Concerning Irish history

1604

When Celtic make their trip to the ‘neat little town they call Belfast’ (I’ve been off radar recently, assume it’s still described thus) they will have no reason to believe they are ready for a game of football which could determine the success or failure of the coming season.  Instead the players will share a degree of anxiousness.

Cliftonville rank about as low as is possible to get in European competition but they will be better than the Arbroath team which left Glasgow with a draw last season against a Celtic team who were motoring at the time.

We have some concerning history against the Irish.  Celtic’s first ever Champions League qualifier was against St Patrick’s Athletic in 1998.  The visitors left Celtic Park with a 0-0 draw before Celtic won 0-2 in Ireland.  In the 1979-80 European Cup Dundalk gave us a fright.  Celtic won the first leg 3-2, at home, but had to endure a nervous second half in Dundalk as the home side searched, in vain as it turned out, for the goal which would allow them to win the tie on away goals.

Anything less than 100% on Wednesday will see Celtic walk a tightrope………
[calameo code=0003901713852289beccb lang=en page=34 hidelinks=1 width=100% height=500]

Click Here for Comments >
Share.

About Author

1,604 Comments

  1. Guys – thanks for the Leipzig update. Babysitting a bunch of Clients here, so probably gonny be stuck in a hotel room with the laptop.

     

     

    Maley’s Bhoys getting in touch with the Rio Fergus McCann CSC – haven’t heard anything, but I’ve been out the loop for the past few weeks. Anything I can do to help?

  2. GlassTwoThirdsFull on

    “There are some very specific questions we have asked that require some very specific answers. If we don’t get those answers, we reserve the right to further investigation.

     

     

    So, did they get the “very specific answers”? Or did they not get them, but just decide not to investigate further? Hmmmm, tough one that…….

  3. hen1rik

     

     

    I have known for a long time that Celtic will do nothing about the Sfa and before that the SPL, the letter i got from PL only confirmed my fears, the SPL is gone as is the Nimmo Smith outcome, who benefitted from this , I would suggest not just sevco as our club knew the feelings of the support but would not act, why?

  4. Joe Filippis Haircut on

    Scottish football was/is/and will be run for the benefit of Rangers nothing has changed if we Celtic fans are expecting fair play we will have to wait until Hell freezes over.I know many on CQN think they will go into administration again but in my opinion there are to many in Scotland who will ensure that doesnt happen, when discussing Rangers normal rules do not apply they will be altered changed and made to suit we have witnessed that in the last 12 months. H.H

  5. Rio. Not an exciting city Leipzig. I lived in Dresden for 4 years. A bit more interesting

     

     

    If you can get to station for 6pm you can be in the bar in Dresden for kickoff. But last train hame would be 10:15

     

     

    Trying to put wee Sydney Tim to bed here so checked train times for fellow Tim

     

     

    Enjoy your laptop

  6. Marrakesh Express on

    Its looking more and more likely that CFC, probably on the instruction of DD, are happy to let things go re The Hun Corruption.

     

    The only constant at any football club if the support. Players Managers Directors and Owners come and go.

     

    I’m willing to bet that I’ve seen more Celtic games than PL and DD combined since 1960-61 season. This doesnt make me and thousands more better fans but it does make us the constant lifeblood of the club, and many will continue that commitment over a 60-70 period (and more).

     

    To that end, we the Celtic support deserve justice for the ‘crimes’ committed by one club which affected us far greater than any other, be it through trophies, CL money or even share price.

     

     

    Having read TSFM yesterday, I hope and pray that our support can see this whole sorry saga though to the bitter end, with this blog leading the way. UEFA must be made fully aware of the facts and I’m confident we have contributors on CQN who have the know-how to go about this.

     

     

    Make no mistake, if it was CFC in their shoes, no one, from Govt to Sfa to Clubs to Msm to fans, would give up until our club was pummelled to oblivion, extinct and CP flattened.

     

     

    This rotten country and its football is clearly run for the benefit of one club. Even in 2013, many will still class us as ‘just passing through’. PL and DD can take it lying down but NOT THE SUPPORT.

     

     

    HH

  7. Sydneytim

     

     

    Just south of Glenelg.

     

     

    Thr Squatters Arms closed down last weekend after running out of cash. It had become a local/live music venue. One of the boys in the office was a regular and is somewhat gutted at its demise.

     

     

    S

  8. SydneyTim,

     

     

    Cheers mate. Laptop looking the favourite tonight. Although, I am currently sowing the seeds of an “alternative night of culture” in the heads of my unsuspecting Clients.

     

     

    Enjoy the bedtime stories and mind to check there’s no a “Souness” beneath the Wee Fellah’s bed.

  9. South Of Tunis on

    Book Club ——–

     

     

    The Frontman —- Bono [ In The Name of Power ]

     

     

    Harry Browne .

     

     

    A truly informative read !

  10. I was coming down the Falls road on a bus on Sunday. At the Royal Victoria Hospital a guy wheeled his mate on in a wheelchair. I noticed that his right leg was extended and i na plaster. He was discomfited and kept his eyes on the floor. I added two and two and got five. When I stood up to get off he was in front of me and when I got off the bus I enquired” Wha’ hoppened yer buddie?” “Ah he fell off a …………….” ” landrover” I suggested. “Aye, Those watercannon drivers should be locked up.”

     

    I’d say he will be locked up shortly as aswell.

  11. Tamlaghtduff Bhoy on

    Great weather in Belfast today, all the bars in the west of the city have their celtic and cliftonville flags out. The place is buzzin.

     

    I would recommend the felons for a pre-match drink preferably in their beer garden. Thats where i’ll be once i get out of work.

     

    Anyone know if theres any buses running from the west over to solitude tonight?

  12. South of Tunis – thanks. As I say I have not seen him play, but man City normally are very detailed and know what they are looking for – hence my suggestion.

  13. FAVOURITE UNCLE on

    bournesouprecipe

     

    09:59 on

     

    17 July, 2013

     

    Barman :”the password is Leo Messi because he’s the best footballer in the world”

     

     

    Me: “and where can I watch the best football club in the world tonight?”

     

     

    Barman ” Ah………. Celtic fantastico……. Larsson”

     

     

    Pollenca CSC

     

    which bar???i’ll be there next monday 12noon.pollensa park hotel all inclusive !!!!!! domestos wine pash beer.know place well been going 21years.

  14. Is it that the SFA assumes there to be no link between Craig and Charles until someone tells Sandy Bryson otherwise? Is Sandy sitting with his fingers in his ears?

  15. Joe Filippis Haircut

     

    11:37 on

     

    17 July, 2013

     

     

    You argue that there are forces in Scotland that will ensure Rangers do not go into Administartion again.

     

    They are spending way belong their means. There last set of accounts (might be their last!) showed them losing £1m per month. Lets assume they have reduced that loss to £0.5m a month now. They are still heading for administration. Unless their are forces out their who are willing to put their money where their mouth is how can this be avoided?

     

     

    Not even the SFA can rule that if you dont pay your creditors then that’s okay.

     

    For me the question is will the inevitable CVA be accepted and if not what happens then. Does Sevco 2 hurtle back down the divisions or will an accommodation made to allow them to remain in whatever division they were in.

     

    They are financially holed below the water line , European football as regards group stages is possibly decades away. Enjoy!

  16. So another slap in the face to all decent fans in Scotland has been handed out by the IMHO corrupt SFA to accomodate the new club and yet nothing is said on our behalf.

     

     

    sickening and beginning to look like compliance by ***ALL ***involved

  17. Rio. No problem. I recommend Dresden for a day trip. The area round the church of our lady is amazing. Like a mini Prague. All in auldstadt near Hilton. Then 2 min walk to shamrock bar for Guinness and good food. Say hi to boss Derek. Spurs fan but looks after Tim’s in Dresden always has games on for us on bbc or setanta or celtic tv in pub

  18. BOBBY MURDOCH'S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on

    SOUTH OF TUNIS 0916

     

     

    I am definitely warming to your lovely wife.

     

     

    You keep her going in shoes and she can keep me going in withering put-downs.

  19. BIG-CUP-WINNERS on

    Marrakesh Express

     

     

    Hi haven’t been able to Email my son’s CV to you as I think Paul67 is on holiday ?

     

     

    I can be contacted directly on: paul_mca@yahoo.co.uk, if that’s ok ?

     

     

    Thanks for your help.

  20. dessybhoy

     

     

    11:36 on 17 July, 2013

     

     

    I gave up over a month ago mate.

     

     

    Either our club are waiting for the appropriate time or we are involved in this corruption.

     

     

    Could be we were desperate to have cheats back in the SPL who knows and that’s why we’re silent.

     

     

    I honestly don’t know anymore but the 1 thing I do know and that is I won’t set foot in another game in Scotland again until this farce is sorted.

  21. The sad thing is that even with all the skullduggery at the SFA and above the new huns will still go bust because their manager is a walking steak bake who is spending money like they are a real club instead of zombies, a whole raft of new SPL players to win the third division and maybe a “wee tilt” at the Cups so unless Joe Fillipis mysterious dark Rangers have goat very deep pockets they will indeed go bust again not that that matters a jot as they as a club have already destroyed our National Game and all we are watching are the death throes of a country’s sport that once produced regularly world class players, feck and double deck, how are we to remain here and build a team??

  22. Joe Filippis Haircut on

    quantum. You are already questioning will an accomodation be made to allow them to remain in whatever league they are in.By virtue of your question you like me are accepting changes can and will be made to the rules to accomodate then it has allways been thus.H.H.

  23. Tamlaghtduff Bhoy

     

     

    11:48 on 17 July, 2013

     

     

    Great weather in Belfast today, all the bars in the west of the city have their celtic and cliftonville flags out. The place is buzzin.

     

    I would recommend the felons for a pre-match drink preferably in their beer garden. Thats where i’ll be once i get out of work.

     

    Anyone know if theres any buses running from the west over to solitude tonight?

     

    __________________________________

     

     

    Heard the Rock bar are laying on two buses, £4 – first come 1st served. Dont know if thats return.

     

    Right thats me outta work and heading for a lunch, change of clothes then few scoops in the Rock and/or Felons.

  24. Did anyone seriously think the SFA would nail Sevco. I am delighted, as it leaves the spivs in place to pillage what is left of the establishment club.

  25. hen1rik

     

    Do you really think this is a farce, i dont, no matter what comes to light about their conduct a judgement is reached by whatever means to carry on as usual, nothing to see no negative publicity, the more it goes on i can only agree with you that Celtic want to facilitate this, what do people think of DD’s statement now on their history size and support?

  26. Samaras

     

     

    “Celtic made a lot of sacrifices for me and I

     

    did for them also. We have an understanding

     

    relationship and that’s why I have been here

     

    for nearly six years.

     

    “I have a great relationship with the manager

     

    and if he wants me, I want him as well.

     

    “I’m still young at 28 and I can see myself

     

    here for a few more years. I’d never say no to

     

    a new contract, if they offer me something we

     

    can discuss it.

     

    “Will I finish my career here? It’s difficult to

     

    say as I don’t know when I will finish. It could

     

    be at 33, 35 or 37.

     

    “You never know how your body will react with

     

    age. I need to be playing at the top of my

     

    game but I still feel good at Celtic and I think

     

    they feel good about me too.

     

    “I just want to keep winning trophies with

     

    Celtic.”

  27. Brogan Rogan Trevino and Hogan supports Kano 1000 on

    Willie Wallace.– The Heart of a Lion

     

     

    A few weeks ago, Willie Wallace signed off his visit back to Scotland with a post on CQN which Paul later followed up on in his main article the following day.

     

     

    Unfortunately, I was a bit under the weather at the time, could not make the Lions roar again event, and so missed meeting Willie before he went back home to Australia.

     

     

    Thereafter, I took my dreaded cold/flu/ dreaded lergi to France where it finally disappeared.

     

     

    Accordingly, this is the first chance I have really had to express my views on the whole “Willie” experience.

     

     

    First of all I would like to thank both Paul and Winning Captain for asking me to contribute to the book.

     

     

    As a Celtic fan it was a real thrill simply to be asked to contribute in some small way to an epilogue to the Lisbon story all these years later, and for that chance I am deeply thankful and indeed honoured.

     

     

    However, nothing– and I mean absolutely nothing– could have pre – warned me, or prepared me for the tour de force that is Willie Wallace himself.

     

     

    I have no idea how you explain such things, and I do not mean to be either too personal or sentimentally intense in attempting any explanation,— but from our first meeting Willie and I got on like a house on fire, had many an interesting discussion about all sorts of things and most importantly had many a good laugh with an instant recognition that we were comfortable taking the extreme Michael out of one another — eventually on an almost perpetual basis.

     

     

    That chemistry is for me the most valuable thing about the whole experience.

     

     

    However, what is not covered in the book ( by me at least ) is the absolute feeling you get from Willie that — having been at Stenhousemuir, Raith Rovers and Hearts — he realised very quickly that Celtic was the place for him and that things would happen for him at Celtic Park — or to put it in his words ” This is the place for me!”.

     

     

    Despite later playing for Crystal Palace, Dumbarton, Partick Thistle, Ross County and in Australia he retains that ” This is the place for me” feeling– long long after he has hung up the boots.

     

     

    Clearly, Australia is in fact the “place” for Willie and his family but it is and always will be Celtic that is his “football place”.

     

     

    I have written on these pages before that I had heard a story concerning Henrik Larsson where, after winning the league but prior to the departure of Wim Jansen, Henrik said something similar– he could not explain it but he just “felt” that there was something special about Celtic and that things would happen for him here.

     

     

    In other words he felt that ” This is the place for me!”.

     

     

    This morning, we read comments from Georgios Samaras — where he says he wants a new contract here. In explaining why, he doesn’t talk about the money, the length of contract, the standard of football or any of that. He talks about his homeland, about what is important to him personally, his relationship with the manager, the club and its fans — something that has not always been easy— and more or less says ” This is the place for me”.

     

     

    Each of the three men concerned were at the club in very different times, with different people, from different backgrounds and so on, yet all three express the same point of view– the same feeling if you like — and the same desire and belief that this is a good place to ply your trade– as a person and as a footballer.

     

     

    There must be something to that– it cannot be coincidence even if you think you are an impenetrable footballing cynic.

     

     

    Returning to Willie, what also came across was his desire and passion to continue the Celtic connection when there is absolutely no need to. By that, I mean a connection where he ( completely voluntarily ) seeks out, gets involved with and talks to the best of young Australian talent and tries to get them to come to Celtic Park and consider Celtic as a possible career move as opposed to any of the other big names in football and who may have more money and perhaps even glamour to offer.

     

     

    In that vein, a young 18 year old will shortly be arriving in Glasgow to take up a few weeks experience with Celtic. He will come on trial, train at Lennoxtoun, be mentored and assessed by the Celtic coaching staff — all at the recommendation of Willie Wallace.

     

     

    I should add that the young man concerned will be housed, fed, watered and looked after by the Winning Captain– and so in some small way CQN itself continues to play a small but potentially significant role in the development of Celtic itself.

     

     

    A long time ago, I wrote a wee story on here and ended by saying that there is something noble about those who train and encourage those who are much younger than themselves and so help them to perhaps get on in life and shape their future. They pass on life experiences, knowledge, wisdom and offer advice, a friendly face, a warm handshake and where necessary a needed shoulder to cry on.

     

     

    Willie Wallace continues to do that from the other side of the world and does it in his own inimitable style– a style which I hope many of you who met him or heard him speak have come to recognise and appreciate.

     

     

    There is no fuss, no banging drums, no shouting from the rooftops or desire to advance his own reputation or standing.

     

     

    There is just a former footballer who could play a bit, learned and listened to some great coaches, doing his own thing, helping some kids along for the sake of doing it and always with a down to earth laugh and a joke– and an oh so easy manner.

     

     

    For me, the lesson from Willie’s visit is finding the truth in an oft repeated old adage which is often adapted and adopted to suit circumstances:

     

     

    Form– and even age– is temporary — class– real class– is permanent.

     

     

    And Willie epitomises that in every way.

     

     

    Lastly, can I express my personal thanks to all who have now read the book and who have sent messages saying how much they enjoyed it.

     

     

    It was a pleasure to be involved and I just hope that those who pick it up in the future get as much enjoyment out of reading it as I did from just contributing.

     

     

    Hail Hail

     

     

    BRTH