Cleary Celtic Hit Six as Carnbane League Season Gets Underway

By Kevin McAteer

The 2026/27 Carnbane League campaign got underway this weekend with goals aplenty across the Premier Division and First Division.

Defending Premier Division champions Cleary Celtic wasted little time in laying down an early marker, opening their league campaign with an emphatic 6-1 victory over Ballyholland at Olympic Park.

Cleary entered the new league season having enjoyed a dominant 2025/26 campaign, winning all 14 of their Premier Division matches and scoring 74 goals on their way to the title. Their six-goal opening-day showing suggests they have picked up where they left off.

The other Premier Division fixture produced a much tighter affair as newly-promoted Mayobridge held Newry Celtic to a 1-1 draw at Clonallon Park in Warrenpoint.

Mayobridge stepped up to the top flight after winning the First Division last season, and taking a point from Newry Celtic represents a solid start to life back among the Premier Division sides. The result has also been confirmed on the league’s official website.

First Division serves up opening-day drama

If the opening afternoon is anything to go by, the Carnbane First Division could once again provide plenty of entertainment.

The standout game came at Willie Davis Park, where Orchard United edged Church Street 5-4 in a remarkable nine-goal encounter.

There was nothing to separate Ashgrove Rovers and Finn Harps, who began their campaigns with a 2-2 draw at Derrybeg.

It was the same scoreline at Jennings Park No.1, where Greenfield Park and Killeavy United drew 2-2, ensuring both sides got their first point on the board.

At Jennings Park No.2, Cartwheel United enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign with a 4-2 victory over Rockview United.

The six opening-day matches produced 30 goals, with only two games ending level — an encouraging sign for what could be another highly competitive season across both divisions. The full set of results is confirmed by the Carnbane League’s official website.

Carnbane League – Saturday 15 August 2026

Premier Division

Ballyholland 1–6 Cleary Celtic
Mayobridge 1–1 Newry Celtic

First Division

Ashgrove Rovers 2–2 Finn Harps
Church Street 4–5 Orchard United
Greenfield Park 2–2 Killeavy United
Rockview United 2–4 Cartwheel United

Attention now turns to next Saturday’s programme, with Cleary Celtic travelling to Millburn United and Newry Celtic hosting Rossowen in the Premier Division.

In the First Division, Ashgrove Rovers face Killeavy United, Newry Rovers take on Greenfield Park, Orchard United meet Finn Harps and Rockview face Church Street.

With 30 goals on the opening afternoon, the Carnbane League has certainly returned with a bang.

Clanrye News and Sport