Supporting Celtic is a family affair for many. It means sharing an affinity for a team, a club, and a heritage that runs deep. Supporters are often linked through generations, and the bonds of supporting Celtic can be as strong as those of many families, perhaps stronger in some cases.
On a recent trip to Scotland I had the opportunity to travel with my father to celebrate his 80th birthday. Of course, there were the obvious family reunions, get-togethers, and reminiscences that go along with any holiday. These were special and memorable, and well worth the trip.
Much of the schedule was organized around football and Celtic. A delayed flight and a snowy morning gave us a bit of a fright that we would not make the scheduled Motherwell v Celtic match at Fir Park. Fortunately, the weather improved, and the game went ahead. Pre-match hospitality at the ground was first rate, as was the conversation about football. Relatives had secured the hospitality tickets and there were three generations of our family in attendance. Although the match was a bit disappointing from a footballing perspective- an uninspiring goalless draw played on a rough surface in the bitter cold. Still, it was great to be together to watch The Bhoys and enjoy the occasion with an enthusiastic away support.
Many memories were recalled. My dad told about being a youngster in the school boy enclosure at Hampden when Celtic won the Scottish Cup in 1951 one-nil over Motherwell on a goal from John McPhail to win Celtic’s first trophy since before WWII. That was long before my time, obviously, but Fir Park was the scene of my first away game in 1977 when Celtic drew 2-2 with the Steelmen on goals from Ronnie Glavin (pen.) and Johannes Edvaldsson on another cold March afternoon. “Big Shuggie” Edvaldsson, Danny McGrain, Tommy Burns, Alfie Conn and Roy Aitken were all part of that team, and I did not know that night that they would go down in club folklore. Kenny Dalglish played too in his last season as a Celt- and I still haven’t forgotten the pain of his transfer at the end of that campaign.
The international break meant that there would be a fortnight between Celtic matches, but a visit to Celtic Park was arranged. Years ago, I remember my mum and dad getting me into Celtic Park in the days before tours were a money spinner for the club. Jim Kennedy allowed us entry through the front door – no one was made to feel particularly welcome in those days. I had a picture taken with club legend, Jimmy McGrory, but unfortunately the gleam off the Scottish Cup reflected onto the polaroid, spoiling a pic for the ages, for me at least. Good times, and good memories.
Celtic Park in 2018 was a much-changed site. The approach to the ground still brought that sense of awe and pride that takes over every fan that walks up Kerrydale Street – now The Celtic Way. The murals, statues, and general upkeep around the stadium are truly first class, and the welcome into Celtic Park much warmer, although more expensive as well. The tour was first rate, and much more comprehensive than I remembered it previously. While there was no Jimmy McGrory on hand, there was another great Celt of the past present during our visit, none other than the Portuguese scoring machine of the 1996-97, Jorge Cadete. While fathers and sons, mothers and daughters too probably, often have quibbles about team selections and the merits of certain players, there was no argument that the season Jorge Cadete spent in the Hoops was a special one, and his goals a delight to watch. Would we still be talking about the significance of achieving 10 in-a-row had the club been able to hold onto The Three Amigos of that era?
Walking through the tunnel and up to the field at Celtic Park was a delight for young and old alike. Although the stadium was empty on that Good Friday morning, it would be near to capacity a day later when Celtic took on Ross County in a home fixture that was most memorable for its ease of victory with the champions overpowering the highland visitors 3-0.
Time guarantees nothing. It might have been the last time my father and I journeyed to Celtic Park to watch The Bhoys. Still, it was a fantastic day out and a wee sing-song in the Kerrydale Suite and later in Lynch’s Bar off London Road made the occasion special. We returned to Canada on Easter Sunday, thankful for the opportunity to reunite with family, and share a common love for an institution that is more than just a football club.
Paul O’Rourke (aged 53)
James O’Rourke (aged 80)
St Catharine’s, Ontario, Canada
WRITE ABOUT CELTIC ON THE CELTIC STAR
IF you would like to write for The Celtic Star please email your contribution – on any Celtic related subject of your choosing to editor@thecelticstar.co.uk and we’ll do the rest…
