If you met a former Celtic player before a game, it was most likely John Fallon. Of the thousands of players who have worn the jersey over the last 137 years, surely none has paid their way to see his former team more than John. This was never more evident than the last time the Lisbon Lions were celebrated at Celtic Park, John was absent, announced that he was unable to be at the game, which was a surprise to our former keeper, as he was watching from the stands.
He sat on the bench alongside Jock Stein and Sean Fallon that day in Lisbon, beneficiary of a medal he waited too long to collect, but it gave him an insight into what you and I hold precious. His stories will be told forever, but never again in the first person.
There was an authenticity about John’s retelling of his time in the game which is seldom heard these days. Stein? Well, John’s not here to tell you, and I’m not sure I recall. Personally, I will give you my stories of Celtic in the way I want you to hear them, John shot straight from the hip.
He loved nothing more than talking about Celtic, whether it was during his time, or discussing the current edition. Few players on this island took home a signed Cruyff jersey after a European Cup game. Fewer still saw it in the cleaned laundry basket a few days later, ink stain removed.
He loved his family, his Blantyre community, he absolutely loved a good moan, but he had a special love for the thing that binds you and me together. There are 10,000 roads to stop being a Celtic player, but John found the most faithful. Our love to BlantyreTim and the rest of the family. Rest in Peace, John, a truly great Celt.
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Parkheadcumsalford on 23rd July 2025 3:53 pm
that is a wow, can you post a photie of it.
Parkheadcumsalford on 23rd July 2025 3:53 pm
Tontine Tim, Fr O’Rourke returned to St Michael’s and eventually retired there. On his 60th anniversary of ordination, Celtic presented him with a life size painting of himself with Jimmy Johnstone in the background. He had a couple of small ones made and presented 1 to my Dad, whom he had known since he was first appointed to St Michael’s about 1956. I have inherited it.
*A wonderful wee mhan, on the night we ere humiliated 3-0 i the SC Final replay he told us upset wee loddies that we would get better once and I quote “that wee bhoy johnstone gets a bit older”, I dont think that he was a seer just a padre looking after his very young flock.
BT
Thoughts with you and your family at a terrible time.
blantyretim is praying for the Knox family
I would like to add my condolences to you and your family.
Even though I only met your dad on a few occasions over so many years, he was always so easy to start to talk to. His devotion to Celtic was in every word.
Just recently, I looked at the Alfredo de Stefano testimonial which was almost an unofficial European Cup final as Real were wanting to prove that they should have been the champions in front of 100,000 people. Jimmy Johnstone certainly deserved the attention for his display but your dad’s performance also stood out to me in that auspicious occasion. It must have been such a thrill to play in a match like that.
His name will live on so long as Celtic exists.
Blantyre Tim
So sorry to hear of the loss of your Father, John.
One of my great Celtic heroes.
Still remember April of 1969 when, with your Dad in goal, Celtic won the League Cup beating a very good Hibernian team 6-2, and later in the month defeated Rangers 4-0 winning the Scottish Cup again with John Fallon in goal. Not to mention winning the League in the same month, our last treble until Martin arrived. Should also say that John was also in goal in October of that same year when Celtic again won the League Cup beating a good St Johnstone side 1-0, so a hat trick of Cup victories all with six months.
Earlier in Feb-March 1969 John lost only one goal over two games against a brilliant AC Milan, in the quarter -final of the European Cup in a tie we could well have won, thanks to his efforts in Milan. That season was second only to 1966-67.
Condolences to you Stephen, to the wider family, to his friends and indeed to Celtic Football Club.
RIP John Fallon
SS,
I’ll try and get someone to help me to put up the photo you asked for. Can’t do it myself. Sorry.
Good evening all.
BT
Condolences. Words hard to come by. Your dad was so much more than the 12th Lion.
A great man and a great Celtic man. Celtic Park will be much the poorer for his passing. Way beyond his playing days. I always enjoyed my pre game chats with him.
Thoughts and prayers for you and family at this time.
BlantyreTim @ 3:39pm,
Genuine, lump in throat, respect to you for posting as you did today.
Layers are important, but often mentioned
Our hero.
Your dad.
🙏
Typo, unmentioned – apologies
Stivs
Re the clown on James Forrest blog. Well done 👏. He made a similar distasteful comment about SFTB passing in December. A real scumbag.
Rest in Peace John Fallon.💚
Deepest sympathies to you BT and all the Fallon family,prayers and candles lit for strength to you all.
HH
I have many memories of John Fallon,
He was a Celtic man,who lived the dream,
a supporter who played for Celtic
Not just any Celtic side,but it’s pinnacle
And when his professional career was over
He stepped off the pitch and took his place again on the terrace,but not only that he visited Celtic supporters clubs,fan socials all over,from Lisbon Lion to Celtic fan on the terrace,home and away
John Fallon Celtic supporter,Rip 🙏
As Hrvatski jim says John Fallons name will be remembered as long as Celtic exists 💚
HH
Great leader today Paul – Smashing tribute to John Fallon – RIP.
Thoughts with BT and the family on a sad day.
On the footie side, I think we are doing a great job trimming the squad. As Brendan has said, there are new faces coming in but it could take until the last few days of August before we are done. For all you moaners out there, have some patience. You’d likely not last a day in Brendan’s shoes.
An Tearmann
Aye indeed.
defence of the Scottish Premiership title with a season opener against St Mirren on Sunday, August 3 (kick-off 4:30pm) and we’re pleased to give you advance notice that tickets will go on general sale from 9:30am on Thursday, July 24.
bigrailroadblues
Could you breakdown for parkheadcumSalford how you put a picture here via google
Maybe see you fri :-))
HH
MNCELT
I don’t like his shoes. They’re not brown brogues. 😂😂
Source: 67 Hail Hail
https://search.app/MGvRW
Check out Roma 3rd kit,compared to the crap we have
An Tearmann
Ffs
Parkheadcumsalford
Click on the picture and upload it to Google photos. Then click on “create link”. Post on cqn with a right click and “paste “. I’ve probably fooked that right up. Help!
BlantyreTim, Sincerest Condolences to you and yours at this very sad time.
RIP John Fallon . Never met him personally but watched him play many times .
Got the Hoople
My condolences to BlantyreTim and all his family
Thank you Paul for that superb tribute
To lose John Clark and now John Fallon within such a short space of time is hard to take
Thank you Tom McLaughlin and Tontine Tim for your great stories of your memories of the man.
I was lucky to be in John Fallon’s company once at a CQN golf day in Aberdour and I cherish the moment
RIP JF , condolences to all his family.
James Forrest
Well done James. He had made a horrible remarks about SFTB in December. A despicable piece of shite.
No words can do justice to the passing of a loved one, if we are lucky we live a full and fulfilling live, we love and we are forever remembered by those who love us. To be loved by one is special to be loved by many is a blessing. Rest in peace john ynwa 💚
Well said Paul …nice words
really do give up !!
Turned on the ITV news, headlines, the English womans football.
next up is the abomination of starving folk in Gaza, i mean, where the fuch is this world going
KINGLuBO
RIP.John Fallon .Condolences to his family 🙏
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family BT
BRRB,
I would make a mess of it. I’ll get the photo up in a couple of days, I hope.
Parkheadcumsalford
Sorry mate, I’ve probably given you instructions to post on a food channel in Ulaanbaatar. I blame An Tearmann.
Shin Yamada shall destroy the hun at their midden. He’s in the Brazen just now. 👍
Condolences to you Blantyre Tim and your family. It is a sad day when you say goodbye to yer Dad. take care of yourself and think of all the very good times. Rest in Peace John Fallon.
A lovely and fitting tribute Paul .
Sincere condolences to Stephen and the family.
Big John Fallon , one of a kind .
RIP John Fallon
God bless you John Fallon
https://x.com/Pmacgiollabhain/status/1948017770026701259?t=8sfCdRUlk59W2zrKpy_V6w&s=19
John Fallon
https://x.com/Pmacgiollabhain/status/1948017770026701259?t=8sfCdRUlk59W2zrKpy_V6w&s=19
John Fallon