Sean Fallon was known as The Iron Man, a hard left back at a time when pretty much all footballers were hard. I met him and his wife Myra at their home a few months ago to prepare an interview in advance of his autobiography, which is due for release soon, the hard-man reputation could not have been further from the character of the person.
He was the most generous spirited man I have been in the company of for years. Myra is a force of nature, unquestionably the wind in his sails. You have never met a happier couple.
The stories he told about how Celtic were transformed from a sporting irrelevance into one of the most powerful and feared clubs in Europe were incredible. His story was one of huge and dramatic achievement. You and I are the beneficiaries.
The players he signed are legendary. Kenny Dalglish, who was in tears in Sean’s home the night he agreed to go to Liverpool, Danny McGrain, a person Sean could not speak highly enough about, and countless more. He was a committed Celtic man but took no pleasure in the death of Rangers, such was his generosity of spirit.
Sean described Jock, himself and Sir Robert Kelly as a three man team who had the vision to drive Celtic forward. He believed that when Sir Robert died in 1971 the club’s loss was significant. Nothing was the same again.
His own parting from Celtic, in 1975, was far from satisfactory, but if he told me once, he told me 10 times, “I don’t want a single word said against Celtic”. The club that you and I recognise is the creation of Jock, Sean and Sir Robert. They transformed an amateurish football club into a legendary movement. He, more than anyone I ever met, never wanted a figurative goal scored against this legend.
Today we have lost one of the architects of all we hold dear, a man who achieved the Miracle of Lisbon. His insights reach back into the depths of our character. His decision to author an autobiography is a gift to you and me. I’ll share many of his anecdotes between now and when it’s published.
My sincere condolences to Myra, son Sean and all the family. We have lost the man who was our greatest living legend but they have lost a great husband, father and grandfather. A remarkable life has come to an end.
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miki67, Sean is an example to us all.
HenryClarson, well said.
googybhoy, he certainly was.
jinkyredstar, “in his case the Celtic jersey had to grow to fit the Man”. An astute observation.
Paul67
A fantastic tribute to a humble man who lived the dream.
Hail! Hail!
Excellant tribute to an excellant man Paul. Hopefully in time the club will consider commissioning a statue to Mr Fallon as he deserves that honour.
Paul67
Lovely words for a true Celtic Legend.
May Sean rest in peace.
Thoughts and prayers with those he leaves behind.
Big G
I’m hoping in time that Celtic will have a number of statues to our greatest Bhoys.
They should lead the way from London Road up to Paradise. So many great men have played and managed the club.
LB
Big G well said and it should be right at the shoulder of Big Jock as that was where he was happiest.
HH
Paul,
A tear in my eye reading that tribute – well done.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Sean twice.
The first time was at an Allied Irish event and the last time was in the bar of his golf club – Pollok – about 5 years ago.
We had a great craic about Celtic at Pollok. My never-ending fascination with the 7-1 game meant I could actually talk to one of the legends from that game for the first time. He spoke about being delighted that Neilly Mochan was included in the team since there was some doubt beforehand and talked about the players’ and fans euphoria after the game.
He spoke about the battles he had with Rangers defenders (ie in the games when he was played up front), including crazy off the ball stuff. He was a hard, hard wee man – and a total gentleman.
I was thrilled to be in his presence.
His original connection with Celtic involved one of our players whilst on a pre-season tour of Ireland, diving into a river in Sligo to save Sean’s sister from drowning. The rest was history……Lisbon, 7-1, the lot…..
As an aside….and as a person with strong Donegal roots, and so proud of historical Donegal links with Celtic…..including fan base and players….
I have to say that it is hard to beat what Sligo have given us…Brother Walfrid and Sean Fallon.
May you rest in peace forever, Sean – thank you.
tully
God bless and keep Mr Fallon.
When he done us the honour of unfurling the flag last year my 80 year old father was in tears at what age had done to his boyhood hero.
More than one house will shed tears this morning
Okbhoy
A poster mentioned that Sean Fallon was a guy who lived the dream. Very fitting and Apt.
I wonder how many at Celtic Park today are guys who are living the same dream, you know guys who grew up as Celtic fans and grew up in awe of the club (like most of the bloggers on here probably!) The type of guys who ran hame frae school kicking stones past imaginary ugly giant hun goalkeepers and then actually went onto get a chance to play in the cup final or to score the winner against the auld deid rangers.
I think there are still a few of them around CP, perhaps young Tony Watt for example and Charlie Mulgrew too. I guess we are seeing less and less of this type of guy. Probably our loss.
Though your dreams be tossed and thrown
Fabulous piece Paul, thank you.
A sad day for his family indeed, nothing can change that but at 90 years old and having truly, truly, lived a life the celebration of him should follow hot on the heals of the immediate sadness.
Lucky indeed we are.
Slan Abhaile, Sean.
ASonOfDan, he sure did.
Big G, a permanent memorial should be commissioned.
Philbhoy, indeed.
tully57, so many great anecdotes, thanks.
BlantyreKev, indeed.
RIP Sean
Beautifully written piece Paul67….
A sad sad day, RIP Sean Fallon.
Hail! Hail!
Sean may you rest in peace.
Sean Fallon…Celtic Legend.
Very touching and heartfelt piece Paul.
Sean Fallon,may he rest in Peace.
Fine words for a fine man Paul.
May he rest in peace.
Nice words Paul – thinking of the great man brings a host of fantastic memories flooding back to me
RIP
Sean Fallon R.I.P. – and a typically fitting CQN Tribute
Today is not a day to be sorrowful. This is a day to celebrate the peaceful passing after a long life of the man who epitomises Celtic more than any other.
Sean Fallon is the very soul of the club to which he gave his whole life. The coincidences that led him to Celtic Park & the unbelievable career that he enjoyed are the stuff of fairy tales, despite the fact that his playing days were, for the most part, times of struggle on the field. Surely the bravest & most enthusiastic Celt of all time, Sean’s spirit & strength gave me some of the most precious memories I have, & will have as long as I live.
Thanks, Sean.
Sixtwo, thank you.
estorilbhoy, it sure is.
Mr X, indeed.
charles kickham, the memories are abundant. Pity we don’t have the old Celtic Park back, just for tomorrow.
If you can,go to Celtic Park tomorrow and help pay tribute to a True Celtic Great.
Sean Fallon R.I.P……………… LEGEND ! ! !
kilbowie kelt
>>>>>
Well said.
HH!
God bless Sean ,
A true legend whom has left us a legacy for all of us to enjoy.
RIP
Just dropped in to say…
Paul 67
Excellent stuff about Sean Fallon M8
Would just like to add – Thought’s & Prayer’s
to the Fallon family at this sad time.
Back off oot…
Don’t want to cause any trouble – CSC
Very Well and most beautifully said Paul!!
For my own tuppenceworth, here is a link to an old post that I wrote sometime ago re Sean.
Every best wish to his family who I know will be directed to some of these comments.
BRTH
http://wp.me/p1G95H-v
Paul67
To paraphrase the great Morrisey
Sean Fallon “Irish Blood, Celtic Heart!”.
Very moving article Paul , we owe this man and men like him so much .
God Bless Sean Fallon and God Bless Celtic.
HH
God bless you Sean.
and condolences to the Fallon family.
from myself thanks for being a true Celt in every sense.
may you rest in peace.
KevJungle, thank you.
BRTH, an excellent summary of his many anecdotes, thank you.
Tim Tanium, indeed.
FourGreenFields, we certainly do.
RIP Sean, Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Paul once again a great piece and I’m sure his family reading this will be very proud.
A true gent of a man.
Thanks for that article Paul
RIP Sean.
BRTH – read your blog on Earnie Shavers – excellent reading.
Always sad when a great man passes, but he will live on in the legend as Paul67 says.
Paul67 etal.
RIP Sean Fallon.
I was lucky enough to watch him play for Celtic.
RIP, Sean.
I had the honour of meeting him once at CP.
It was the year of Jock’s convalescence and Sean wore the ” stripes”.
An engaging and friendly man.
My onfield memory is of an incident in against Them.
Sammy Baird, a talented but crude inside left, had just committed one of his trade mark tackles, leaving a Celtic player in a crumpled heap.
Sean, from his left back position in fron of the Jungle, made a diagonal beeline for Baird, who was around the centre circle.
Sean never stopped until he put the offender up un the air.
The squeal of pain was clearly heard in the Jungle.
Onfield Tiger, offield Lamb.