One of the most euphoric moments in a lifetime of watching Celtic

Well have you all recovered yet? Saturday was always going to be a day when emotions ran high but the moment Celtic broke away towards an empty net to seal the most unlikeliest of league triumph’s will honestly live long in my memory as one of the most euphoric moments in a lifetime of watching Celtic…

Delivering the ultimate joy

I doubt many of us will ever forget the last 15 minutes of that match as this team yet again left it late before delivering the ultimate joy. I doubt I’m the only one still recovering from the celebrations. Even hungover I haven’t yet been able to take the smile of my face.

This morning I spent time rewatching the game and the title winning celebrations at Celtic Park afterwards. The elation each and every one of us had on Saturday was matched by the players and coaching staff who I have never seen look so happy.

It was emotional watching them enjoy the fruits of their labour after being written off so many times this season.

A champions mentality 

There were times this season when I bemoaned the lack of quality in this squad, the one thing that can never be doubted however is their heart. They proved that even when the chips are down they possess a champions mentality that other sides in Scotland could only dream of.

There is life left in the old dog yet

Then there is Martin O’Neill, someone who has also been doubted this season. He proved that there is life left in the old dog yet.

The substitutions and decisions he made during the second half showed he still knows a thing or two about football. Each substitution made a huge difference. Going three at the back completely changed the game. If next weekend is to be Martin O’Neill’s swansong as a manager then he has proven that age is just a number. 74 and still going strong. A great manager never loses it.

Earlier in the campaign he stepped in and saved our season. He was stupidly let go and then had to return with Celtic in an even worse predicament than the first time after the Wilfried Nancy debacle.

Winning their final seven games

Somehow he managed to lift this team once again and by winning their final seven games, delivered the ultimate prize. I truly believe it would not have been possible without such a wonderful leader in the dugout. He deserves every bit of praise that will be lavished upon him over the course of the next week and beyond.

The fans made Celtic Park an absolute cauldron 

Finally a big thank you has to go to the fans who have made Celtic Park an absolute cauldron these past few weeks. Celtic supporters have been split in recent times regarding the Green Brigade and what that section provides in terms of atmosphere.

Callum McGregor said post match that he started to believe they could actually do it this season when they entered the split. He said the support from the stands lifted the players and made them believe it was possible. That was clear for us all to see.

In praise of the Green Brigade 

I genuinely struggle to see how anyone can think we are better off without that section. In full flow their support provides that extra bit of fuel needed to take the players to the next level.

Bringing them back when they did saved our season, although the board shouldn’t get too much credit. I’m pretty certain it was done for selfish purposes but it worked out well not just for them but for each and every one of us.

It is absolutely imperative moving forward that the club work closely with our Ultra groups to build a relationship that doesn’t disintegrate at the first sign of trouble. There will be times when each side disagree on certain things but being mature enough to work through it will be vital on both sides.

A day that lives with me forever

Saturday will be a day that lives with me forever. I hope you all enjoyed your day as much as I did. Moments like that should never be taken for granted, things can change in football very quickly as we have seen happen to countless clubs over the years.

Success is never guaranteed. We move on now to another Scottish Cup final and yet another chance at glory. The only thing that could derail us now is over confidence. Thankfully this team, and this manager, have proven when it comes to having the correct mentality, we don’t need to worry.

Conall McGinty

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