Bluebell United Football Club is an Irish association football club originally based in Bluebell, Dublin. The club's senior team plays in the Leinster Senior League Senior Division. The club has also fielded teams to compete in the FAI Cup, the FAI Intermediate Cup and the Leinster Senior Cup. Founded in 1946 in the Camac Park district of Bluebell, the club later relocated to its current home near Clondalkin.

In 2014–15, Bluebell were Leinster Senior League champions, 27 years after winning their previous title. Bluebell United would go on to retain the title again in the following 2015–16 season. The club are also known as the 'Bell.

History

Bluebell United Football Club was founded in 1946 at 9 Camac Park, Bluebell. 17-year-old Bert Curtis scored Bluebell United's first ever goal, coming against Bohemians in a minor league game. The club initially entered the Sunday Alliance League before joining the Athletic Union League. Bluebell moved to the Leinster Senior League for the 1970–71 season. In their first year at intermediate level, the club were runners-up in the FAI Intermediate Cup. The club did the intermediate double in 1981–82 when they won the FAI Intermediate Cup and the Leinster Senior League Senior Division.

Its pitch is located on the Naas Road at Capco Park, directly opposite The Red Cow, Moran Hotel.

During the 1999 season, a revamp of the football ground's playing surface was carried out. This project was part funded by a grant from the Irish National Lottery, the remainder was raised by organised events, plus funding from team sponsors and advertisers. All the club's committee members work on a voluntary basis.

In 2020, the club's then manager and a former player were arrested and put on trial for drug trafficking.

Notable players

Republic of Ireland internationals Fran Brennan Keith Fahey Shay Keogh

Republic of Ireland U21 international Paul Byrne Trevor Molloy Richie Towell

Republic of Ireland U19 international Mick Cooke

League of Ireland XI representative Eddie Byrne

Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr

Honours Competitions won by the club include: Leinster Senior League Champions: 1981–82, 1983–84, 1985–86, 1986–87, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017-18: 7 Runners-up: 1976–77, 1984–85, 1987–88, 1988–89, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12: 7 ? FAI Intermediate Cup Champions: 1981–82, 1989–90, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1999–2000: 5 Runners-up: 1970–71, 1982–83, 1991–92, 2003–04, 2008–09, 2012–13: 6

References