Emfa AFC Celebrates 60 Years with Urgent Call to Revive Buckley Park

UPDATE: Emfa AFC, the beloved community soccer club in Kilkenny, is calling for immediate action to revitalize Buckley Park as it approaches its 60th anniversary. The club, founded in 1966, has deep roots in the Kilkenny City area, and the revival of Buckley Park is seen as crucial for the future of soccer in the community.

Emfa, originally formed by a group of teenagers from local housing estates, has a storied history marked by triumphs and challenges. The founders included passionate individuals like Jimmy Rhatigan, who served as the club’s secretary for over 50 years. The club quickly rose through the ranks of local soccer, eventually competing in the Kilkenny & District League and gaining a reputation for excellence and community involvement.

With Buckley Park, the club made history by becoming the first in Kilkenny to purchase its own grounds in 1979, thanks to dedicated individuals who supported the vision. The park became a hub for soccer, hosting vital games, including FAI Cup semi-finals and international matches. However, after Kilkenny City resigned from the League in 2008, the once-thriving venue has fallen into disrepair, leaving fans yearning for a revival.

“Buckley Park was the heart of our soccer community,” said Rhatigan, reflecting on the club’s legacy. “We need to come together to restore it as a place where young talent can flourish.” The call to action comes with growing support from local soccer enthusiasts, who believe that a revitalized Buckley Park could serve as a major regional center for youth soccer, benefiting not just Kilkenny but also the neighboring counties of Carlow and Laois.

As the 60th anniversary approaches, the urgency for revitalization is palpable. Local officials and community leaders are being urged to collaborate with the FAI and Kilkenny & District League to create a plan that will breathe new life into the historic grounds. The emotional connection to the park runs deep, with memories of crowds exceeding 3,000 fans during key matches still fresh in the minds of supporters.

In recent discussions, stakeholders have emphasized the need for a community-driven initiative to transform Buckley Park into a modern facility that meets the needs of today’s youth. “We envision Buckley Park as a thriving soccer stadium once again, a place for kids to train and develop their skills,” said Tom Cantwell, a key figure in the club’s history.

The club’s rich legacy, from its humble beginnings to its impact on local and national soccer, is a testament to the dedication of its founders and supporters. However, the future of Emfa AFC and Buckley Park now hinges on mobilizing community support to create a sustainable model for soccer in Kilkenny.

As fans and former players rally for this cause, the message is clear: the time to act is now. The community awaits a response from local authorities, hoping for a positive outcome that will pave the way for a bright future in Kilkenny soccer.

With the anniversary just around the corner, the call to restore Buckley Park has become a rallying cry for all those who cherish the game in Kilkenny. Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.