Adam Smith, regarded by many as the father of modern economics, once observed that crop failures caused dearth but that it took “the violence of well-intentioned governments” to convert “dearth into famine.” Throughout the 19th century, governments, social-reformers and subsistence –dwellers learned the enormous human cost that resulted when the poor were left to starve.
Ireland suffered regular famine for more than a century before when what became known as THE Irish Famine first struck the country in 1845. The potato blight travelled across Europe before arriving in Britain and then Ireland, but in most places the links between those who were suffering and those who were in a position to alleviate that suffering were sufficiently established to ensure dearth did not become cataclysmic famine. Not so in Ireland.
The famine lasted until the 1850s, a million starved to death. Nothing would ever be the same again. The blight returned in 1879 but by then the Celtic population of Ireland, who suffered disproportionately in earlier famines, were politically better represented and had structures in place to ensure those in need were assisted. As a result, the 1879 blight caused great hunger but cost fewer lives.
Brother Walfrid lived through the famine of the 1840s. The community who 125 years ago today decided to form a football and athletic club in order to feed the starving either lived through the same hardship, or were the progeny of those who did. All were informed by the actions across the water in 1879. Squalor, disease and starvation afflicted Glasgow, as it did many of the newly industrialised cities of the world. Walfrid and his colleagues were not going to stand idly by and hope for the best.
Celtic Football Club was not the only institution established in those years to cater for the poor. Across Britain others campaigned for clean water, sanitation, better working conditions and occasionally health care, but Celtic were quite unlike any others.
Football had caught the public imagination and benefited from the increased availability of leisure time in the early 20th century. Brother Walfrid could just as easily established a musical troupe to raise funds. If so, there would be no Celtic. Those who met in St Mary’s hall had seen how successful other football clubs were becoming and decided to copy their ways. They watched how successful Hibernian, from Leith, had become and decided Glasgow’s east end would be equally fertile ground.
Hundreds of other football clubs were formed in the 19th century but no others had the unique story of Celtic. If you listen to modern brand consultants you will hear them talk about establishing a legend for your brand. Adorn it with positive, aspirational sentiment that people want to be a part of. Whenever I hear this kind of talk, or watch a business try to position itself along these lines, I think of how getting the foundations right on day one set our club out on this enormous journey.
No one was trying to establish a brand in 1887, in fact, those in charge of the club seemed immune to the concept for over a century, but all of the positive sentiment which is persistently associated with Celtic can be traced back to that meeting at St Mary’s, even down to what might have seemed like small detail. Unlike Hibernian, Celtic would not be a club for members of a church or parish, this would be a club who wanted all members of society to work with, support and play for. From conception, the message of social responsibility was evangelised.
The world is enormously different today than it was back then, and our community reflects those changes, but anyone who counts himself a Celtic fan is a product of the club’s history. You are here for a reason.
Tomorrow night’s opponents proclaim they are ‘more than just a football club’. In their case that is correct, but this is a truism for most football fans. Few will say, ‘Although I turn up every week, there’s nothing special about this place’. Those who understand how much more Celtic are than just a club, know that it is no longer the responsibility of Brother Walfrid, now it is yours and mine. We have the enormous responsibility to take care of that 125-year heritage and, if possible, enhance it. That’s the challenge every time you get your ticket out your pocket, you scribble on a blog, or you’re asked to assist someone in need.
What an enormous privilege.
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http://www.celticfc.net/newsstory?item=3275
For anyone lucky enough to be off today.
Gordon , they’re not attacking you . They’re praising you ;-)
You’re now an honorary sevconian .
Hail Hail
Live long and prosper
Sanna
Gordon
You are “one of Timmy’s top minds”……
but also a “mindless cretin” !
:-)
Big Pierre
Each to their own.
A67
Gordon_J backing Neil Lennon
Congrats Gordon, you’ve arrived!!
sannabhoy,
Gee thanks.
I’m almost tempted to sign up for a look. But the thought of having to disinfect my computer afterwards is just too much.
Starry Plough- So many permutations but for qualification to last 16 a Benfica win would be bad news, means we really need to get a point tonight or in Lisbon.
Spartak win brings the risk of Barca sending a below strength squad to the frozen north though they would need to beat Barca.
A draw is probably best, not least for only 2 points awarded instead of 3
sannabhoy, is it sanna bay ardnamurchan (a stunning beach by the way)
Who wheeled Peat out for his opinion.
The man has been completely discredited on numerous occasions.
And suggesting Gordon Strachan was in the running in 2004 but was being greedy for money compared to myth.
This is a man who tore up his contract at Middlesbrough , a Scotland great . They picked the right one with the Myth , who walked out when a better offer came along.
Gordon_j
tht’s the advantage of using a mac – it comes with a useful wee app that runs after you visit sites you wouldn’t want your nearest and dearest to know about . It’s called hunaway , Available from i-choons .
Sanna
9h 30m….
ernie-Fundamentally you are correct,a lot of teams have had plenty money and produced dull football teams,Mourinho’s Chelsea for example.Like yourself,I don’t think Platini’s mantra of only pay what you earn,will hold any water in future years.I am just going to enjoy the moment.
gordon_j backing neil lennon
Congratulations, you should be very proud, well done.
wellbhoy7 , if i tell you and any coventry bhoys are lurking then they only have to identify the badges .
But , yes . Mrs SB and I have spent many a happy holiday up there .
Sanna
Docisneillennon
TET
The Germans as a nation are non too happy about their taxes subsidising football clubs in other countries Spain in particular.
Owners are not prepared to continue to divert their own wealth into the pockets of young men who can control a football.
Governments are not happy about social taxes going unpaid and neither are their citizens.
Clubs like Celtic and Arsenal will be asking what is the point trying to compete with clubs not playing by the rules.
Supporters as we watch our Wanyamas and Hoopers ride into their golden sunrise will ask the same.
What we have here is a complete clash of philosophies. The total interdependent nature of football and the total selfish self interest of players, clubs and supporters that fails to recognise the interdependent nature of football as a business that one players high wages is anothers ‘ unemployment.
A breakaway league would be a continuation of the existing model that depends on selfishness holding sway for its existence and the public and owners being able and willing to put their wealth into a reduced pool of ultra rich footballers whilst the social aspect continues through community based clubs.
Celtic are a community based club who because of their size are run on medium to large business lines but are still a community. Will we want to risk that sense of community to become like say Man City? Will other clubs with a sense of community want to lose their identity the very thing that ensures their existence?
There may well be a breakaway league but it would risk becoming HarlemGlobetritterised, good fun to watch but not really football.
Ernie
I think you need to update your financial data on Barca (and perhaps Madrid also).
Barca are a highly profitable business – their income exceeded their costs by almost €50 Million last year.
Their debt net of cash at the end of their last financial year, at €99M, represents only 20% of their revenue, with interest costs of just 1% of revenue. There is not a problem with interest cover here.
Madrid’s situation is even more bright. They have the greatest revenue of any sports club in the World, are consistently profitable, and have debt net of cash at last FY of just €30M, or 0.6% of revenue.
While these clubs historically have had financial problems, they are currently well managed, profitable and successful businesses.
To be succinct, while the Barca team is of course !assembled because of money” it is money they very much HAVE got.
TBB
Are we not only 124 years old this year?
Is the Fanzone a Celtic sponsored eveny, or the council?
Heavy rain but it is going to stop and the sun is going to come out –way down south ..
Chose to watch PSG 4 —— Dinamo Zagreb 0 . All 4 goals were set up by Ibrahimovic . PSG have some great players —— Menez / Lavezzi / Verratti and the wondrous Pastore . They might go far..
Out and about earlier . —-lot of talk in the market re the American election . People seem pleased that secular liberalism beat the religious right . Smiled when I heard one guy describe Romney thus —————-
” A fossil who doesn’t believe in fossils “.
Busy day today — much work to do —– a game to watch . No great expectations– we’ll see !
Clap and cheer a team who are a half a billion in debt and have a cheek to moan about our bought and paid for style.
I think not.
auldheid
10:18 on
7 November, 2012
TET
Celtic, seems to me, are one of the best models of how to run a modern football club.
We spend what we can afford, invest in the future(Lennoxtown) and have a scouting system that has, over the last few years, delivered great prospects who can deliver now.
I see no reason for that to change. An expanded European League would increase turnover as would participation in the CL every year, that would allow us to spend more.
But over stretching ourselves would be folly, we don’t have to go looking for examples of that.
I have sympathy with the German clubs who are seeing their taxes used to prop up other countries teams. Hopefully football authorities will sort it out, and apply their own rules, but as with the SFA, I’m not holding my breath.
Auldheid, if a breakaway league were formed and run along the current lines, do you think it would be self limiting, i.e. the money would run out, or would Sky and advertisers continue to pour more and more money in. The market they are selling to is huge.
Or is there a future in an American franchise based model? Or is that a step to far(it is for me).
tamlaghtduff bhoy
10:25 on 7 November, 2012
Are we not only 124 years old this year?
********
Although the team did not take to the field until 1888, the Club was founded in 1887.
In other words, the club was conceived in 1887, but was not delivered until 1888.
The geststion period was to allow players tobe recruited and the ground to be prepared.
Not unlike the natural growth pattern od a child. Conceived, developed, then delivered to the World when ready.
The club has been in existence for 125 years.
Hoping for heavy rain and a howling wind that will carry our noise all over tonight.
Welcome to Glasgow Barca!
TTT
doesn’t say in fishal wbsite if Celtic are paying..
Apologies for i-pad induced typos.
thomthethim
I thought nothing of it until a fellow tim in work said its 124 years since 1888 and it got me thinking.
But i shall let him know, cheers ma man!
and nothing on City Council website..
Failed in my quest for a ticket so was thinking of going to fanzone for an hour this afternoon with my 2 and a half year old grandson to get some photos took for his memory box album.
Is there any restrictions on kids or an entry fee before I set out later.
To all going to game ENJOY!!!!!!
To all those who are not ENJOY!!!!!!
9hr 8 mins to go :))
Celtic and Barca in the ‘Zone’
By: Newsroom Staff on 07 Nov, 2012 08:55
AS Celtic welcome FC Barcelona to town this week, the club is keen to ensure that supporters of both teams can enjoy this momentous occasion.
Celtic are delighted to be back at Europe’s top table. This will be a football fiesta like no other and supporters will be able to see that the wonderful relationship between Celtic and Barca is celebrated.
Therefore, on the day of the match, today, Wednesday, November 7, a Fanzone, bringing Celtic and Barcelona fans together to enjoy this great occasion will be set up at Merchant Square in the Merchant City.
The city of Barcelona always welcomes Celtic and our supporters so warmly and it is right that we should offer our good friends the same hospitality.
We are sure the Fanzone will be very popular with supporters of both clubs and we look forward to everyone who attends enjoying the venue, enjoying the city and enjoying the famous Celtic welcome.
The venue will provide an opportunity for fans to gather and meet and there will be music and entertainment on offer to supporters.
We hope you all enjoy the live music and entertainment that is provided and that you have a safe and responsible time before attending the match.
TIMETABLE OF EVENTS
1-2pm: Traditional Irish/Scottish live music & singing
2-2.30pm: DJ set
2.30-3.30pm: Ceili with Spanish translation
3.30-4pm: John Joe Gallagher from The Amadans, with guest musicians
4-4.45pm: Els Amics de les Arts (Live Catalan music)
5-7.45pm: DJ set
leftclicktic..
it is open to all mate
tamlaghtduff bhoy
10:25 on 7 November, 2012
On 6th of November 1887 a meeting was held at which Brother Walfrid and others agreed to form a Football and Athletic Club which would be used to raise money for the poor of Glasgows East End. The Club itself wasn’t formed and didn’t play its first game until 1888.
As Summa of Sammi put it yesterday, we are celebrating the gleam in our Fathers eye.
ASoD
See my comment above to Ernie.
Barcelona are very well run at every level. This “€500M debt” thing is simply lazy journalism. Go sweat the detail.
TBB
HH
Cannot wait. Going to match with my best friend of over 40 yrs and my son..
Perfection.
I thank my luck such days come round..
Is it too early to just leave work and head to paradise???
JCGE..
blantyretim
Thank you
I have some tops that have shrunk :)))
maybe pass them on to some new spanish friends
thomthethim
10:34 on
7 November, 2012
tamlaghtduff bhoy
10:25 on 7 November, 2012
Are we not only 124 years old this year?
********
Although the team did not take to the field until 1888, the Club was founded in 1887.
In other words, the club was conceived in 1887, but was not delivered until 1888.
The geststion period was to allow players tobe recruited and the ground to be prepared.
Not unlike the natural growth pattern od a child. Conceived, developed, then delivered to the World when ready.
The club has been in existence for 125 years.
………..
thom
we were born in 1888, so we are only 124 years old just now.
.
I’m a Great Believer in Omens and Things that Happen it Three’s..
In this the Chinese Year of the Bat..
1.Barrack.. has Just Won the US Election..
2.Benjamin.. has Just Won Oz Big Brother..
This can Only mean One thing..
3. Sammi will Collect the Ball from Fraser Foster (In His Owen Half) *See What l did there*..Nutmeg Messi..Lob the Ball over Inesta’s Head (While High 5ing Lenny passing the Dug Out)..Wave to the TV Cameras (So Skippy aka The Moaning Marsupial.. who will be Watching Live from a Fish & Chip shop in Sunderland will see what it’s Like to Leave Celtic behind)..Then Sit on the Ball ala Drug Cheats Willie Johnstone and Lance Armstrong..Before running Gazzelle-Like to the 18 yrd line to Henke-Like chip a Ball into the Barca Net..(To Complete his HAT-TRICK)..
Summa of DisiplesOfTheProphetSamarasCSC
.
WOW..
Just woke Up..
Had a Unbelievable Dream that a Black Guy was the President of America for the 2nd Time..
A Gay Sydney Guy had Won Big Brother..
And a Non Striker had Scored a Hat-Trick against Barca..
Need to Stop eating Cheesey Wotsits before l go for My Nanna Nap..
Summa of DreamsAndSongsToSingCSC
Morning CQNer’s
I would just like to contribute a couple of granules – reality (if youz don’t mind)
Probable results of our next two games…
Lennons Lions 1-0 Best Team In The World(Barcelona)
(Miku)
Lennons Lions 1-1 St Johnstone
Well….isn’t that what we would normally do ? :o)
Gordon_J backing Neil Lennon
10:05
That deserves a badge of honour, bud.
(Although I can confirm that you have never been on my bad side!)
As Paul might say: ‘Take care’.
FF