It’s Saint Patrick’s today, a big day in the calendar for numerous Celtic supporters. Over the years, there’s been plenty of Patricks connected to Celtic FC…
PAT BONNER
The Irish goalkeeper made his debut in 1979. By the time of his retirement in 1995, he had played for Celtic more than 600 times. Pat Bonner won all major Scottish domestic honours, as well as representing the Republic of Ireland.
PADDY CONNOLLY
A forward, Paddy Connolly was at Celtic from 1921-33, winning the title and three Scottish Cups. A popular figure with fans, he made almost 300 Celtic appearances, scoring 46 goals.
PAT CRERAND
Pat Crerand was a talented midfielder who enjoyed particular success in England. He was at Celtic from 1957-63 but won no major trophies. Then he went to Man Utd and won the English title, FA Cup and European Cup.
PATSY GALLACHER
The ‘Mighty Atom’ hailed from Donegal but grew up in Scotland. A skillful forward, Patsy Gallacher is Celtic’s sixth all-time top goalscorer. He won multiple trophies and is best remembered for a stunning goal in the 1925 Scottish Cup Final.
PADDY GALLAGHER
A half-back (midfielder), Paddy Gallagher played for Celtic in the 1880s and 1890s. He was part of multiple club ‘firsts’ including League title and competitive game. After retiring, he was often Celtic’s linesman, when clubs provided these.
PAT GILHOOLEY
A forward, Gilhooley spent four years at Celtic Park, from 1896-1900. He helped Celtic win the 1898 title and 1900 Scottish Cup. In total, he made 50 appearances, scoring 20 goals.
PAT McCLUSKEY
Midfielder Pat McCluskey was a Celtic player for eight years (1969-77). He played almost 200 times for the club, helping them win all the major Scottish domestic trophies.
PADDY McCOURT
The ‘Derry Pele’ was a talented winger who was on Celtic’s books from 2008-13. Popular with fans, he only played occasionally, but still turned out 89 times, winning the league and Scottish Cup.
PADDY ROBERTS
A popular winger, Paddy Roberts spent just over two years on loan at Celtic, from 2016-18. One of Brendan Rodgers’ Invincibles, he won all Scottish domestic competitions, playing 82 times in total.
PAT STANTON
Best remembered as a Hibs legend, Pat Stanton came to Celtic later in his career from 1976-78. He could play in defence or midfield, and helped Celtic win the 1977 title and Scottish Cup.
PADDY TRAVERS
A forward, Paddy Travers was at Celtic from 1911-12, part of the 1912 Scottish Cup winning team. He was later better known as a manager, achieving success with Aberdeen and Clyde.
PAT WELSH
One important Patrick wasn’t a player. Welsh was a Irish Rebel and once almost arrested by a British soldier. Instead, he was let go and allowed to go to Scotland. The soldier was the father of Willie and Tom Maley. The relationship between Maley Senior and Welsh later led to the two signing for Celtic.
Matthew Marr
If you want to learn more about Celtic history, follow Hail Hail History on Twitter/X. You can also take part in a FREE Celtic history walking tour. Visit celticwalkingtours.wordpress.com for more information.
Matthew’s debut Celtic book titled ‘The Bould Bhoys – Glory to their name’ was published by Celtic Star Books last year and is available to order HERE. This brilliant book is also available on Amazon Kindle for just £3.49 and includes all photo sections that appear in the hardback edition.
