Martin O’Neill is set to be honoured in his hometown of Kilrea, with the Irishman set to be awarded the Freedom of the Borough and also a plaque in commemoration of his outstanding contributions to football and sport more generally…
The 74-year-old veteran boss returned to Celtic Park twice this last year, to help save the club from what was almost certainly a catastrophic event. The principal shareholder had dispensed with Brendan Rodgers’ services in October, after another infamous summer of discontent in relation to recruitment and the inner machinations of the footballing operation (or lack thereof).
Martin answered the call which his former employers made and came rushing in to help steady the ship, after a jarring few days for the supporters and playing staff. The former Treble winner and UEFA Cup Finalist guided the club through choppy waters and managed to go on an unbeaten run through to December time, beating our arch-rivals at Hampden Park along the way.
Then the Wilfred Nancy situation unfolded and left us all feeling morose about the current state of affairs at Paradise. Monsieur Nancy was subsequently relieved of his excruciating duties in the New Year and once again the club went shamelessly back to O’Neill with the begging bowl, after denying him the chance to win a League Cup, which would have now, as we know, secured a remarkable Treble on his return to Celtic.
Alas, O’Neill managed to steady the ship again and start to build momentum throughout the the last of the winter months and into the Spring, where we somehow still managed to keep touch with pace-setters Hearts.
Things looked precarious at various points, in no thanks due to the serious lack of quality in the squad Martin had inherited, and incomprehensibly unaided during the winter transfer window.
Notwithstanding that, the Hoops icon found a way to win – as Champions do. In a final day shootout with first place Hearts, we battled like never before and sealed a 3-1 win in the most dramatic of circumstances. It was as sweet as they come and it was all mainly down to miraculous works of the Saint.
An incredible journey and an incredible end to the season for a man that simply has no equal in modern Celtic folklore, when it comes to the managers job.
Now he will be rightfully honoured in his place of birth for the outstanding commitment and contribution to his craft. The council revealed, via Northern Ireland World: “That this council recognises and celebrates the outstanding sporting achievements of Martin O’Neill, a native of Kilrea, whose distinguished career has brought immense pride and recognition to Kilrea and the wider Causeway Coast and Glens Borough.
“Council notes his exceptional contribution to football both as a player and manager, including winning two European Cups with Nottingham Forest, captaining at the 1982 FIFA World Cup, and enjoying major managerial success with clubs including Leicester City, Celtic and Aston Villa. Council further notes his recent return to management with Celtic, culminating in the remarkable achievement of winning the league title at the age of 74, demonstrating his enduring leadership and contribution to the game,” they added.
“Accordingly, this council calls on officers to explore appropriate ways to formally recognise Martin O’Neill’s contribution and legacy within the borough, including the installation of a commemorative plaque or civic recognition in Kilrea and/or the awarding of the Freedom of the Borough. Council further agrees to engage with local stakeholders, sporting organisations and the O’Neill family as part of this process.”
God bless you, Martin!
Paul Gillespie
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