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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Does the ‘Webster Ruling’ kick in for Hooper in the summer?
Just asking.
It might be hard for Sean to find a seat up there with so many legends already in situ. I do hope if that is the case, that someone gets up and offers Sean one. It is a seat he has earned in every aspect of his life. If anyone wants to know the meaning of a true Celt, a proper Irish gent and a truly honest man, then simply have a good long look at the life of Sean.
“and (one) of the football greats (has) passed through Parkhead’s gates for to play football the Glasgow Celtic way”.
R.I.P., Sean. The prayers and thoughts all my family are with your wife and yours today.
H H
rest in peace sean fallon ynwa.
we, at celtic, have such a rich history from those that have served us on the field, off the field and in the stands.
i recall talk of an avenue of hero’s from london road to the front door of celtic park. it would be fitting to have such an avenue, not as a mark of triumphalism but as a permanent reminder of those greats that have served our club. i could think of many who are deserving of such an honour as i am sure others can.
is the avenue of heros still going ahead?
A very moving piece, Paul, thank you.
Farewell Sean Fallon, a true Celtic great who will live on in our hearts. Your place in our illustrious history and our folklore is assured.
YNWA
There wil be some chat in Heaven’s Dugoot now,Big Jock,Sean and TB.
I met Sean when I was 10 (30 years ago) at Parkhead, he and my Dad had played GAA against each other donkeys years ago.
Lovely man he will be sorely missed.
Rest in peace Sean Fallon
the legend title is thrown about to easily eg willshire last week by john gregory.
he has played a couple off minutes!!
a true legend mr gregory is sean fallon
rip
Becoming a bit pig sick of these English diddy teams, Norwich in this case, thinking they can offer tuppence for our best players. We should put in a bid of £500,000 for Grant Holt, argueably their best player, even though he is mince and see how they like insulting bids.
RantoverCSC
Big G
13:17 on
18 January, 2013
Thanks for posting the interview with Sean Fallon.I enjoyed hearing him speak.
His knowledge of the game and of footballers was remarkable,the thing that stood out most was the fact that Sean never had a bad word to say about anybody.
Also loved his story about Charlie Tully refusing to ask for lemonade at the bar on the boat to Scotland.
Powerful.
Paul
I did mean to add that your eulogy was extremely personal and especially tender and moving. I guess this is the powerful lasting impression an humble and honourable man has on those who meet him. Well said for all of us.
H H
You’ll be welcomed into paradise Sean. We will miss you.
RIP Sean Fallon a Celtic legend.
Memo to Norwich City chairman:
£5million for Gary Hooper is a laughably absurd piece of nonsense. Let us know if you decide to make an offer here in the real world.
Sean Fallon – Celtic man to the core.
May you rest in peace.
16 roads – Neil Lennon walks on water.
no problem
HH
Puts the Hooper bid to bed..
Celtic boss Neil Lennon admits the club has turned down a bid from Norwich for Gary Hooper
Last Updated: January 18, 2013 2:07pm (Sly Spurts)
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has confirmed the club has turned down a bid from Norwich for Gary Hooper.
The 24-year-old striker has been the subject of continued media speculation about his future for the last few months.
Hooper, who still has 18 months on his contract with the Scottish champions, has previously stated his desire to remain at Celtic Park.
Lennon did not disclose the amount offered by the Canaries, but admitted he was bemused the matter had been made public as Celtic continue talks with Hooper’s agent over a new deal.
The Hoops boss said: “There has been, very disappointed it has been made public knowledge. We do our business as privately as possible and it’s been leaked out somewhere, so I’m not happy about that.
“The bid has been rejected. We had discussions with his representatives this morning, and waiting to hear back from them.
“We are in a good position. We don’t want to sell. We feel we have a lot to look forward to in second half of the season.
“And that’s always been the case. We don’t want any of our top players going, and Gary comes into that bracket.”
HH
/Bishop B
I was very privileged to see Sean play and then meet him later in life,a great man in every sense.Sean may you rest in peace,Our Lady pray for him.
Hail Hail.
…..5 mill for Hooper……..?????
…so they just want to borrow him….
…………..for a wee bit…..
My grandfather called him , ‘a man of the men’
RIP Mr Fallon, thoughts & prays to the familiy.
may NYWA!
So Southhampton sack Nigel Atkins.I hope they go down.Same old scenario–Chris Hughton takes Newcastle up to EPL,mid-table position,and that plum Pardew comes in.I want to see Pardew get his as well.All those disparaging comments about Celtic and Scottish football in general.By the way Pards,thanks for the goalkeeper.
R. I. P. Sean Fallon
Condolences to those he leaves behind
Big G
13:17 on 18 January, 2013
Posted on the official club Youtube channel a couple of hours ago. Sean Fallon on This Man Craig
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhqfXnRxCuQ
HH
Great interview; remember seeing it before but today is an especialy poignant time to revisit it. Brings back memories from the mists. Regarding the 7-1 game footage, I knew Sammy Wilson and his sister (who presented me with my first tennis raquet as a birthday present).We lived in Birkenshaw at that time. A wee bit of trivia there.
Paul, your article reflects exactly what should be said about Mr Fallon. About his qualities as a person and as a Celtic man and his irreplaceable place in our history.
Sean, you are well loved and you will never walk alone.
God Bless and R.I.P.
Gerry
Not long in from work to discover the sad demise of this fine gentleman. I watched the 1993 WC qualifier, N Ireland v Republic in his home. God bless him and RIP Sean Fallon, a true Celtic hero.
Watching those clips of Charlie Tully – Such a footballer.
It makes me wonder about the all-time greatest Celtic team – all the players seem to be from 67 onwards,understandable considering that most supporters were voting for the players that they had actually seen,and obviously the feat in Lisbon was exceptional.
Perhaps there should be a pre-67 team of all time greats also – the likes of John Thomson,Patsy Gallacher,Charlie Tully…to name but a few,maybe Sean Fallon himself would have made the line-up as well.
Probably one for the historians.
Raymac
I think Swalex was right when he said Newcastle United were just “a wee club from the north east”.
Rest In Peace Sean Fallon
a true Celtic Man
YNWA
Very sad news, rest in peace
PL has told Norwich that we’ve already knocked back a bid of £30 million for Hooper from an unknown team in an unknown galaxy.
He added that, the next time Hooper gets his haircut, Norwich can have the clippings for £5 million, if that is the extent of their budget.
Fine words Paul.
Rest in Peace Sean.
Celtic Legend.
BroonSauce
So farewell then, Mr Fallon.
Another Leão de Lisboa gone to join the Immortals.
You lived the dream.
“Our case is simple – you are not going”
Excellent Neil – very well said.
Well written, Paul. A beautiful tribute to a great Celtic Man. RIP Sean.
if i were celtic any bid for hooper, north of 6 million would see me round the table with a view to getting about 7 million or so.
unless we can get him tied up on a longer deal
Paulus LXVII, Salve salve;- Benedicamus te-
A very sincere and moving tribute to one of the greatest ever Celts. I never had the pleasure or privilige of meeting him but in all I have seen and read about him the true character of the man shines through. In this age where football more often than not resembles a circus rather than a sport and is populated by too many phonies and comic singers, we are all the more blessed for having had the honour of his best days.
RIP Sean Fallon Honest man and Legend
Greenwells
Quidvis Recte Factum Quamvis Humile Praeclarum
Hopper’s going nowhere………………..
…but when he does, it’s 9 plus……………
Paul67
Condolences and prayers to Sean’s wife and family.
A sad, sad day helped a little by your wonderful tribute to a legend and my hero.
Comforting to know there is an autobiography to come- Sean’s story is a huge chunk of the Celtic story. He will live on in our hearts and minds – reverberating and inspiring Celts and football people for a hundred years.
YNWA
Paul a good article and I am glad that you mention the fact that Sir Robert Kelly was held in such high regard by the man.
The “Old Board” is often disparaged as a group by those who know little of them and how each person among them were personalities within their own right.
I have some personal knowledge of Bob Kelly and it was of a man who had a big heart and despite being the chair of a big company he made time to listen to the ordinary fan.
He also stood up to enormous pressure with not just one, but continued assaults on the club with regard to the Irish flag/heritage.
Sean, Bob and Jock were indeed some team with vision and drive. We may not see their likes again.