‘Room 107! A wee story about Bobby Lennox on his big day,’ Cairney

This is a big day in the life of Bobby Lennox, as a statue of him in action is being unveiled in his home town of Saltcoats.

Bobby was a great player for Celtic, not only a goal-scorer but also a hard-working member of the team who was always there on the big occasion. There was one moment, though, when he was possibly not quite as ‘on the ball’ as he might have been.

Many years after we had retired from playing football, the Lions were invited to a function in Dublin and flew over from Glasgow in the early afternoon of the chosen day. In the foyer of Jury’s Hotel, in the heart of the city, Bobby suddenly appeared from the crowd round the reception and shouted across to me “you’ve won a watch, Cairney, you’ve got me as a room-mate. Let’s go”.

As we walked across the foyer, I asked what room we were in and he consulted a piece of paper in his hand.

“107” he said and moved towards the lifts.

There was quite a crowd waiting so Bobby suggested that we take the stairs and that was all right with me. When we reached the first floor, however, all the rooms were from 200 up. “Must be in the basement” was Bobby’s next idea and we made our way down there but were disappointed again, as there did not appear to be any rooms there at all.

“Could I see that sheet of paper” I asked and he passed it over.

On it were the details that Messrs Craig and Lennox had arrived and booked into the hotel at 1.07pm; and when I looked across at his other hand, there was block of wood in it with a key attached and the figures 237 written on the wood!

Bobby, I feel I can speak for Celtic fans throughout the world when I offer my congratulations on this wonderful achievement. I hope that you and the family have a great day and I will be there in person just to make sure that you go to the right place!

Hail! Hail!

Cairney

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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