News

Mayor hosts special reception to celebrate Celtic FC Foundation’s work across Derry and Ireland

23 March 2026

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council hosted a civic reception at the Guildhall this week to mark five years of impactful work by the Celtic FC Foundation across Derry and Ireland.

The event brought together key representatives from the Foundation, including Chief Executive Tony Hamilton, Head of Programmes Donna-Marie Henry, and former Celtic players Bobby Petta and John Hartson.

The Celtic FC Foundation is the charitable arm of Celtic Football Club and over the last five years has delivered a wide range of initiatives aimed at tackling poverty, inequality and social exclusion locally and internationally.

Guests were formally welcomed by the Mayor, who acknowledged the Foundation’s contribution to supporting communities and improving lives throughout the region.

Mayor Ruairí McHugh commended the Foundation’s commitment to partnership working and its ability to engage communities through the power of football.

“It was a great honour to welcome the Celtic FC Foundation to the Guildhall to mark five years of their outstanding work across Derry, the wider North West region and across Ireland. The foundation truly reflects the values of compassion, inclusion and social justice and their commitment to supporting our local communities here in the city and district.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the team on their hard work over the last five years and I look forward to seeing their continued positive impact in the years ahead,” he said.