The approach of Easter in 1916 probably did not mean much to the average Celtic supporter in Glasgow. The only real difference was that Easter Monday (April 24) would be a Holiday (a rare event in wartime Britain) and that Celtic would be playing Third Lanark, after they had played Hearts on the Saturday. Not that it really mattered of course, for Celtic, thanks to their heroics the week before against Raith Rovers and Motherwell (two victories on the one day!), were now League Champions for the third year in a row!

While this was going on in Glasgow, other more significant events were taking place in Dublin. St Stephen’s Green and the GPO were seized by Sinn Feiners of the Citizen Army and the Republican Brotherhood. Oddly enough, (well, maybe not, given wartime censorship) these events were not mentioned in the Scottish Press on the Tuesday morning.

Tuesday’s Courier and Glasgow Herald contain mentions of Roger Casement’s arrest for gun running, but nothing about the actual rebellion. That had to wait until Wednesday! Clearly, the British Government had been hoping that it would all go away. But “go away” it didn’t, and the “terrible beauty” was born.

Most Celtic supporters probably didn’t realise the significance of the Easter rebellion until years later. They were convinced however that their team in 1916 was virtually unbeatable!

From David Potter’s Archives (RIP)

The news was not positive on Saturday afternoon at full time at Ibrox. The rangers had beaten Dundee United to go top of the table. Easter is a time of prayer for many Christians around the World and I am sure there were a few said for Martin O’Neill and the current Celtic team ahead of Sundays trip up to Dundee.

With bottom of the table Livingston getting a 2-2 draw with Hearts before Celtic kicked off they moved back to the top of the league table the gap now between them and their Glasgow cousins was only a point. Hearts on 67 and the rangers on 66 points.

The pressure was now on Celtic to deliver at Dens Park. Oxlade Chamberlain started in the middle with Nygren and McGregor. This season Hatate has been blowing hot and cold and after one of his coldest performances against Dundee United before the international break. His afternoon was spent warming the bench.

When Yang opened the scoring after 9 minutes it eased my nerves slightly. Before the game I wrote it would be another nail biting Sunday and I was not wrong. At times it was like a slow form of torture watching Cvancara missing chance after chance.

His form in front of goal is a bit like Johnny Kenny earlier in the season. Celtic should have been out of sight with the wind behind them in the first half they were in complete control but yet could not find the back of the net again.

Martin O’Neill mentioned that the game should have been wrapped up at half time in his post match press conference and interviews but his and all our stress levels were about to go through the roof watching the second half.

Dundee with the wind in their backs came out and looked a different team and were rewarded for their efforts when Murray scored from the penalty spot in front of the Celtic fans.

We have had some great escapes this season under Martin O’Neill and today was no different. Iheanacho came off the bench to replace Cvancara and with 8 minutes of normal time left he scored the winner. Celtic were back in the title race.

After 7 minutes of added on time the referee blew the full time whistle much to the relief and joy of the Celtic fans in Dens and all those watching around the globe.

We Go Again next week we are at home for a traditional Saturday 3pm kick off when St. Mirren will be our dance partners. Celtic will be favourites at home. Hearts are also at home and kick off at the same time v Motherwell.

We have said before that Motherwell could play a big part in who wins the league. Could they spoil the party in Edinburgh? The rangers have to wait till Sunday for their midday kick off away to Falkirk who have also impressed this season could they also do Celtic a favour? But most importantly Celtic have to deliver again.

Its tense, it’s a hard watch at times but it is exciting. Celtic need to start taking advantage of the chances they are creating in front of goal and start converting them into actual goals or our nerves will be shattered by the time the season finishes!

Andrew Milne is Editor of More than 90 Minutes & Host of the Celtic Soul Podcast

 

More than 90 Minutes Celtic Fanzine Editor Andrew Milne Previews Sunday clash at Dens Park between Dundee & Celtic.