‘It’s a privilege’: Graiguecullen Celtic supporters club to host charity sleepout

A Celtic Supporters Club in Graiguecullen has the “privilege” of hosting a sleepout in aid of a local charity and struggling families.

The Croppy Bhoy is raising funds for families in need across Ireland, Glasgow, and the UK.

It’s part of a wider Christmas campaign run by the Celtic FC Foundation, with a different club chosen to host the event each year.

”It's basically to put food on the table for Christmas and it helps out the homeless,” Kieran Collins, a Committee Member with the Croppy Bhoys Club, said.

The Club has chosen St Clare’s Hospitality Kitchen as the charity to benefit, meaning it will receive a portion of the funds raised from the sleepout, with the rest going towards the largert Celtic FC Foundation fund.

Roughly 25 people, including 15 from the Croppy Bhoys Club, will be taking part in the sleepout, which gets underway this Friday at The Meadows, the home of St Patrick’s AFC in Graiguecullen.

Kieran is one of those taking part, and says he’s excited for it.

“I'm more looking forward to doing it for the charity side of it. It doesn't bother me doing it at all. I'm looking forward to it. It's an experience I'd be proud to do.... It's a privilege for our club to be hosting,” he said.

A lot of work goes into planning a sleepout, with a collection of matresses and other bits being transported over from Glasgow.

The Celtic FC Foundation will have everything set up for those sleeping out, with it officially commencing at 9:00 on Friday night.

People then sleepout until around 5:00am.

The last sleepout in Ireland took place in Bray, Co. Wicklow three years ago, and Croppy Bhoys member, William Burnham, was among those taking part.

“We're all pulling together. We're really looking forward to doing it. Everyone's working hard in the backround fundraising money and stuff like that. It'll all be worth it in the end,” Kieran said.

So far, over £7,000 have been raised, with support from surrounding clubs such as the North Kildare CSC, Sliabh Bladhma Laois CSC, Cil Droichid CSC Kildare, and Kildare South CSC.

If you would like to donate, you can do so online here, or by contacting any of the committee members below:

Kieran Collins – 085 135 3292,

David Fitzpatrick – 089 439 7013,

John Power – 085 832 5325

“In fairness to everyone, there's a lot of work after going into it. Thanks to everyone that's fundraised and to St Pat's for having us there, it's a great thing,” Kieran said.

“It's a privilege for our club to be hosting. We're probably a smaller club on the scale of support clubs in the country, so we're privileged to host it,” he concluded.

Those who wish to take part can register to do so for €35, and must raise a minimum of €157 on top of that.

You must be over 18 to take part, and be aware that because of “anticipated wintry weather conditions, the event will be exceptionally challenging, both mentally and physically.”

The event in Laois joins the Celtic Sleep Out, Glasgow and London events, which will take place at Celtic Park on Saturday, November 14th and St. Anne’s Primary School on Friday, December 11th.