When even Jim Farry blocked a royal postponement

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25 years ago, Scotland were due to play a World Cup qualification game against Belarus on the day of Princess Diana’s funeral.  The SFA, then run by chief exec Jim Farry, the same man who was eventually removed from office for delaying Celtic’s registration of Jorge Cadete, decided the game should proceed as planned.

Whatever you think of Farry, he acted without concern for the royalist contingent.  Despite the SFA’s offices being vandalised and Scottish Secretary, Donald Dewer, applying political pressure, Farry dug in:   ”We have taken heed of the various viewpoints, but let’s be reasonable about this, life does and must go on.”

He did not act alone, the SFA International Committee were involved, and they included Celtic’s Jack McGinn, and the Greatest Football Administrator the world has ever known, Campbell Ogilvie!  This was a strange time in Britain, maybe the strangest few weeks of the last century.

Royalists were split between backers of the self-styled Queen of Hearts (honestly), and those in the minority, who sided with the actual Queen.  The Queen, a bit like Farry, held out as long as she could against the indulgent wallowing infecting millions, by resisting calls to lower flags to half-mast.

Before the end of the week, royal flags were lowered and the Scotland game was postponed.  Those of us who never took an interest in royalty were often heard saying “Let’s be reasonable about this”, but were largely ignored.

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  1. SD have given out a warning.

     

     

    This Celtic Team needs to be fully focused, IMO, they will be, and get 3 points.

     

     

    The other game is Interesting as I Know the Germans can Bloody the Noses of their Spanish opponents.

     

     

    C E L T I C

     

     

    C E L T I C

  2. MADMITCH on 10TH SEPTEMBER 2022 6:09 PM

     

     

     

    The moon-howling is starting again.

     

     

    Tiny Trots with no voting record shouting the political odds.

     

    At least he will never be mistaken for a ray of sunshine

     

     

    ==================÷======

     

    It’s really chronic this attention seeking

     

     

    Did I miss your professional qualifications or is the glean one sided.

     

     

    Keep trolling,

  3. The Newco got mauled.

     

     

    This is a New Rangers, they were plucky……

     

     

    Roaster King….

     

     

     

    The Return of the Knobrash.

     

     

     

    Go away Hun Scum.

  4. Every single story on newsnowceltic is a negative

     

    Not one positive story

     

     

    Someone somewhere is very very worried

  5. DALRIADABHOY on 10TH SEPTEMBER 2022 6:44 PM

     

    ALMORE.

     

     

     

    Noticed recently on the blog, you were advising you teach teenagers.

     

     

     

    If you were to recommend a book on the Children of Dana/Danu, which one would you recommend?

     

     

     

    Same with the Book of Kells and last but not least the Irish Civil War in Cork, particularly anything about senior pro treaty officers being brought into Cork from outside.

     

     

    ——————-

     

     

    Hi DRB.

     

     

    I do teach teenagers. I teach them Gaeilge/ Irish Language.

     

     

    It’s a long time since I’ve delved into Irish mythology as it’s only a tiny part of the course I teach. I usually refer to A Dictionary of Irish Mythology by Peter Beresford Ellis to piece together the characters and places associated with the mythology. I also remember reading a book called Early Irish Mythology when in college a long time ago but I can’t remember who wrote it. There are lots of books on Irish/Celtic mythology, it’s just a matter of how much you want to get into it.

     

     

    The Irish artist, Jim Fitzpatrick, has illustrated some beautiful books on Irish mythology which are also worth searching out. He also does a beautiful mythological calendar every year.

     

     

    I’m not able to advise on the other two topics as I haven’t much info on either. An internet search would give you more recommendations than I could.

     

     

    HH

  6. 31003

     

     

    Sadly it’s me re Europe too. A bit worried.

     

     

    After a good show against the holders we have no points. Fixtures conspire against us and we will have RBL under new management away in game 3. Before that we have a really energised Donetsk who are believing and have a cause on Wednesday.

     

     

    I will be there as I was in Donetsk the 2 previous times we played them. Hopefully it’s 3rd time lucky. Hopefully the cancellation of todays games might pay a dividend for us and allow focus on the big prize for 5 clear days. It is a big prize because a win on Wednesday would set us up in pole position for 2nd place.

     

     

    The risk is if we get nothing we have a real possibility of 2 must win games at CP.

     

     

    It’s only because I love this team and the way we are playing and really want it to get the chance to fulfill its potential beyond Scotland that I am so anxious this time.

     

     

    Of course my son and I will be giving it all we can to back the team on Wednesday in what will be a fascinating environment and a huge game for us.

  7. BURNLEY78

     

    Son no 2 is also going

     

     

    He’s way more cooler than me

     

    He wants us to win obviously, but if that doesn’t happen he’s already looking forward to the next game. I salute him for that. Win lose or draw, every game’s a different adventure. Me, on the other hand, I take every defeat personally

     

    I’d love to be like him

  8. Itscalledthemalvinas 8.08pm

     

     

    (love the moniker)

     

     

    We were just flicking the channels to avoid the “enforced sadness”

     

     

    Wee Shaun deserves his wee dug, he was brilliant 🍀

  9. bigrailroadblues on

    Good evening all from the Star Bar. Looking forward to the Shipbank Shipwrecks away fixture in the Vulcan Bar next Friday. Would be nice to see posters old and new in Sunnyside/Coatbridge. Event hosted by my old pal BelmontBrian. And if he repeats any of his crappy jokes/music choices there maybe a riot.

  10. https://i.pinimg.com/originals/18/54/54/1854545c34207191efcc61aef7a0b2ca.jpg

     

     

    Love to Big Jock

     

     

    This is for CQN and not ELQN – the poor ex-bhoy must be exhausted after trying to defend the Union for the last 2 days. Oh dear, he still has to keep it lit until Sept19. Do you notice how few posts he makes when Celtic are winning, HHMMMMMMMMMM?

     

     

    Sleep tight, all you Celtic supporters and the non-supporting Celtic supporters. Not one more penny into Celtic FC, but keep paying your taxes(!?)

     

     

    EL boycottCelticsupporters CSC

     

     

    ELQN

  11. Re the upcoming away fixture, Shipbank Shipwrecks vs the Coatbridge Vulcans.

     

     

    If anyone requires some training for this monumental event, BRRB has selfishly made himself available for some intense professional guidance.

     

     

    All he requests is a ‘spare liver’ and your ‘bail money’ :)

     

     

    Brian.

  12. Of course personal loss such as this is is not a good thing. Indeed I would sympathize with anyone at such a time. ESP in the public eye such as these folks.

     

     

    What a ridiculous suggestion to make though that all of UK football was cancelled because 2 groups might not be as respectful as the other 70 or so senior teams playing at home might be. Is that why no amateur games went ahead ?

     

     

    Surely we are in a democracy and we have freedom of speech. Not everyone is a fan of the monarchy. That is not a crime. If any fan groups do not align behind the broadcasting narrative then surely that is fine for them to air their views.

     

     

    If all the other fans are compliant then fine. Or am I missing something ?

  13. ERNIE LYNCH on 10TH SEPTEMBER 2022 7:29 PM

     

    PICINISCO on 10TH SEPTEMBER 2022 6:36 PM

     

     

    ‘Charles anti Catholic oath today upholding Protestantism in Scotland was a disgrace in a democracy.’

     

    ####

     

     

    Matthew 23:24

     

     

    Thanks I’ll have a look at that. It’s always instructive.

  14. When apples still grow in November

     

    When blossoms still bloom from each tree

     

    When leaves are still green in December

     

    It’s then that our land will be free

     

    I wander her hills and her valleys

     

    And still through my sorrows I see

     

    A land that has never known freedom

     

    And only her rivers run free

     

    I drink to the death of her manhood

     

    Those men who’d rather have died

     

    Than to live in the cold chains of bondage

     

    To bring back their rights where denied

     

    Oh, where are you now when we need you?

     

    What burns where the flame used to be?

     

    Are you gone like the snows of last winter?

     

    And will only our rivers run free

     

    How sweet is the life but we’re crying

     

    How mellow the wine but it’s dry

     

    How fragrant the rose but it’s dying

     

    How gentle the breeze but it sighs

     

    What good is in youth when it’s aging?

     

    What joy is in eyes that can’t see?

     

    When there’s sorrow in sunshine and flowers

     

    And still only our rivers run free

     

     

    …………………………………

     

     

    Everyone should be worried about Billionaires, Nasty Lot obviously.

     

     

    Lot :)

     

     

    Fitba is screwed.

  15. David66 10.16pm

     

     

    There will be copious amounts of beer and no riots

     

     

    From the Garden of God ? The Garngard

     

     

    To ML5 … Coat & a Brig

     

     

    Gods own county :-)

  16. GFTB,

     

     

    Tone Deserves a Raphael Van Der Vaart. He would have started if Lizzie (RIP) hudnae treble cleft this World.

     

     

    Loadsa games upcoming.

  17. Petec 10.52pm

     

     

    Am not getting into the Lizzie debate .. she meant nothing to me alive and means the same in death

     

     

    I don’t like any family losing a close one .. but this stuff in my opinion actually makes her life/death inconsequential as there is very little family grief ..

     

     

    Anyhow I would much prefer us playing today but maybe a few more days rest gives Ange a good chance of a point or 3 on Wednesday …

     

     

    After a Maryann Shevd inspired victory against Leipzig I think we need something this midweek

  18. Dalriada bhoy.

     

     

    Noting your seeking advice on reading.

     

    Another way to gain the knowledge you wish is say

     

    a) have you a connection yourself to any part of Ireland,check out if you have a famous name in Irish history is it connected to a Clan.

     

    How ancient is that clan in Irish history?.is it involved in any of its ancient pass.

     

     

    Most of the clans around the North of Ireland have ancient cultural links between there and western Scotland since we’ll before your moniker.😁

     

    There is great stuff available if on twitter @janeohlemeyer at trinity is specialist in some of the ancient northern clans thro conquest thro oldenglish(no the wine:-))viking,union of crowns and act 1916/1921

     

    There is a lot to explore,

     

    Delve deep,it is really interesting.writing is an ancient practice in Ireland.a fascinating history literally that could stand alone.

     

    Enjoy

     

     

    Hail Hail

  19. Petec 11.10pm

     

     

    I love your positivity … but

     

     

    Celtic have been shoite all of my lifetime in Europe both home and away …

     

     

    But … Ange has me believing … every single fan at Celtic Park should give themselves a wee slap on the back … singing Ange’s name after a 0-3 result is good in my opinion… winning every single game would be great but appreciating the players & manager after a defeat is my type of Celtic 🍀

     

     

    My Celtic has never needed to win … 🍀

     

     

    I was gutted like every other fan/supporter but those young hoops fans would have loved the fans giving the team the praise they deserved

  20. GFTB on 10th September 2022 11:23 pm

     

     

    Petec 11.10pm

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I love your positivity … but

     

     

    Celtic have been shoite all of my lifetime in Europe both home and away …

     

     

    But … Ange has me believing … every single fan at Celtic Park should give themselves a wee slap on the back … singing Ange’s name after a 0-3 result is good in my opinion… winning every single game would be great but appreciating the players & manager after a defeat is my type of Celtic 🍀

     

     

    My Celtic has never needed to win … 🍀

     

     

    I was gutted like every other fan/supporter but those young hoops fans would have loved the fans giving the team the praise they deserved

     

     

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

     

     

    Best ever Jungle games were Celtic against Sporting and Partizan.

     

     

    Tuesday Evening the Awesome Celtic Support appreciated we were done by centimetres.

     

     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiNPqsANWo4&list=RDMM&index=5

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