The month of October in the year 2000 saw the beginning of operations of Belfast Shamrock Celtic Supporters Club. Although many of its members had travelled over to matches for several years, initially with QUBCSC and then via other clubs, it was only when a concerted effort was made by several key figures to get a club of their own up and running that the foundations of Belfast Shamrock were laid. Having congregated whilst at Queens University, a core of like-minded Celtic supporters had found that after having left the university that no local supporters club had matched their aspirations and wishes for a club.

In Dukes Hotel, Belfast in October 2000, a group gathered with the intention of getting a supporters club of their own up and running. Michael Kelly had sounded out from past members of QUBCSC, as well as other Celtic supporting folk, the potential for such a club, and this inaugural meeting provided the confirmation that there existed a demand for such a club. Many of the members were drawn from throughout Ireland and the U.K.; however, they all shared the common wish to actively participate in the supporters club. The name was decided as Belfast Shamrock CSC, and there then followed the finer details of the club such as constitution, membership and fees etc.

The inaugural committee was then duly elected, with Michael Kelly elected club chairman, Frankie McKay, club secretary, and Conor Mulholland as club treasurer. A small tight-knit membership was favoured over a large loose membership, and in that first year 32 members formed this membership. The club during this period also had polo shirts run off, as well as having pin badges produced, both these items bearing the club crest, which had been designed by Frankie McKay. Another major milestone saw Lisbon Lion and former Celtic right-back, Jim Craig agreeing to become honorary president for the club. This provided a large boost to all the members, and indeed Mr. Craig has been in continuous contact with the club since.

The club has also become a member of the Association of Irish Celtic Supporters Clubs, and their guidance and contacts have assisted the club on numerous occasions. Indeed one highlight of the first year was the AICSC 3^rd Annual Charity Dinner, which took place in July, 2001, in the Citywest Hotel, Dublin, and which was attended by many Belfast Shamrock CSC members. Guests included Martin O’Neill and several of the first team squad in what was a truly memorable evening in such plush surroundings.

The website was also set-up that year, initially by Aidan O’Kane who was then ably assisted by Rory O’Kane, both Belfast Shamrock CSC members. This has developed steadily since it’s formation and will prove to be a vital component of the club in the future. November 2001 saw a hugely successful first AGM, and the club has recently just returned from a trip over to the Aberdeen match on March 2^nd 2002, which was followed a day later by a stadium tour assisted by our own Jim Craig. Other events have included a hugely successful Christmas 2001 draw, as well as numerous great occasions travelling over to watch Celtic FC.

Having such dedicated club members, assistance provided by the AICSC, a well-respected Honorary President, the great determination of the committee, and a world-class football club to follow, surely the future for Belfast Shamrock CSC will be as glorious as the club we support.