7 March 2020 – the last day fans gathered at Celtic Park to see their team in action. You don’t need to attend games to be a committed Celtic fan, many live far from Glasgow and others cannot get to games for a variety of reasons, but thousands of us will not have gone so long without seeing Celtic in the flesh since infancy. We are now all armchair fans.
There are parallels in our personal lives; we are armchair sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and parents, work from home colleagues. We are not all sociable creatures; I know some who are quite happy in their cocoon, but for many, this has been a trying time in their personal lives, even more so without the ceremonies of supporting Celtic.
For me, that means getting together with three generations of the family, it gives us a common currency we can spend in each other’s market. Truth is, nothing else allows us to bond in the same way. It is not the same by text, not even close.
The family thing is all good and well, but why do you and I bond, when do we bond as the Celtic Movement? For some, Celtic speaks to our ancestry, but that’s an influence that is significantly less than when I first stood at Celtic Park. I know there are some who found us through the Lisbon Lions all those years ago. This month I met a Syrian fan. He had worked various grounds as a steward and found a home for his sporting heart in the process. I also know a born contrarian, who from the age of 7 decided the team her (cherished) father despised was the one she would follow all her life.
Whatever brought you to Celtic, Celtic has an influence on our world view, almost without exception. We are a community, formed to help the starving. The more fans you meet, the more influenced you become in adopting this core value. There is not another club in the world (unless some outfit from Gibraltar claims otherwise) that has a call to action as noble as this.
In March, Celtic FC Foundation launched its Football for Good Fund. The world changed, which had two consequences for your Foundation, there would be no badge day, no bucket collection, no mountain top huddle or arctic trek, but the needy, the lonely, the isolated and the vulnerable would multiple.
The Fund raised over £1m, £250k of which came during the Christmas Appeal phase, how this was achieved in these circumstances is difficult to comprehend, unless you consider the values of those who cherish it.
Where was the money spent? You know the kids whose parents do not have a spare penny? 2,272 of them received Christmas gifts for their children and another 376 vulnerable families received ‘an envelope’ to help them through. Another £30k was distributed through 10 children and family charities.
11 homeless charities, four refugee charities, and three women’s aid charities were also given cash. Hampers were given to vulnerable elderly and families, and toys given to organisations who know where to find kids who go without.
The Welfare State is over 70 years old but like any massive apparatus, there are cracks and limits through which thousands fall. You need to be on the ground to find those who cannot be found by policy. The Celtic FC Foundation is a chain linking those of us who have with those who have not. It is relentless in pursuing the values we were founded upon. Staffed by people who endure the delight and turmoil of supporting Celtic, but who know too well the consequences when our community cannot gather, for those who count on us for a Christmas toy.
You can be proud of these values and the community you have fortified. It will outlast all of us and will benefit more lives than you will ever know. But next year, champions again or not, those of us who have, need to do more, because the metrics are not getting better.
With or without your loved ones, take care and have a happy Christmas.
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That discussion will take place elsewhere.
—
i think thats been the moderators position for the last 24 hours
but it hasnt taken place elsewhere
it has taken place here
which he isnt happy about
tho i havent really seen a problem with what yous have all been saying
maybe going round in circles a bit but nothing too bad
nothing to do with me obviously
JRS
Just checked- they are calling it Storm Bella
A game for our bigger heavier players. Shane Duffy might be better than Mikey Johnston tomorrow
SFTB
I respectfully care to differ. Posts have been quietly deleted. A post by DAVID 17 criticizing the MODERATOR 2 decision was excised. !!BADA BING!! saw nothing personal. Neither did I. I did read one post from one good Celtic man to another that I considered unfair and less than diplomatically worded. However, since the author had recently suffered a tragic bereavement, i mentally cut him a lot of slack. In the past few weeks, we have all read multiple posts, sometimes between only 2 posters, with far more extensive casting of personal aspersions than were ever the case here.
TIMHORTON wrote that it was a pity the Res 12 debate was curtailed as he knew little of the issue and was enjoying the debate. The latest post from Auldheid has been arbitrarily deleted. It contained not one offensive word, phrase or sentence. He dared to refer to CQN as Plato’s cave. He is absolutely correct, as we are all laboring in a dark fog of disinformation, ignorance and denial about the damage inflicted on the essence of sport – the integrity of the game. Auldheid was trying to drag us all into the light, and is being capriciously obstructed. This is censorship, plain and simple.
Iniquitous
In a fog where we are unclear of the dealings, both sides, made up of good Celtic people, have taken offence as to how they are being characterised.
In a circumstance like that I don’t want to contribute further mist or dry ice to the atmosphere. It’s a sad sequence of events but the emotions are real enough.
Do you not htink a period of respite allowing the more informed and involved to sort things furhter is a better bet than seeking hauners on either side, especially if said hauners are not fully informed on the subject.
Res 12 issues cannot be censored and CQN would be daft to do so, but a mindful concern for the feelings of the protagonists should lead us to be a bit more cautious in our rush to judgement.
In the end, this is not a debate over the merits of Res 12, so we need not nail those colours to the mast. It is about relations and negotiations between different groups of Celtic people- nobody but the Celtic BOard, the SFA and Ibrox want to see this issue die.
I wish both sides well and want to consider the appaling prospect of the Hamilton game in a high wind. Blow Football, it is.
SFTB
A period of respite is probably sage advice. I hope you are correct about censorship of Res 12 issues, but I hae ma doots. I will leave it for now and focus on Hamilton, 8-0 losers to Sevco last time out. A similar score tomorrow will do me.
http://etims.net/?p=16547
Hope it’s ok to post this without being censored but very topical considering the debate between some of the good Celtic men on here.
Having had a wee shooftie back………I know as much, or as little as the next Tim……..
:)
:))))))))))
….a rush by some to claim “censorship” by This Dear Green Place when the point is reasonably about not makin’ anything…… personal……or calling out folks by name……?
Seems plain enough,
naw?
There may however be ( understandably, perhaps) an issue or issues with the individuals concerned – history is being written real quick and we’ll see what sticks….over time.
Scores need settled?
There comes a time with any project when someone, usually the boss ( or Thought Leader) has to say whatever we were trying to achieve using the current strategy, has not worked and either the strategy needs to change or those trying to effect the change need to change………..
At the time when we are probably at our most vulnerable (imo) – it comes down to an individual’s choice of what they do and say.
Perhaps folks will come to their own conclusions on what’s really right for Celtic right now, rather than what they feel is right for them.
Sadly, I think we’ll see, despite the best efforts…….two baldy bhoys fightin’ over a comb.
HH
TheJudeanPeoplesPopoularFront CSC.
…also
:)
This will be a herculean task for those with a tendency towards the prolix and………
The Last Word Freaks…….
FACT!
:)))))))))))))))))))))
HH
I enjoy the lively debate on here and, other than name calling or foul language, am happy with what passes.
One thing which does occur, on all sites, is the tendency to report those facts which already support the chosen ‘stance’
Example (1)
We won the Scottish cup, we completed the quad treble. Lenny must stay
Versus
It took extra time and penalties to beat lower league opposition. Lenny must go
Example (2)
As hoped, we beat RC at home, keeping a clean sheet. We are improving
Versus
We lost further ground to sevco in terms of goal difference. We are regressing
Facts are like opinions – everyone has their own.
Reading back this morning I see CQN described as ‘Plato’s Cave’
And here was me thinking it was more like Santa’s Grotto….
Sophistry without result……..
……reminds me of watchin’ Aiden McGeady fly down the wing beatin’ 4 cluggers and waltzin’ the ba’ out of play………….
I’d still support him and cheer him on mind…….!
HH
Good morning, friends, and Happy St Stephen’s Day from a very wet and windy East Kilbride. A day for keeping the high balls low. Would be nice if Hibs could give us a wee boost by leaving Ibrox with something from their lunchtime game. Our 3pm kick off at Hamilton is live on both Sky Sports and (“free”) on Sky One. So hopefully loads of catch it and are entertained by what we see.
Jobo –
May I just say a Big Festive thanks to your good self for the camaraderie you engender with the posts and wee competitions –
The Spirit Of CQN!
HH
Bankiebhoy1 – thanks for that, but a tad overstated.
As for today COYBIG x 2 (even though both green teams may be in alternative colours today ;-) )
Morning, 50mph winds in an open stadium on a plastic pitch. What could go wrong.
Weather is horrible, let’s hope our players move quicker than they’ve been doing, even its just to stay warm. Celtic always perform better at pace, patient slow build up doesn’t work, it simply allows opposition time to set up their defence. Hoping for goals today. HH
Good morning frya dry but windy North Staffs – hope everyone had a great day yesterday.
Is the message from Paul and the mods that Res12 is dead and we need to move on – very sad if it is.
No mistakes today bhoys.
It’s a horrible day here in Hamilton.Any win will do
“JOBO BALDIE on 26TH DECEMBER 2020 9:15 AM
Bankiebhoy1 – thanks for that, but a tad overstated.”
Oh,no it`s not !
Sevco 1 v Hibernian 3;
Hamilton 0 – Celtic 4
That’s my correct score double for today – live in hope.csc
HH
Sid1888 – at odds of 80/1 and 13/2 (so the double is 606/1) that was worth 50p of my savings ;-)
Great advert for Scottish football coming up for free on Sky 1 this afternoon – a game played in a stadium with 3 stands, on a plastic pitch, in the midst of a hoolly.
Kilmarnock, Livingston and particularly Hamilton should be nowhere near the top division.
Jobo – I got the same odds with BetFred so I’ve done 2 x £1 singles and a £1 double, if it comes in then it’s a return of @£700…
Carlsberg don’t do Boxing Day celebrations but if they did…
HH
SId 1888
re “Sevco 1 v Hibernian 3;
Hamilton 0 – Celtic 4”
You’re an inveterate happy-clapping optimist!
I have the same Celtic score as you but I could only bring myself to predict a draw with Hibs :-)
Still hope you are right!
WHAT IS THE STARS on 24TH DECEMBER 2020 12:12 PM
Happy Christmas to all.
Especially to Peter Lawwell God bless him
——————————————————————-
I don’t blame you for posting this as you and every hun now feels the same.
Lambert14
The Huns actually believe PL controls Scottish football and has the SFA, SPFL, Refs, UEFA etc involved in a conspiracy against them. Feckin mental bar stewards! Mind you they unsuccessfully showed Liquidation the red card and now claim they’re going for 55 so you can just tell the thick twats anything they want to hear and they’ll believe it, just ask Charles Green.
HH
72 years ago today Belfast Celtic players were attacked by linfield fans,ably supported by RUC members.Celtic played Cliftonville on April 21 1949 their last competitive game,at Celtic Park.
Sadly missed,
Any chance the weather may improve in Hamilton come kick-off. Otherwise, imo, the game’s a lottery.
Mon the Hibees in aboot them
Lambert, WITS is no Hun,
He is a Witty (pardon the pun) sardonic Dubliner who is a huge Celtic fan & travels frequently to matches & is personally known to many CQN’ers.
He is just having a bit of fun which is his style.
Good morning cqn from a hungover Garngad, the weather well its poor, much the same as the rest of the west of Scotland.
I hope you all had a nice peaceful day yesterday.
Right is it to early for a can…..
COYBIG
D :)
BhoyJoe, Any thoughts on the current team playing as Belfast Celtic ?
Morning from a negative 14 celsius Louisville. Got up at 630am for the game not realizing I could have had 3 more hours in bed.
Oh well. Dip into the Hibs game or Man U perhaps.
In ither news……………..
“Hibs in confident mood…”
Their Main keeper replaced by a sub and their best striker not available due to 2 yella’s………..
Oh aye.
Leicester V Man Utd would be a better choice of viewing, can’t see Hibs doing anything there today unfortunately, hope I’m wrong……
As for us, Hamilton are terrible but plastic pitch and gale force winds…rather be playing the Hibees at home….
ONENIGHTINLISBON on 26TH DECEMBER 2020 12:15 PM
Probably a good call. Have some stuff downloaded on iPlayer I can fill the wee gap with. HIGNYI 30 year look back for one.
Bada Bing, aye, it is sobering.
BOURNESOUPRECIPE, indeed it doesn’t.
SQUIRE DANAHER, well said.
MARTIM1980, and a Merry Christmas to you.
MNCELT, you are very welcome, hope you and yours had a lovely time.
67 EUROPEAN CUP WINNERS, I frustrate myself from time to time, so we have that in common. Hope you had a lovely time yesterday.
ROCK TREE BHOY, and the same to you, take care.
GUYFAWKESAFOREVERHERO, thank you.
BOGNORBHOY, and the best to yours too.
MAJESTIC HARTSON, you are very welcome.
HEADTHEBALL, and back to you.
CELTIC MAC, thank you for the kind wishes and a Merry one to you too.
VOGUEPUNTER, hope you had a great day.
STPATRICKSBHOY, had a great one, hope you did too.
THEORIGINALSADIESBHOY, ha! My skin thicker than my two-day-old homemade soup, so no worries on that front! Thanks.
BANKIEBHOY1…….and thank you!
GLENDALYSTONSILS, thank you for the kind words.
HOT SMOKED, you are very welcome. CQN started 20July 2004, on a familiar theme, that day. Who would have thought, eh? Not me.
AIPPLE, we started on Blogger without the domain name. Three days later I thought it might be worth the investment… I think we had around 50 comments in total at that point, most of the ‘incoming hostile’ manner.
MARSPAPA, hope you had a lovely time too. Take care…..
SHUGGYS36GOALS, Merry Christmas to you too.
JACKIEMAC, you are very welcome.
ALMORE, agus dhutsa.
JIMMY BONES, hope you had a great one.
TAURANGABHOY, thank you, hope you had a lovely day.
MODERATOR 2, my thanks for your continued patience and help, without which……, well, you know. Thank you.
If anyone had a problem with how the rules are applied, please contact me. I have asked the Mods not to engage here in debate over their decisions, it is a hard enough task. There is an appeal process and it works for and against the appellant (although it is not always quick).
To all: the rule prohibiting personal abuse is far below the censorship bar – and it is necessary. Debate what you like, but play nice or your comment will be removed.
JUANHILL BHOY, hope you had a lovely day.
TRUTH_BEAUTY_AND_FREEDOM, yes, that is quite a milestone. I think I’ll allow others to nominate ‘best comment’ (cop out).
Boyle had early half chance for Hibs in first minute,