Lisbon Lions Legacy

Raising money for the needy is the first part of our heritage as Celtic supporters. Once that job is done, you need to ensure it goes to worthy projects. This year is likely to see a new high water mark for your Foundation. As well as the usual badge day, bucket collection, Christmas Appeal and other projects throughout the year, we had the events surrounding the 50th anniversary of the Lisbon Lions European Cup win.

Celebrations at The Hydro and the Grosvenor Hotel in London not only marked the anniversary in some style, they allowed the Foundation to be more ambitious with their projects.

You and I have discussed many times how seemingly innocuous contemporary events would not take place without that achievement in Lisbon, but it never occurred to me that the work done because of the Lions should bear their name in legacy.

Today, Celtic FC Foundation announced £2m would be paid to Dementia Care for projects run by Alzheimer Scotland: ‘Lions Lunch Breaks’ and ‘Dementia Befrienders’.

Research continues into the effects of heading a football on dementia. The illness has struck the Lions directly; Billy McNeill’s family recently let it be known he has suffered for several years. It is a distressing condition for both suffers and their loved ones. These projects will make daily life more enjoyable for both.

Well done to everyone who put their hand in their pocket this year.

More later……

NEW CQN PODCAST OUT NOW!

A Celtic State of Mind presents its 23rd instalment of insightful discussion into the culture of Celtic Football Club, the city of Glasgow, and fans of the reigning invincible Scottish champions.

Paul John Dykes is joined by Bafta-winning documentary director, John MacLaverty, and Scottish comedian, Phil Differ.

John’s Lisbon Lions documentary – Glasgow: 1967 – is an incredible celebration of Celtic’s European Cup win 50 years on.

Phil has been a staple part of Scottish comedy for decades, and has worked on such iconic productions as Scotch & Wry, Naked Video, City Lights, Rab C Nesbitt and Only An Excuse.

The CQN Podcast has gone from strength-to-strength over the last few months, and there are many more guests lined up in the months ahead from the world of sport, music, film, art, broadcasting, literature and politics.

NEW FROM CQN BOOKS! JIM CRAIG – RIGHT BACK TO 67, THE LISBON LION DIARY, ORDER A SIGNED COPY NOW!

ORDER YOUR SIGNED COPY NOW AT CQNBOOKSTORE.COM