Celtic Graves: Yesterday’s commemoration of Peter Somers

CELTIC GRAVES – PROMOTING HERITAGE AND SO MUCH MORE

I took a trip out to Hamilton for the commemoration of Peter Somers, who although only 36 when he died had left his mark on Celtic and a number of other clubs during his short life. The event was put together by the team at the Celtic Graves Society and by kind permission of the Somers family.

Peter was part of the first Celtic team to win 6 league titles in a row back in early 1900s and formed part of one of the most famous front 5 in Celtic’s history. With over 200 appearances and 62 goals, Peter helped establish Celtic on the field in the club’s early years.

Parking the car at the Cemetery, I spoke with a few other people who had made their way from various parts of Scotland for the commemoration. After a quick chat we all made our way to the grave side and newly cleaned headstone.

An introduction from our hosts at the Celtic Graves Society gave the tribute from the Somers family and set the scene for Peter’s career with Celtic, the honours won and anecdotes from during his time at the club.

David Potter then gave an account of that great Celtic team of the early 1900s, singing songs of the famous 5 of Bennett, McMenemy, Quinn, Somers and Hamilton. I know that I won’t ever sing this little piggy the same way again!

We were then given more details on Peter’s life away from Celtic from the Hamilton Accies historian Peter McLeish, telling the story of Peter Somers quick graduation from Hamilton Accies to Celtic, to Blackburn back to Celtic and finally back to Hamilton. Peter’s Iove of the game that kept him scouting for Hamilton after he stopped playing and ultimately his premature death in 1914.

Finally flowers were laid from a Celtic fan who had made the trip from across the Atlantic ocean.

Normally a visit to a cemetery can be a difficult, but the work of the members of the Celtic Graves Society and the guest speakers ensured everyone there left with a positive memory of a player who achieved so much in his career.

This is only the second CGS event I have been to and the work that the team put in to pull all this together is amazing. If you get the chance, you should make the effort to get along to their events.

Martin Donaldson

Photos with thanks to @photobhoy – photographer for @celticgraves

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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