CELTIC have confirmed the sad news that former Celtic player Pat McCluskey has passed away at the age of just 68.
On the club’s official website this morning Celtic paid this tribute to an outstanding former player on his passing.
“Everyone at Celtic Football Club is saddened to hear of the death of former player, Pat McCluskey, who has passed away at the age of 68.
“Pat played for Celtic between 1969-77, making 191 appearances for the club and scoring 13 goals. A versatile player, who could be deployed in a number of positions, and who always gave his all for the Hoops, his competitive debut came in a Scottish Cup tie against Albion Rovers in February 1972, when he replaced Dixie Deans in a 5-0 win for Celtic.
“In that 1971/72 season, Pat made a total of eight appearances, which included playing both legs of Celtic’s European Cup semi-final clash against Inter Milan.
“During his time with the club, he won three league titles – including the season when Jock Stein’s side clinched their ninth league title in a row – two Scottish Cups and the League Cup, while he also played in the 1974 European Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid.
“Pat later had spells with Dumbarton, Airdrie and Queen of the South, as well as a season in the United States, and would later be a popular matchday host at Celtic Park alongside some of his former team-mates.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic are with Pat’s family and friends at this very sad time.”
The Celtic family have also being paying their respects to Pat McCluskey on social media, with just a selection of the many heart-felt messages of condolences below…
Sad to hear the news about Pat McCluskey. Shared many happy years and many laughs with him growing up at Celtic. Fantastic company as well as a very good player. RIP Paddy. Gone but never forgotten.
— Sir Kenny Dalglish (😷) (@kennethdalglish) August 25, 2020
Sad to hear of the passing of Pat McCluskey, he was one of those tough, no nonsense players who added steel to the Celtic defence or midfield. A Celtic fan all his, he lived a dream playing for Celtic #RIP pic.twitter.com/MPOfBwh9sz
— Lisbon Lion (@tirnaog09) August 25, 2020
Saddened to hear ex-Celt Pat McCluskey has passed away, a cracking guy who i met a few times at Celtic Graves and Vegas events.
A liked him as a player, fearless who got right in aboot it. Was fortunate to see him play in almost all his games for @CelticFC
God rest you Pat 🙏
— jamief (@jamiebhoy2009) August 24, 2020
Pat McCluskey, Celtic Player 1952-2020
Sadly passed away yesterday, our condolences to his family. RIP 🍀🍀🍀
“He works on the principle, the bigger they are, the harder he hits them”.
Biog: https://t.co/KF9axuPdzq#CelticAtoZ pic.twitter.com/WVchEPpd3y
— JoeBloggsCity (@joebloggscity) August 25, 2020
Pat McCluskey – 1952-2020 ☘️
189 Celtic appearances, 12 goals
Won 3 titles in Celtic’s first 9-in-a-row
2 Scottish Cup and 1 League Cup winners medalsHe lived our dream. Rest in Peace, Pat pic.twitter.com/rDo2NOoZkA
— The Shamrock Magazine☘️ (@TheShamrock1888) August 24, 2020
Going through old Celtic Views and happen to turn the page directly onto this picture. Very poignant.
God bless Pat McCluskey 🍀 pic.twitter.com/FLG1xpefKb
— The Cynic (@90MinuteCynic) August 25, 2020
Sad news about Pat McCluskey. Was too young to remember seeing him play for us. Do remember seeing him at the Celtic Graves Commemoration for Andy McAtee a few years ago paying his respect to a fellow local Celt. Obviously a good Celtic man. pic.twitter.com/Rc0dH3xdqq
— Johnny Browning (@discolite71) August 24, 2020
Sad news about the passing of Pat McCluskey, a fine player for @CelticFC when I was a boy. May he rest in peace and my thoughts are with his family. HH pic.twitter.com/97ojxfuSg6
— Celtic Gossip (@CelticGossip) August 25, 2020
My auld man described him as an exceptional player. He did bit for Celtic and deserves to be remembered. Thoughts are with family and friends. God rest you Pat McCluskey.🍀💚 pic.twitter.com/8Y4dr8fML3
— Gary Bhoy (@Somerset_Tim) August 25, 2020
