Celtic v the Rangers – Minute of Applause confirmed in memory of Duncan ‘Dunky’ MacKay

CELTIC have confirmed that there will be a minute of applause ahead of tomorrow’s Glasgow Derby against the Rangers at Celtic Park, in memory of the club’s former captain Dunky MacKay who passed away just before Christmas.

“A minutes applause will be held ahead of tomorrow’s Glasgow Derby in memory of former player, Duncan MacKay, who has passed away at the age of 82,” Celtic have tweeted this afternoon.

All 58k Celtic supporters at the game tomorrow will pay their respects by joining in the applause and the small group of away supporters also have the chance to show some courtesy and common decency.

The Celtic players wore black armbands on the away trip to Paisley on Thursday to play St Mirren but tomorrow is the first home match since Dunky’s passing and therefore this is the opportunity for the Celtic support to pa tribute to our former captain.

The club’s official website paid tribute to Duncan MacKay earlier today ahead of the Premiership match in Paisley.

“Everyone at Celtic Football Club is saddened to hear of the death of former player, Duncan MacKay, who has passed away at the age of 82.

“Dunky, who played for the Hoops between 1955-64, making 236 appearances and scoring seven goals, is rightly considered a Celtic great. His first-team debut came in August 1958, in a League Cup tie against Clyde at Shawfield, which Celtic won 4-1, and he soon established himself as first-choice right-back in the team.

“A highly-rated defender who was an early exponent of the attacking full-back role later honed by the likes of Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig, Dunky MacKay was a firm fans’ favourite and his leadership qualities were identified by Jimmy McGrory, who made him captain in 1961, succeeding Bertie Peacock as skipper.

“He would later pass on the captain’s armband to Billy McNeill for the start of the 1963/64 season.

“In November 1964, he moved to Third Lanark, before heading out to Australia where he would eventually settle after a brief return to Scotland. He also gained 14 caps for Scotland during his playing career.

“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic are with Duncan’s family and friends at this very sad time.

“The Celtic players will wear black armbands at today’s game against St Mirren as a mark of respect,” the official site advised.

Meanwhile Willie Wallace today posted for the first time in several months to pay his respects to Ian Young, another recent loss to the the Celtic family and he also had a word or two about tomorrow’s match against the “old enemy”.

“Sorry to hear that Ian Young who was a member of the first team squad when I arrived in 1966 at Celtic Park. It was very sad to read the messages of remembrance for all the lads.

“Looking forward to good result against the “old enemy” in the upcoming match. Thanks to everyone for all the good wishes at Christmas and special thanks to Sydney Celtic Supporters Club for a great trip to Sydney and for fantastic hospitality. Looking forward to a successful 2020 and Happy New Year to all. Hail Hail!”

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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