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The Belfast Celtic Society was established in November 2003 to encourage an appreciation, knowledge and awareness among the general public of the historical and cultural heritage of Belfast Celtic Football and Athletic Club. You can download our brochure here. You will need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader if you do not already have it. You can join the Society here.
The Belfast Celtic Society is an inclusive, non-sectarian, anti-racist organisation in the spirit of the Belfast Celtic Football and Athletic Club. Membership of the Society is open to individuals irrespective of age, gender, ethnic identity, nationality, sexual orientation, race, religion or political opinion. |
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| Hundreds keep Celtic’s flame burning |
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Hundreds of visitors kept the Belfast Celtic flame burning as the new museum at the Park Centre once again flung open its shutters. Visitors from all across the world – and closer to home – came on Saturday, August 7 to check out the items on display and relive the glory of Belfast’s Grand Old Team during the annual Feile an Phobail.
Among the visitors were relatives of Celtic legend from the 1920’s Jimmy Ferris and relations of Bobby McAuley, one of the players signed for Belfast Celtic after playing for the great Milford Street school side.
Linfield fan Ricky Hastings came bearing gifts, with a pile of precious press clippings and programmes from the 1940’s, which will now be lovingly preserved by the Society. You can read more about this exciting event here |
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Belfast Celts Reign Again in Paradise
Sixty one years after Belfast Celtic left the footballing stage, they have returned to Paradise. The Belfast Celtic Society’s new museum space was officially opened by star striker Jimmy Jones, Paddy Bonnar’s daughter Heidi Boyle and Mayor of Belfast Pat Convery on Saturday, July 3rd 2010.
Situated in a major unit inside the Park shopping centre, on the site of the old Celtic Park on the Donegall Road, the museum opening was tremendously received by hundreds of well-wishers and grand old fans. You can read more about the grand opening here. |
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Anti-Racism World Cup in Belfast
An important part of the work of the Belfast Celtic Society is to support worthy causes. Recently the Committee donated £200 towards the staging of this years Anti-Racism World Cup at the Donegal Celtic FC in Belfast from the 16th to the 18th of July.
The Anti-Racism World Cup (ARWC) was born in 2007 at a time when Belfast was experiencing an alarming upsurge in racist attacks across the city. You can read more here. |
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Celtic - Linfield Night Held in Belfast
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On Thursday 29th April, after a gap of 61 years, Belfast Celtic’s rivalry with Linfield was renewed for the first time when the Society held an evening of story telling and performance at Windsor Park.
The event was arranged through the efforts of the Irish Football Association’s Community Relations Department and Michael Boyd of the Irish FA explained that “the evening was an opportunity to celebrate the life of Belfast Celtic and to deal with the issues of the past” .
Read more about this historical night and future planned events here. |
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Glenavon Salute for Celtic Legends |
Belfast Celtic enthusiasts braved the elements to travel to a snowbound Mourneview Park in Lurgan on Tuesday, March 30th, as Glenavon rolled out the green carpet for two Belfast Celtic Heroes. Adrian Teer, Chairperson of Glenavon, and Vice-Chair Hubert Watson, welcomed the Belfast Celtic Society to pay tribute to Society President Jimmy Jones and his great friend and team mate Jackie Denver. Both men served both Glenavon and Belfast Celtic with distinction in the 1940's and 50's and both live a stone's throw from Mourneview Park to this day. |
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Organised by the Belfast Celtic Society, special framed jerseys were produced and presented to each player by Mayor of Craigavon, Meta Crozier, with an emroidered Society logo, under which each players' name is emblazoned. These are totally unique 'one off' strips, made in the old Belfast Celtic style. You can read more about this event here. |
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Podcast with Padraig
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. |
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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). |
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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.
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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.
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| 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Jimmy Jones Honoured at Football For All "Unsung Hero" Awards 2009 |
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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.
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| 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”. |
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Ghosts of Celtic's Past - 60th Anniversary l
Ghosts of Belfast Celtic’s past were raised on July 18th 2009 with two major events marking the 60th anniversary of the club’s demise.
The last resting place of Elisha Scott, Celtic’s iconic manager, was refurbished and unveiled by his son Billy, on his 90 th birthday and a wealth of fans and famous figures turned out to pay their respects. Afterwards, a new mural featuring legends Charlie Tully, Paddy Bonnar and Belfast Celtic Society President Jimmy Jones.
You can read more here.id |
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| 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.
You can read more about the AGM here |
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| A Grand Nite Out for the Grand Old Team |
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Over one hundred people came to the club rooms at Donegal Celtic for the successful Return to Paradise evening. Belfast Celtic Society president Jimmy Jones was introduced by Society chairman Padraig Coyle and given a huge welcome by the crowd. Padraig also acknowledged the presence of former players Jimmy Donnelly and Gerry Burrell. The audience also included the widow and family of Johnny Campbell, the nephew and nieces of Jackie Vernon, Charlie Tully junior, and Susan Gallagher and Clare Hill, daughters of club director Patsy McAlinden. You can read more here . |
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| Return to Paradise |
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Fans of Belfast’s Grand Old Team are getting ready for another fantastic night of nostalgia, Return to Paradise. Raising the curtain on the latest evening of celebration, The Belfast Celtic Society invites Hoops fans to attend the event at Donegal Celtic’s clubrooms on the Suffolk Road on Friday, March 2nd. Five of the original cast members of Paradise, the play chronicling the history of the football club, will return to perform selected scenes from the production.
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The actors include Falls Road man Gerard Jordan, playing the inimitable ‘Cheeky’ Charlie Tully and Lalor Roddy, who will give a commanding performance as Celtic manager Lish Scott.
Star players from the era will also take questions from the audience and a timely boost has come from the Progressive Building Society, who has granted the Belfast Celtic Society a £500 Community Award to help gather and protect historic club artefacts.
Launching the event, society secretary Alan McKee, one half of the comedy duo Grimes and McKee, who feature in the play, said; “This is the third event in a series and it’s the big one – bringing Belfast Celtic back home to west Belfast. Our society passed best wishes to Donegal Celtic at the start of the season as they grasped the mantle of representing ‘Celtic’ in the Irish League and the venue is entirely fitting. We’d like to thank Raymond Bonner and everyone at DC for rolling out the green carpet and making us all very welcome.”
With funding from Progressive Building Society literally in the bank, the Belfast Celtic Society has issued an appeal for donations of memorabilia connected with the club.
Alan explained, “We’ve had horror stories of people fishing priceless items out of bins when the value of precious things like medals, jerseys, old books and pictures was missed. We’ve already started gathering important artefacts. For example, some player’s families have donated their league and cup medals and we have plans to exhibit these permanently. I appeal to anyone who has anything connected to the club – no matter how big or small - come along on the night and put your treasures in safe hands! Help keep the history of this great club alive forever!”
Graeme Norris, Area Manager with Progressive was on-hand at the launch of the event.
He said; “As a football fan, I recognise the importance of the Belfast Celtic Society to the local community and Progressive are delighted to present this donation through the eleventh round of our Community Awards, supporting groups working for the benefit of their local communities. Groups wanting to be considered for a Community Award should contact their local Progressive branch for details of the application process.” Belfast Celtic – Return to Paradise will be held at the Donegal Celtic clubrooms on Friday, March 2 from 8.00pm |
| You can read more about Return to Paradise here |
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Belfast Hoops Christmas Boost to Women’s Aid Hotline
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Belfast Celtic fans have given a timely boost to a special hotline helping families suffering from domestic violence. Three hundred pounds has been donated by the Belfast Celtic Society to the 24 Hour Domestic Violence Helpline, managed by Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland .
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Lorna Dougherty, Support Services Manager and Deirdre Teague, Helpline Manager at Women’s Aid |
with Paddy McIlroy and Padraig Coyle from the Belfast Celtic Society |
Padraig Coyle, Chairperson of the Belfast Celtic Society said; “Our society keeps up the Celtic tradition of charity and we are delighted to make this small donation at Christmas. “As well as a time of great joy, the festive period brings pressure on families and a service like this helps those in need of urgent assistance.
“Last year, we gave a donation to the Welcome Centre in the Falls area to help homeless people over the Christmas period. “This year’s donation is going to a similarly poignant charity. I’d like to wish all members of the Belfast Celtic Society a very merry Christmas and hope to see them all at our events in 2007.”
Deirdre Teague, Helpline Manager at Women’s Aid said; “Our 24-Hour Domestic Violence Helpline managed over twenty thousand calls last year. “Donations like this from the Belfast Celtic Society ensure we can let those suffering domestic violence know help is directly at hand. It is vital that communities work together to stop domestic violence and this is one goal for which the society is very much on target." If you need urgent help, contact the Women’s Aid helpline on 0800 917 1414. |
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| Belfast Mayor Welcomes Celtic Veterans |
Belfast Celtic’s magic was recalled this week, as former players and enthusiasts fulfilled two very special engagements. Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Pat McCarthy, received members of the Belfast Celtic Society in the Mayoral parlour.
Among the delegation was former star striker Jimmy Jones, badly injured during the Windsor Park riot of 1948 that rang the death knell for the grand old team and his former Celtic partner Johnny Denvir.
At the Errigle Inn the night before the society presented its Annual General Meeting, looking back on a very successful and nostalgia filled year. |
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| With several major events having taken place in the past year, society chairperson Padraig Coyle welcomed the opportunity to reflect, as well as building plans for the future to keep Belfast Celtic’s memory alive. Mr Coyle said; “Over the past year we have hosted two evenings in celebration of the Belfast Hoops, one at the Errigal Inn, the other in the Linenhall Library both of which were total successes. It is an honour and a privilege to accept the invitation from the Lord Mayor of Belfast to visit City Hall, recognising that Belfast Celtic is an integral part of the rich tapestry of the history of this city." |
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“Our society continues to keep the memory of the grand old team alive by collecting all sorts of memorabilia before it is lost through time and our membership has rocketed. I’ve been amazed by the amount of interest that still exists in Belfast Celtic, both here and beyond these shores, with people travelling long distances, sometimes across the water, to share their memories of Celtic. "
“Our society is very much committed to living out the ideals of the old club and we’ve been involved in several fund raising events, receiving a terrific response from the public. "On behalf of the society, we would also like to place on record our delight at the success of Donegal Celtic's promotion to the premier division of the Irish League." |
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JSociety President Jimmy Jones presents Mayor McCarthy with a Belfast Legends t-shirt
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| "It means that a team wearing the famous green and white hoops will grace senior football for the first time in nearly sixty years and that is bound to be a major boost for fans in the west of the city. We wish them well for the coming season. “Finally, we hope to outline some plans for work in the coming year, helping to ensure the legacy of Belfast Celtic remains fresh in the memory." |
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Click here to download the Belfast Celtic Society brochure You will need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader if you do not already have it. |
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