Irish defender Pierce O’Leary signed for Celtic back in November 1984 in a reported £50,000 deal from Canadian side Vancouver Whitecaps, and was determined to make his mark at the top level of football…
Towering Dublin born centre back O’Leary had already won seven caps for the Republic of Ireland national side, but was determined to lay down a bigger marker at the top level, and try to emulate some of the success of his much more famous older brother David who had carved out a successful career down south with Arsenal, as well as being a mainstay in the Republic of Ireland national side.
A Scottish Cup winner in 1985
The Dubliner made his debut for the club in a 2-1 Scottish Cup win at Hamilton Accies on 30th January 1985, and would end his first season as a Scottish Cup winner after appearing as a substitute in the Hampden win over Dundee United.
A masterstroke from Davie Hay turned the final in Celtic’s favour
His substitution was seen as something of a masterstroke by Davie Hay, as it allowed Roy Aitken to step into midfield in a game that resulted in a memorable 2-1 win for the hoops after fighting back from a goal down to seal a dramatic comeback.
Pierce O’Leary was there at Love Street, ’86
The following campaign was a big one for Pierce, as he aimed to make his mark in the first team, although unfortunately for the centre back, he saw his game time limited due to pelvic problems, but made enough appearances to earn a league title medal after Davie Hay’s side won the title in the most dramatic of circumstances after a last day title win at Love Street.
A Proud day for the O’Leary family
At the start of the following campaign, Pierce would have the proud and distinctive honour of skippering the side in his brother David’s testimonial against Arsenal at Highbury.
Celtic ran out 2-0 winners against the English side, in what would have undoubtedly been an unforgettable and memorable moment for not just Pierce, but the entire O’Leary family.
Pierce scored his first goal for the club in a 1-0 win over St Mirren at Love Street in late November 1986, and was in and out of the side in what was to prove a disastrous campaign for the Hoops, which seen a resurgent Rangers win the title, leading to the inevitable dismissal of Davie Hay.
Pierce’s last game for the club was an unfortunate one for the player as he was one of the main culprits in a 4-1 defeat against Dundee at Dens Park, although to be fair to the Irishman, he was utilised that day in the unfamiliar position of left back.
Injury problems cut short Pierce O’Leary’s playing career
He had a fresh start under Billy McNeill, but injury curtailed his entire season, and as it turned out his footballing career as he failed to make an appearance in the iconic centenary double winning campaign.
Pierce was released at the end of the 1987/88 campaign, and would ultimately retire from the game after he failed to find a club due to his injury issues, and stayed in Scotland carving out a career in the business sector.
All in all Pierce O’Leary made 51 appearances and scored one goal for Celtic Football Club.
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