RIP Tommy Callaghan…Celtic’s superstar from Cowdenbeath…
We received some sad news this morning when it was reported that former Celtic player Tommy Callaghan had passed away at the age of 78.
Remember the day that popstar Ellie Dixon was up at Celtic Park to sing Jota on the wing? You might recall enjoying the video of Ellie also serenading Tommy Callaghan…you have to watch this….
My cousin just sent me this. On you go Tommy Bhoy 😂🍀 @erincallaghanx @elliedixoon pic.twitter.com/aKZC6c6IHn
— Sean McDonald (@seanmcdonald01) April 8, 2023
Tommy signed for Celtic in 1968
Tommy held the distinction of being the only player to be signed twice by the legendary Jock Stein and he had a very memorable playing career.
Tommy signed for Celtic in 1968 shortly after helping Dunfermline win the Scottish Cup. The club parted with the pricy sum of £35,000 for Tommys services, which was a record fee for the club at that time, and it showed how much he was regarded by Jock.
Tommy scored on his debut against Partick Thistle, indeed becoming the first Celtic player to score on his competitive debut in 11 years.
Despite his dream start it took Tommy a while to get to grips with playing alongside the likes of world class performers Bobby Murdoch and Bertie Auld who were legendary figures at the time due to clubs success on three big stage, and Tommy might have naturally thought that he was ‘inferior’ to them such was their status, but he couldn’t have been more wrong.
Tommy’s ability shone through
Tommy’s ability shone through however and he would go on to become a prominent member of the Celtic side making a total of 284 appearances scoring 33 goals in his six years at the club. Winning six league titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups along the way.
Tommy remained a popular figure around Celtic Park on match days right up until the past few weeks and will be missed by his family, friends, colleagues at Celtic Park, the wider Celtic support as well as the good people over at Dunfermline Athletic.
Tommy’s brilliant interview with Matt Corr
There’s a brilliant interview with Tommy on The Celtic Star today (link below) which was done by Matt Corr and it’s well worth a read on this very sad day.
RIP and god bless Tommy, you will always be remembered with great fondness by the club and supporters alike.
We are saddened to hear that former player, Tommy Callaghan passed away early this morning at the age of 78.
The thoughts and prayers of everyone at #CelticFC are with his friends and family at this sad time.
Rest in peace, Tommy 💚🍀
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) October 25, 2024
Just an Ordinary Bhoy