Hail Hail History – Take a Celtic Walk on the Southside

Whether it’s many of Celtic’s best days – or some of the club’s most tragic – Glasgow’s Southside has played a big part in the Bhoys’ history. The Celtic Star’s Matthew Marr takes you on this brilliant, bespoke Bhoys’ Walk on Glasgow’s Southside…

A new Celtic history walk tells the story of many sites in the Queen’s Park and Hampden area that have shaped Hoops’ history. It’s the latest in a series of history events run by The Celtic Star writer Matthew Marr. These tours aim to bring to life Celtic’s heritage, while promoting some healthy exercise too.

Multiple places in Glasgow’s Southside are part of the Celtic story. The most obvious is Hampden Park, not only the location of many cup victories – such as the famous 1953 Coronation Cup win – but also Celtic’s home venue on different occasions.

However there are many other locations too, including the second Hampden Park (now called Cathkin Park). This was where Celtic first beat Rangers in the Scottish Cup Final, amongst other events. It was also where Hibs won the 1887 Scottish Cup, a crucial event in Celtic’s foundation.

Just a bit further north is the original Cathkin Park. This witnessed Celtic first lose at an away game, but saw happier moments, especially the 1902 British League Cup victory over Rangers.

The tour considers sadder days too. The old Victoria Infirmary (now flats) was where John Thomson died in 1931 after a tragic on-field accident at Ibrox.

The full tale of these sites – and many more – are all part of the walk. There is no charge to attend. However participants that can afford it are encouraged to make a donation to charity, including the Celtic FC Foundation.

Keep an eye out later in 2024 for future dates. These will cover Southside walks as well as Celtic Matchday tours and a city centre event too. The latter one will take place on 31 May, marking the date and site of Celtic’s first ever trophy ceremony, 135 years ago this year.

You can get this information on The Celtic Star or by following Matthew’s Twitter/X page: @hailhailhistory.

“And if you know the history…”

Now let’s TAKE A WALK ON THE SOUTHSIDE…

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Welcome to the latest virtual Celtic tour (following Saturday’s walk, 6th January 2024). This time we are looking at the Bhoys’ links in the Queen’s Park area of Glasgow. Learn more about various Southside locations connected to Celtic’s history…

1. MCNEILL’S PUB – Located just off Victoria Road, McNeill’s Bar was once owned by Celtic legend Billy McNeill.Arguably the greatest Celt of all time, ‘Cesar’ led the club as captain and manager, most famously in Lisbon in 1967.

2. VICTORIA BAR – The Victoria Bar on Victoria Road was once owned by famous Celt, Jim Brogan. Defender Brogan was an important Celt in the 1960s and 1970s, winning multiple trophies and playing in the 1970 European Cup Final.

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3. EGLINTON PARK – Now known as Govanhill Park, Eglinton Park was a popular local football and sports ground in the late-1800s. Celtic (first XI and reserves) played against teams who called this ground their home (Victoria and Wanderers).

4. CATHKIN PARK 1 – The original Cathkin Park (Third Lanark’s home) is now houses. Celtic had many big games there, including winning the British League Cup, Glasgow Cups and Charity Cups. It’s also where Celtic first lost an away game.

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5. HOLYROOD SECONDARY – Opened in 1936, many Celtic fans and players have attended here, like Pat Crerand and Harry Hood. It’s now an SFA Football Performance School, with coaches having included former Celt Brian McLaughlin.

6. DIXON AVENUE – Many Celtic fans and players were raised in Govanhill. One example is Bobby Collins, born 1931. His parents married in a church house on Dixon Avenue. Collins enjoyed success at Celtic as well as Everton & Leeds United.

7. HAMPDEN PARK 2 – Modern day Cathkin Park was originally the second Hampden Park. Queen’s Park moved there in 1884. Celtic won different trophies at this venue, including the 1899 Scottish Cup and Glasgow Charity Cup.

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8. CATHKIN PARK 2 – From 1904, second Hampden Park became New Cathkin Park (New was later dropped). Celtic played there on various occasions against Third Lanark, until their demise in 1967. Celtic’s last appearance at the venue was 1964.

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9. HAMPDEN PARK 3 – In 1903, Queen’s Park moved to the current Hampden Park. Celtic were the first visitors (a 1-0 league loss in August 1903). Since then, the Bhoys have won multiple trophies there, and even used it as a home venue.