader gives him a unique understanding of the club and the direction we are heading.
Tim has worked successfully alongside Brian before, and their partnership played a major role in some of the most successful years in our history. His knowledge, professionalism and commitment to Killarney Celtic will be invaluable as we take this exciting step into National League football.
I have no doubt that Brian and Tim will provide outstanding leadership and create a strong foundation for the future success of our National League team.”
The club will announce further details about coaching staff, squad and preparations for the upcoming National League season in the coming weeks.
