|
|
|
| Belfast Celtic Slide Show at Falls Bowling Club |
Friends and members of the Belfast Celtic Society are cordially invited to the presentation of the late Bill McKavanagh's classic Belfast Celtic Slide Show in the Falls Bowling Club, Andersonstown Road, Belfast at 7.30pm, Monday 25th January 2010.
The Falls Bowling Club, otherwise known as Fruithill, is next door to the White Fort Inn. Click here for a map of the area.
|
|
|
Because the Club is a licensed premise, people under 18 years are unfortunately not admissible. While admission is free, there will be a voluntary collection on the night to give to the McKavanagh Family to donate to Bill McKavanagh's favourite charity
|
|
| Society Funds Go To Children's Hospice |
One of the main goals of the Belfast Celtic Society is to raise funds for worthy causes. The Society’s annual Christmas donation was made to the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. Amid the seasonal snow and ice, Society Chairperson Padraig Coyle visited the hospice in Newtownabbey to hand over two cheques to fund raiser Stefani Butler.
“This is a wonderful gesture from the Belfast Celtic Society,” says Stefani. “We’re constantly looking for support and help for the Hospice and this gift is gratefully received." The Hospice is a local charity caring for local people which each year cares for
over 3,000 adults, children and young people with life-limiting and life threatening conditions.
|
|
Society Chair Padraig Coyle with Stefani Butler |
“We’re delighted to make our £500 donation to help the incredible work that is done by the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice,” commented Padraig. “On top of that we have also received a personal donation from honorary member Josh Sloan for £25 which we’re pleased to pass on.”
The adult hospice is based at Somerton House, Somerton Road, Belfast and the children’s hospice at Horizon House, O’Neill Road in Newtownabbey. There is no charge for hospice care. It is available on the basis of need. The organisation does receive some funding from government but still relies heavily on donations and legacies to fund much needed services. You can read more about the work of the Hospice or make a donation here.
|
|
| Paddy Bonnar - "To him this was a sacred place and he was right" |
 |
It's ironic the way things turn out in life. We all went to the unveiling ceremony in St James along with Charlie Tully Jr and Jimmy Jones. What a fantastic day. It's funny seeing some of the old squad painted on the wall. As I look at Paddy, memories come flooding back. Paddy could always keep you amazed of his experiences playing for Belfast Celtic. Paddy Bonnar's son-in-law, John Boyle, tells us more here |
|
|
| Celtic Take Centre Stage at Belfast's City Hall |
Belfast Celtic are the only club side in Ireland to be represented at a special sports exhibition in Belfast City Hall.
Running until the end of December, the exhibition, celebrating the creme of local sporting talent, puts Belfast Celtic centre stage, with a cabinet featuring priceless club memorabillia.
Items from Celtic stars Paddy Bonner, Charlie Tully and Bertie Fulton take pride of place next to caps and medals belonging to Manchester United star George Best and a statue of Olympic medallist Mary Peters.
The items on display include a special souvenir replica of the Coronation Cup, presented to Charlie Tully after he helped Scottish giants Celtic lift the trophy in 1953 and a jersey worn by Paddy Bonner when he ran out with the famous Belfast 'stripes'.
Bertie Fulton's 1936 Berlin Olympic personal security pass, a photo of the squad he played in and a letter from the IFA confirming his selection to the international panel, complete the illustrious selection available to the public.
|
 |
Relatives of all three Celtic stars attended a glittering opening for the exhibition, launched to raise awareness on the proposed new Ulster Sports Museum, planning for which has already begun.
As plans for this museum come to fruition over the next few years, the Belfast Celtic Society will continue to ensure the Grand Old Team takes pride of place among Ireland's sporting elite.
Admission is free to members of the public.
|
|
| Jimmy Jones Honoured at Football For All "Unsung Hero" Awards 2009
The IFA hosted a memorable Football For All Unsung Hero Awards Night in the Great Hall at Belfast City Hall on Saturday 21st November. The event was supported by the Community Relations Council, Pobal and Belfast City Council. Football For All Ambassador Colin Murray hosted the prestigious event which recognises the Football Volunteers who promote respect through Football and make such meaningful contributions to the community.
Belfast Celtic Legend and Society President Jimmy Jones received the Inaugural Football for All Legend Award. Other award winners were Crusaders FC’s Mark Langhammer (for visionary cross community work), World United Manager Paul Moffett (for innovative anti-racism work), Lisburn Distillery FC’s Mr. Paul Kalla (for outstanding domestic community relations work), Newtownabbey Striker FC’s Stephen Calvert (for outstanding contribution to women’s football), Moyola Park’s Jillian Lennox (for outstanding contribution to football as an unsung hero), Ballymena’s Billy O’Flaherty (for inspirational community relations work) and Special Olympics Ulster’s Declan O’Neill (for outstanding contribution to disability football). The Football for All Lifetime Achievement Award went to St Oliver Plunkett’s Jackie Maxwell.
|
Mayor Naomi Long with Mr and Mrs Jimmy Jones |
An emotional Jimmy Jones, commented, “I had a fantastic night and it meant a great deal to me and my family to receive a surprise award”. St Oliver Plunkett’s Jackie Maxwell, added, “I am surprised and delighted to receive the FFA Lifetime Achievement Award. Football is a big part of my life and to have this recognition from the Football Community is very rewarding”. |
|
Born a Bhoy - Still a Bhoy
Jimmy Overend is 85 years old and has been a lifelong Celtic supporter. He lives in St James' in the shadow of the former Celtic Park site. He sent this letter to the Society whilst renewing his membership. "My date of birth is 1st July 1924. Back then I became the first boy after three girls in the family. My father was a Belfast Celtic fanatic. So my first ever game had to be Belfast Celtic vs Glasgow Celtic in a charity game here across the road at Celtic Park on May 28th 1928.
You can read the rest of Jimmy's reminiscences here |
|
|
| |
|
Belfast Celtic and Me
Pound Loney born and bred, Tommy Carabine has been a lifelong Belfast Celtic fan. Tommy recalls the fervour and excitement which preceeded the Saturday afternoon kick-offs, getting a lift over the turnstiles into the ground and the encounters with Jackie Vernon and Charlie Tully on the front of the road that tickled him as a boy. He recalls the disbandment of the club and the dispersal of many of the players to England where Tommy himself later ended up. Tommy recounts his lifelong relationship with Belfast Celtic to his son Richard here. |
|
 |
Jimmy Donnelly Honoured at Annual General Meeting held in Belfast
In spite of the terrible weather conditions there was a good turnout for the Belfast Celtic Society AGM on Tuesday 20 th October at the West Belfast Sports Club. Once again, the hospitality extended by the venue staff was top class. It was great to see Society president Jimmy Jones and his son Trevor, who made the journey from Lurgan and another former player Gerry Burrell was also present. |
|
| Paul Campbell, son of Johnny, represented the Campbell family, while there was the first attendance at an AGM of Liz Hargreaves, a relative of Lish Scott who played a key role in the work at his graveside over the summer months. The meeting began with a warm word of tribute to former committee member Jimmy Donnelly, who has decided to step down as Society Vice President this year. The Society will be forever grateful to Jimmy for his help and encouragement and we look forward to seeing him at future events. Read more about the AGM here. |
|
"Charlie Tully. Celtic's Cheeky Chappie"
Dan McGinty reviews Tom Campbell's book "Charlie Tully. Celtic's Cheeky Chappie". At last the Celtic support, of both Belfast and Glasgow, has a history of one of its most famous characters. Charlie Tully is perhaps our best example of the oral tradition of the two Celtics. Everyone growing up with the constant presence of the green and white hoops knows and loves Charlie. Whether we learned his tale from a father or grandfather, an old schoolteacher or a treasured older Celtic fan, Charlie Tully was a central part of the Celtic story, and with each retelling his legend grew greater, his exploits more daring and his character even more larger than life. Read the rest of the review her. |
 |
|
|
 |
Tommy "Hop" Breen
Drogheda man Brian Whelan is writing a book on the history of League of
Ireland stalwarts Drogheda United. Former Belfast Celtic keeper Tommy 'Hop'
Breen was born in Drogheda and played for the local team. Brian was browsing through the Belfast Celtic website one day with the hope
of finding some information on Tommy Breen and was delighted to find a few
reminiscences in the Memory Lane pages.
"When I came across a couple of stories about Tommy, it got me thinking about stories that Belfast Celtic supporters might have of him," says Brian. "The book is intended as a nostalgic look back on the |
club's history. The idea is to interview as many people as possible and then put all the stories together.All proceeds will go to the local Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre, set up
by ex-Leeds United and Irish international Gary Kelly."
Anyone out there who would have any stories or pictures of Tommy Breen, or
know any Breen family members, please contact Brian Whelan.
|
|
|
|
| First Hoops for Belfast Celtic's Minister for Defence |
| He went from wearing Belfast Celtic’s hoops to serving as Ireland’s Minister for Defence. Before his death, Oscar Traynor was a 1916 veteran, former political prisoner, former government minister, President of the Football Association of Ireland and Belfast Celtic Old Bhoy. The keeper was most likely the first Celtic player to wear the hoops. Martin from the Belfast Celtic Society brings us the riveting history of Oscar Traynor in this original and informative article. |
 |
|
|
| Cetic vs Kamraterne - June 1949 |
|
| Here is a photograph, courtesy of Chris Bradley, of the Belfast Celtic team lining out in New York on June 12th 1949 against the Swedish team, Kamraterne, for the last match of the tour of North America. Unfortunately Celtic were beaten 3-0 that day in front of a crowd of 12,000. Do you recognise any of the team members? Click on the picture for a larger image. Drop us a line here |
|
| Belfast Celtic Society Chairperson on Podcast |
| Celtic Underground have done it again. Following up on his recent excellent interview with Charlie Tully Jr, Eddie Pearson records an interview with Belfast Celtic Society Chairperson Padraig Coyle. Padraig tells the history of the Grand Old Team including the origins of the club and the invaluable support from Celtic FC that helped the Belfast club establish itself. You can hear the latest interview here or by visiting the Celtic Underground website. |
 |
|
|
| Marking the History of Ireland’s Most Extraordinary Team |
| |
|
 |
Damien Lindsay, Youth Outreach Worker in the St James area of Belfast shares his thoughts on the recent new wall mural honouring Belfast Celtic.
"Over the summer holiday period of 2009, a general clean up of the St James area of west Belfast was planned – a partnership between the local Residents Association and Youth Outreach Workers assigned to the district. |
|
| Several places of concern were targeted for action, usually areas used as gathering spots for teenagers, many of whom were consuming alcohol and other substances". Damien continues the story here. " |
|
| Celtic View Covers the Grand Old Team - Again! |
| The Celtic View's recent coverage of Belfast Celtic Society events was extended this week to include in-depth coverage on the life and times of Charles Patrick Tully. The four page spread includes an interview with Charlie Tully Junior and details on the work of the Society. You can see the coverage in PDF-format here and here. Or better still, subscribe to the Celtic View here. |
 |
|
|
 |
Celtic FC – the Ireland Connection
Rain forests have been ravaged in recent years, as never ending streams of pulp are pumped out by publishers on the phenomenon that is Celtic. Turgid player autobiographies compete for bookshelf space with second rate football hacks, whose hurried and badly written volumes are churned with an eye on the Christmas shopping markets rather than literary biblioteques.
If in doubt, type ‘Celtic Football Club’ into Amazon.com and check what appears. Every so often though, a diamond emerges from the rough – and more often than not it comes as a passionate labour of love from one of our own homespun historians. More on Brian McGuirks book here.
|
|
| Get the pints in Elisha |
Belfast singer-songwriter Gary Maxwell has penned a special tribute to Belfast Celtic's Elisha Scott. Gary's grandfather, David, was an international football referee and a close friend of Scott's.
Indeed, the pair would often share pints at Celtic Park, earning themselves a regular dressing down from another great authoritarian manager - Gary's grandmother - upon stumbling into her Coolbeg Street home the worse for wear later in the night. Gary captures the 'Summer of 33', as Scott prepares to come home after his time at Liverpool, in this atmospheric track.
|
Scott in his goalkeeping days |
| |
|
| The song has been performed to crowds in Belfast and north Down, receiving warm welcomes wherever it has been performed. If you'd like to hear more of his music, please visit Gary's website . A full version of Elisha can be heard here The Belfast Celtic Society would like to thank Gary for his permission to reproduce the song on the website and wishes him all the best in his career. |
|
| The Life and Times of Cheeky Charlie with Charlie Tully Junior |
|
| |
|
A fantastic one hour interview with Charlie Tully Junior, on the life and times of his father, Cheeky Charlie, has been completed by Celtic Undergound website. In this interview, he talks about his father's life as a footballer with both Belfast and Glasgow Celtic, mentions the work of the Belfast Celtic Society and reveals a very special project which will be coming to fruition over the next few months, something the Society will be closely involved in.
There is also a very special treat at the end - when Charlie Tully himself gives us a rendition of "Celtic Are The Greatest Team". The interview can be dowloaded directly from the Celtic Underground website or by typing http://celticunderground.net into the ITunes store. This really is an interview not to be missed! |
| |
Also worth a mention is that the Belfast Celtic Society has commissioned a new Tully new badge to raise funds for the establishment of a permanent exhibition of Belfast Celtic memorabilia. Both badges are limited editions of 100. You can purchase the badges for £5.00 each (post and packaging included). |
 |
A new mural featuring Celtic legends Charlie Tully, Paddy Bonnar and Belfast Celtic Society President Jimmy Jones was unveiled in the St James's area of Belfast in July.
Belfast Celtic Society Chairperson Padraig Coyle was taken aback by the success of the events. “These gatherings allow us to touch the past and ensure that the memory of Belfast’s Grand Old Team will live long across the generations," he said. |
"Striker Jimmy Jones unveiled his own portrait on the mural painted by the children of St James’s in honour of Belfast Celtic and afterwards he was mobbed by fans and well wishers.
Charlie Tully Junior and Paddy Bonnar’s granddaughter Ciara also unveiled portraits of the legends. Hundreds of fans turned out for the occasion. You can see a short film of the making of the mural here |
|
| Elisha Scott was keeper of the Celtic traditions |
|
Dixie Dean, England and Everton’s acclaimed centre-forward, scorer of a phenomenal 63 goals in the 1926-27 season, had no hesitation when asked to name his top goalkeeper — “Elisha Scott” he replied instantly.
The Belfast Telegraph's Malcolm Brodie, one of Irelands leading football writers, examines the legend that was Elisha Scott. Read more here
|
 |
|
|
