The Belfast Celtics were an off shoot of a very successful college team at St Malachy's which had won a few schools All Ireland Championships.. Although the Celtics played competitively they quickly realized they were not good enough to compete for the All Ireland Championship. As a result of an intensive recruiting campaign they significantly improved their club in both skill and size. Success quickly followed with four consecutive All Ireland Club Championships during the 60's.. At one stage Ireland's national team included eight Celtics team members.
1961 All Ireland Championship - Runners Up
From 1961 - 1962 thru 1964 - 1965 the Celtics represented Ireland in the European Club Championships as the Irish Champions.
Despite their success the teams uniforms and gear did not reflect the same stature. So at some point in time the Belfast club solicited assistance from the perennial NBA Champion Boston Celtics. The Boston organization came thru with the uniforms and gear as would be expected from the best team in the world at that time.
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