With the World Cup now well underway, stadia across the United States, Canada and Mexico has been in use… Of the 16 venues which are being used in this tournament, five of them have hosted the Celts at some time in the past, albeit sometimes under different names. Two of these are in Canada, two are in the United States and one is in Mexico, with that particular ground being arguably the most famous of them all. Canada In Canada, the two venues where Celtic have played are both in Toronto. In June 1985, fresh from Scottish Cup final glory…
Author: Matthew Marr
Matthew Marr
Matthew Marr first started going to see Celtic in the 1980s and has had a season ticket since 1992. His main Celtic interest is the club's history, especially the early years. In 2023, Matthew published his first Celtic book, telling the story of the Bhoys' first league title on Celtic Star Books. He also runs Celtic history walking tours.
Celtic sailed home on 1 July 1931, satisfied with a job well done and an army of new North American fans… They travelled on the Transylvania. In a strange echo of the Caledonia – on which Celtic had journeyed to the US – the Transylvania was requisitioned as a war vessel and also sunk in 1940… Jimmy McGrory’s motor boat detour to his own wedding As with the outward journey, so too the Celts made an Irish stop en route back to Glasgow. This time however they returned with one less player. Jimmy McGrory was taken by motor boat from…
The bulk of Celtic’s 1931 tour was spent in America, but there were also two Canadian experiences. The second of these games took place on 27 June… Playing at the Ulster Stadium in Toronto, the Celts beat an Irish/Scots team called Ulster United 3-1. Although some players said the most memorable part of this journey was making a detour en route to visit the world famous Niagara Falls. There was another first for Celtic in late-June. The Bhoys played New York Yankees at the famous Yankees Stadium. This was the first time that soccer had been played in the venue…
This is the third article in a five-part series. You can catch up by reading the first two articles using the links below… READ PART ONE…Celtic’s First American Visit and then READ PART TWO…Celtic’s first visit to USA and Canada, The Summer Tour of 1931 Here’s Part Three of Five Following the violence experienced when playing Pawtucket Rangers, things were mainly more positive the following day when playing at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. Celtic enjoyed an easy 5-0 victory over Brooklyn Wanderers. One of the American side’s forwards was familiar to the Celts; Willie Crilley played in the hoops in…
Scotland will play in the World Cup for the first time in almost three decades. Taking place in the USA, this year also marks 95 years since Celtic’s first ever trip across the Atlantic… This five-part series will tell the story of that tour. It describes what happened as the Bhoys made their way to the United States and Canada for a six-week tour in May and June 1931. This was an experience that included some very memorable moments in Celtic history, and even led to the signing of a new player under tragic circumstances. In part one we covered…
This summer, Scotland will go to the World Cup for the first time in almost three decades. Taking place in the USA, this year also marks 95 years since Celtic’s first ever trip across the Atlantic… This five-part series will tell the story of that tour. It describes what happened as the Bhoys made their way to the United States and Canada for a six-week tour in May and June 1931. This was an experience that included some very memorable moments in Celtic history, and even led to the signing of a new player under tragic circumstances. Season 1930-31 had…
CELTIC HISTORY CONFERENCE MAKES ITS OWN HISTORY… On Saturday, despite it being the close season, hundreds of Celtic fans descended on Celtic Park. The event was a ‘world first’ moment – a football history conference devoted to a single team. The club was, of course, Celtic. Over 300 Celtic supporters attended first ever Celtic History Conference More than 300 supporters signed up to attend the inaugural Celtic History Conference, an event that organisers hope will become an annual affair. At one point, there were a further 200 fans with their names on the waiting list. Although independently organised by Celtic…
CELTIC FANS MAKE HISTORY AGAIN… Today, hundreds of Celtic fans will gather at in Glasgow’s east end to learn more about the club’s history. A history conference is taking place at Celtic Park, examining various tales all the way back to the Club’s 1887 formation. This is the first of what is hoped to become an annual event. Although football history conferences take place around the world, this is believed to be the first such event devoted to a single team. The event has proved to be a huge attraction. More than 300 supporters have signed up to attend, with…
There’s been many controversial matches involving Celtic and both Ibrox clubs. One game – played 80 years ago today (5 June 1946) – is largely unknown but features refereeing bias, bans and drunkenness… The end of World War Two brought peace to Europe – and one trophy to Celtic Park. A Victory in Europe Cup was won by Celtic on 9 May 1945, the day after the war in Europe ended. The Victory Cup And then in 1946, a Victory Cup took place. It involved 32 sides and the prize was recognisable to Scottish football fans. During the war, a…
On this day in 1889 came one small but significant moment in Celtic’s history… The Bhoys celebrated their first trophy win at a ceremony in Glasgow city centre. Although the Glasgow North Eastern Cup is not the most important competition ever won, it was the first step on a journey of huge success. “Already famous Celtic” In Celtic’s first season, they reached the finals of the Glasgow Exhibition Cup and Scottish Cup, and also competed in the Glasgow Charity Cup. These achievements for a new club were phenomenal and soon led to the team being described as the “already famous…
In Celtic’s history, there have been numerous moments of tension and drama. Yet today’s game versus Hearts promises to be truly remarkable. Quite simply, it will be the most significant domestic game to take place at Celtic Park this century… In Celtic’s 55 title wins, 21 of them have happened at the Bhoys’ home venue. However, excluding 2020 for COVID reasons, not since the excitement of 1998 has this been a final day. On that occasion, St Johnstone came to Glasgow’s east end. https://youtu.be/IsuLDKsvnvA?si=sPvHT013PmvT_4Hx Harald Brattbakk’s 72nd minute strike Only a Celtic victory would guarantee a first title in a…
Today, voters go to the polls to select new members of the Scottish Parliament. There are other elections being held elsewhere too… John Reid is seen during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Motherwell at Celtic Park on February 18, 2017. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) It’s not been unknown for various Celtic figures – including players – to have connections with elections and politics. This includes some of the most famous names in the club’s history. Fans of a certain age will remember the ‘red card’ protest against Margaret Thatcher in the 1988 Scottish Cup Final. However, this…
65 years ago, the career of one famous Celt reached its conclusion… Bertie Peacock, Celtic FC. Image The Celtic Wiki When it becomes to popular Celts from another generation, Bertie Peacock’s name would be near the top of the list. The Northern Irishman was a major part of Celtic’s story in the 1950s and is one of Ireland’s most celebrated football figures. Nicknamed “The Little Ant” for his energy and persistence, his life encompassed a distinguished club and international career, and then decades of service as a manager and youth football advocate. John Robert Peacock – better known as Bertie…
40 years ago today (3 May 1986), one Celtic fan helped his childhood favourites win the Scottish League. But he did not do this whilst wearing green-and-white… Celtic legend Albert Kidd. Photo The Celtic Wiki This is the story of Albert Kidd and a famous day in Celtic history… The 1985–86 Scottish football campaign was packed with drama, full of unexpected twists as the months unfolded. Rangers opened the season brightly but soon stumbled, while Aberdeen looked like challengers before fading away. Celtic’s season resembled a rollercoaster, rising and falling at different stages. As the final weeks approached, it appeared…
Willie Maley’s medal from the 1892-93 league title – Celtic’s first ever Championship – is being sold at auction by Budds Auctions… As a clear sign of its momentous importance, the bids start at £8500, and is expected to go for up to £20,000. Full details of the action can be found here. Since first playing in the Scottish League in 1890, Celtic have claimed 55 league flags. But it all started with that first title back in 1892. Celtic’s maiden league title was a rollercoaster of events, including kidnapping, stand collapses, on-field riots and much more! The Bould Bhoys…
55 years ago today was a momentous moment in Celtic’s history. On 1 May 1971, the Lisbon Lions completed their final collective Celtic appearance… Last Lisbon Lions walk-out at Celtic Park. Celtic v Clyde, 1 May 1971. Photo The Celtic Wiki For the last time in a competitive match, the legendary Celtic XI that had won the European Cup four years earlier strode out onto the Parkhead turf. It was a day of nostalgia and celebration — a fitting festival for one of football’s most notable teams. This is the story of Celtic’s farewell to the Lisbon Lions… To fully…