Author Archives: celtic

Charity the winner as fans enjoy a night with Broony and Mika

A jubilant crowd celebrated an array of triumphs and special memories on Thursday night as the Celtic Family welcomed home two of their own and raised a lot of money for charity in the process.

‘A Night with Scott Brown & Mikael Lustig’, proudly presented by Shaun Ennis, took place at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow as the two fan favourites joined forces with some very special guests to mark their return to the city and say a special goodbye to the Celtic fans.

And, thanks to the incredible generosity of Shaun, Scott, Mikael and every individual who took part on stage or bought a ticket for the event, an incredible total of over £100,000 is now being donated to Celtic FC Foundation.

It was an evening full of celebration, laughter, reflection, hope and poignant memories.

Following a live music performance by Liam McGrandles, there was a rapturous reception from the crowd as Mikael Lustig and Scott Brown were welcomed on to stage.

The first special guest to join the Bhoys on stage was the man who signed Scott Brown for Celtic back in 2007, and Gordon Strachan had everyone in the palm of his hand as retold hilarious tales. He also joined Scott in a touching and moving tribute to Tommy Burns.

The arrival of Ange Postecoglou on stage sent supporters into raptures, and the Celtic manager was on stage for almost five minutes before the singing subsided. He spoke of his pride in the team’s achievements and his passion for deliver further success to the club, while he also paid tribute to the wonderful contributions that both Mikael and Scott made to Celtic.

There was a further musical interlude featuring Alan Cranney before Callum McGregor, Greg Taylor and Scott joined Scott and Miakel on stage, with the current Celts bringing on the SPFL trophy and the League Cup. The trio shared memories of Mikael and Scott and the fantastic influence they both had in the dressing room and beyond.

Finally, the group were joined by Charlie Mulgrew and Jozo Simunovic, with the former telling tales of Broony hitting a Scotland coach on the head with a bread roll on one occasion, and squaring up to a kangaroo on another. And we wouldn’t have Jozo in the room without talking about THAT tackle and THAT goal, as well as his memories of Mikael and Scott.

For the finale, the Bhoys were joined on stage by Shaun Ennis who was humbly thanked on behalf of Celtic FC Foundation, as Alan Cranney led the crowd in a rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Scott Brown then ended with a few very touching words of thanks, on behalf of himself and Mikael, for the wonderful support the fans had always and will always give them and their families.

Speaking after the event, Shaun Ennis said: “It was an absolute honour to work with Broony and Lusto on this event and it was humbling that so many huge names in the game gave up their time to support our efforts.

“There was only ever going to be one beneficiary and that was Celtic FC Foundation. I feel so passionately about the work they do to support those are vulnerable in our local communities and I am incredibly proud of the funds raised last night to lend a hand going forward. Thank you so much to everyone who played their part.”

Tony Hamilton, Chief Executive of Celtic FC Foundation, added: “It was an absolutely wonderful evening, in honour and celebration of two magnificent former Celts in Scott and Mikael.

“We are exceptionally grateful to Shaun Ennis, Scott and Mikael for this phenomenal gesture of support to Celtic FC Foundation and also to Gordon, Ange, Callum, Greg, Scott, Charlie and Jozo for giving up their time to help make it such a special night.

“Thanks also to every supporter who bought tickets in incredibly challenging times for so many, when there are a huge number of competing priorities.

“This incredible donation in excess of £100,000 will make a monumental impact on our work as we continue to challenge poverty and promote inclusion, against a cost of living crisis backdrop.”

Thank you for making a difference.

Sutton & Thompson set for the Kilkenny Big Weekender

Wolfe Tone CSC are a well established supporters club based in Kilkenny. Regular travellers in and out of Dublin airport to Glasgow and Edinburgh will know all the familiar faces from over the years.

This year the supporters club celebrates 30 years on the road and have a big weekend planned with Special Guests from the MON era, Chris Sutton and Alan Thompson. Two team mates who gave us so many memorable moments and goals during their succesful time at Celtic.

Both are well known on the speaking circuit with Sutton carving out a great media career with his quick fire wit and his wind up of the rangers fans. More than 90 Minutes Editor, Andrew Milne will host two nights of celebrations.

The big one is on Saturday 17 June at the Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny for their Gala Dinner and anyone attending will also be able to attend a special evening on Friday 16 June at Egans Bar when Andrew will interview both players before opening up to the floor for a questions and answers special.

Tickets are avaialble from Luke at 00 353 85 1033133

Champions’ Badge Day will pay tribute to new Foundation Ambassador, Callum McGregor

Champions’ Badge Day will pay tribute to new Foundation Ambassador, Callum McGregor

With another convincing league title secured, Celtic captain Callum McGregor can now look forward to lifting the SPFL trophy for the second season-in-a-row, when the champions face Aberdeen in the climax to this year’s cinch Premiership.

Celtic FC Foundation are exceptionally proud and grateful to confirm that our captain has also very generously agreed to become a Foundation Ambassador.

Brother Walfrid & Michael Davitt Evening

If you want to hear about two Irish boys born 30 miles apart who helped create and shape the identify of Celtic Football Club.

Dr Michael Connolly will discuss the detailed research he undertook over a number of years which has led to invaluable new insights into Brother Walfrid’s life.

Paul McQuade from The Shamrock will present on the life of famed Irish patriot Michael Davitt and his detailed connections with Glasgow, Scotland and Celtic FC.

It is a free event. It starts at 7.30pm at Red Rosa’s, a new meeting venue on London Road – just down from St Alphonsus’ Church and up from the Calton Books shop and Lynch’s Bar. Drop us a line if you can make it – no booking required.

Special Mass at St Mary’s to remember The Great Hunger

Following on from the announcement regarding the Celtic jersey and our annual commemoration, we are pleased that supporters, church and club will all come together to recognise the tragedy of An Gorta Mor (The Great Hunger) ahead of the match against St Mirren this Saturday (May 20) at Celtic Park.

On Saturday, a Mass will also be held at St Mary’s in the Calton, the birthplace of Celtic, at 10am, to which all are welcome. Then at 11am, a wreath-laying service will take place at the Famine Memorial statue in the grounds of the church.

The origins of Celtic Football Club will forever be connected to An Gorta Mor and it is hugely important that we once again mark this annual memorial.

Unquestionably, the Great Famine was a transforming event in Ireland, which changed the demographic and cultural landscape forever. Indeed, there is nothing else in the history of the Irish people that can be likened to the Famine, either for its immediate impact, or its legacy of emigration, cultural loss and decline of the Irish language.

This year’s National Famine Commemoration, which will be led by President Michael D. Higgins, will take place on the site of the old Milford Workhouse and graveyard in Milford, Co. Donegal at 2pm on Sunday, May 21. As in previous years, the commemoration will include a wreath laying ceremony in remembrance of all those who suffered or perished during the Famine.

Celtic was established to help people whose families had previously escaped the devastation of the Great Famine.

It is important that we always remember the devastating and lasting effect which the Famine had on the lives of so many millions of people and we are pleased again to play our part in this year’s commemoration.

Celtic Park will be Buzzing

Celtic Park will be buzzing when the Bhoys return to action on Saturday at Celtic Park after a 4-1 win on the road last week. At a half empty Rugby Park. The demand for away tickets for Celtic away days has never been higher. Livingston seem now to be the only team in the SPFL willing to fill their stadium. When the bhoys come to town they cash in.

Any Celtic fan who was unlucky in last ticket ballot could be forgiven for being p*ssed off. When the TV cameras zoomed into all those empty stands. I’m sure local business would also be happy if those running Kilmarnock would wake up. How much revenue the club and local economy are losing on match days?

Celtic played some great football for the first 30 minutes with goals from Kyogo, Maeda and two from Matt O’ Reilly. The game seemed to fizzle out after that, and Celtic were comfortable winners. The early goals allowed Ange to shuffle the pack around with substitutions and give some of the youngsters a run out.

Celtic Park will be buzzing tomorrow , with only 6 points needed to wrap up back-to-back doubles under Ange the excitement is growing. Once the final whistle blows all talk will be of the semifinals of the Cup and the split fixtures.

After the game we will get the match reaction from former Celtic striker, John Harston and get a preview of next weekend’s semifinal. John joins us over at the number 10 hotel in the shadow of Hampden. John will be our special guest at our annual Gala Charity Dinner.

Celtic’s Woman also have a cup semi at Hampden to look forward to https://www.celticfc.com/news/2023/april/21/kelly-clark–we-will-do-everything-we-can-to-reach-another-final/

More than 90 Minutes Annual Gala Charity Dinner

After the success of our festival in Thailand with special guests Didier Agathe and Bobby Petta we are back closer to Celtic Park on Saturday Night when we host our Annual Gala Charity Dinner at the Number 10 hotel, Glasgow.

Our special guest on the Evening will be John Hartson as we continue or 20th Anniversary Seville themed events. I’m sure John will have plenty of stories on the night from that memorable run to the UEFA Cup Final.

John chipped in with some very important goals including the one against Celta Vigo in Spain. The goal that put us in Europe after Christmas for the first time since the early 1980’s and no Celtic fan will forget his goal in Anfield.

Music on the night will be provided by The Wakes front man Paul Sheridan and our chosen charity to benefit is the Kano Foundation.

There are a small amount of tickets left priced at £45. E-Mail info@celticfanzine.com to order your ticket and get more information.

More than 90 Minutes Issue 126 Out Now

It’s hard to believe it’s been almost 20 years since Celtic fans took over Seville. The players who took to pitch that night grace the front cover of More than 90 Minutes Celtic Fanzine Issue 126.

Inside this issue you can read about what the Celtic supporters got up to in Bangkok in Part 1 of the Trip 2 Thai 2 and what upcoming event we have planned.

The Editor, Andrew Milne is talking Celtic with Didier Agathe and Bobby Petta two players who have fond memories of that run to Seville and life at Celtic under Martin O’Neill. St. Margaret’s CSC celebrate 25 years on the road this year and in his editorial, he looks back on the early years of the club and some of those early away days.

He also pens Part 1 of Seville 20 years on and looks back at the how Celtic licked their wounds after been beaten on the away goal rule and crashing out of the Champions League to Basle. In the first part he looks at the run to the Quarter Finals of the UEFA Cup.

Eoin Coyne brings us up to date as Ange and the bhoys face the final hurdles ahead of back-to-back titles and back-to-back doubles. Rachel Lynch says “We are more than just the roots of the club” in her column as Celtic release the Irish tricolor inspired jersey.

David Potter takes us on a history journey throughout this packed issue of the fanzine starting with All Our Yesterdays. A look back at the month of April over the decades. With the Rangers waiting in the semifinal of the Scottish Cup he also looks back at previous encounters with them at this stage of the competition and the team they replaced at Ibrox. You know the team the one that went bust for not paying the Queen her taxes.

David takes us back to the years 1914 through to 1923 to give us not only a view of what Celtic were up to but what was happening throughout the World! Potters’ Players features Andy McAtee and George ‘Sonny’ Hunter. The Bould Bhoys “Glory to Their Name” is our featured book.

Martin Donaldson looks back at the first great Celtic Team. Paddy McMenamin article is inspired by a visit to Wynns Hotel in Dublin for the launch of Celtic Minded 5. As is Ciaran Kenny’s If You Know Your History article.

Liam Kelly writes about Dan McArthur, who was commemorated by the Celtic Graves Society recently and Hold the Back Page, well it has to be the 3-2 win over the Rangers to put Celtic 12 points clear and make it a very happy Easter.

You will also find all the regular features including the Anorak, Tim Molloy, Fan Focus, First, Worst and Leave the Best till Last and the John Fallon Column

Match Preview & Team News

Celtic are back in league action today with an away trip to Dingwall to take on Ross County.

As seems to be the case most week, Rangers had the chance to cut the gap at the top to six points, which they duly did when they beat Dundee United at Ibrox yesterday. With the Glasgow derby taking place next weekend, we don’t want to give them any encouragement with a slip up in the Highlands.

The team has been announced, and despite several injuries, it’s still quite a strong starting eleven. Hatate misses out altogether due to injury, with his countryman Iwata replacing him in midfield. This could see Iwata as the holding midfielder allowing Callum McGregor to push forward. Mooy, Abada, and Ralston are all missing.

Celtic Fans on Route to Dingwall

Two B team stars find themselves with a place on the bench, Ben Summers and Rocco Vata will be hoping to see some game time having starred for the B Team in the Lowland League.

Our record against County is favourable with four wins in the last four, we have played three times in Dingwall in this period and won 4-1, 3-1 and 2-0.

County are currently second bottom of the table, just two points ahead of Dundee United. They have won six, drawn six, and lost seventeen games this season. They have won two games since the start of 2023, both coming in Dingwall, a 3-0 win over Kilmarnock, and a 4-0 win over Dundee United.

The Celtic starting eleven are, Hart, Johnston, CCV, Starfelt, Taylor, McGregor, Iwata, O’Riley, Jota, Kyogo and Maeda.

Mick Kane hails from Glasgow. He has been hooked on Celtic since he went to his first game when he was 7. Celtic beat Hamilton 8-3 at Celtic Park on the 3rd of January 1987. His favourite player at the time, Brian McClair scored four goals.

He started going regular as a 16 year old when Celtic played at Hampden for the season, being a Southsider it meant a short train journey to get to Hampden. From then he has had a season ticket travelled around Europe for games as Celtic became the dominant force in Scottish football again. A nice change from growing up during Rangers run to 9 in a row.

Celtic’s Work Ethic Key to Success

After last weekends League Cup win over Rangers at Hampden, Celtic return to league action with a tricky away match to St Mirren.

We all know St Mirren are the only domestic team to beat Celtic this season, when they beat us earlier in the season in Paisley. I’m sure everyone at the club is focused on making sure a similar result doesn’t happen this time.

The Buddies are currently sitting 5th in the table with a record of 10 wins, 7 draws and 10 defeats. Their record in their last five matches has been mixed with 1-0 home defeat to Hibs, 5-1 defeat to Celtic in Scottish Cup, 2-1 defeat away to Motherwell, followed by a 1-0 win over Ross County and a 1-1 draw away to St Johnstone.

Rangers will be praying for a slip up from Celtic with them playing today earlier hoping to cut the gap at the top to six points.

The realisation is starting to seep through to some Rangers fans that they are a long way behind Celtic after last weeks win. Celtic controlled large parts of the game and should have won by a couple more goals, granted it did get a bit tense once they scored however the defence stood strong and snuffed out any chance of a Rangers comeback.

Is a treble incoming? It would take an almighty collapse for Celtic not to win the league, the Scottish Cup might be a bit more trickier due to the nature of knock out tournaments, if we beat Hearts away in Quarter-Final then we would have a good chance.

The work ethic within the team and the overall play has been a joy to watch under Ange and we can only progress further under his leadership.