Why I’m Celtic till I die!

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Celtic fans hold up cards to spell out a sign during the UEFA Champions League Group G match between Celtic and Barcelona at Celtic Park on November 7, 2012 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Celtic fans hold up cards to spell out a sign during the UEFA Champions League Group G match between Celtic and Barcelona at Celtic Park on November 7, 2012 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) /
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Why am I Celtic? Well, I have been a die-hard Celtic fan since as long as I can remember.

Yes, as a kid, I did what most kids do and flirted with the idea of supporting an English club. I’ve even had a few Leeds United shirts in my time. I still look out for their result on a Saturday as I do still hold a soft spot for them.

Since then however, I’ve always knew that Celtic was the team for me. I did not know a lot about the club and its traditions. Of how it was founded by a Catholic priest in order to generate money to feed the poor and the starving in the east end of Glasgow.

To be honest, as a four year old I doubt I would have been able to comprehend what any of it meant. Instead a huge draw for me was no different than it was for any four year old child. I found a hero.

I found the person I looked up to and thought was the best thing since sliced bread. This came in the form of a 5 foot 9 inch, dread-locked Swede by the name of Henrik Larsson. Henrik, known better as “God” to Celtic fans was not your typical striker. He devastated defenses for a living, scoring all manner of goals and always rising to the big occasion, this made him a cult hero to hoops fans young and old and I was no different.

9 May 1998: Henrik Larsson of Celtic celebrates after a Scottish Premier League match against St Johnstone at Celtic Park in Glasgow, Scotland. Celtic won the match 2-0 to become the league champions. \ Mandatory Credit: Shaun Botterill/Allsport
9 May 1998: Henrik Larsson of Celtic celebrates after a Scottish Premier League match against St Johnstone at Celtic Park in Glasgow, Scotland. Celtic won the match 2-0 to become the league champions. \ Mandatory Credit: Shaun Botterill/Allsport /

Celtic Park

Growing up and loving football I couldn’t wait to get my first taste of it live. That day came on the 1st March 1997 when just shy of four, I saw Celtic beat Hearts 2-0. Obviously I can’t remember too much of that day just glimpses of being at Celtic Park and knowing it felt like home.

Over the next 10 years, I would make the journey with my dad a few times a season across the Irish sea on the boat, docking at Stranraer or Carinryan before the two hour bus journey to Glasgow to watch the Bhoys play, and each time my love would grow.

I can remember it all, realizing the ecstasy of winning and the agony of defeat. You learn that all of that is just part and parcel with the game. At 16 I was old enough to travel with friends to the games with the local Celtic supporters clubs. It had become a huge part of my life. I have seen them all live, from Messi to Ronaldinhio, Pirlo to Buffon. The best talent the world had to offer cowering in fear of the Green Brigade and the Junge. I can tell you I have never felt a better feeling than the one you experience when singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” with 60,000 other Celtic fans at Parkhead on a European night or and Old Firm.

Myself along with two friends Ciaran and Ryan in the Green Brigade vs Ajax in 2013
Myself along with two friends Ciaran and Ryan in the Green Brigade vs Ajax in 2013 /

I’ve been fortunate enough to grow up during a great period for the club. it was quite rough at the start and bit in the noughties with Peter Lovenkrands ruining many a day. But I can’t complain too much, with Martin O’Neill’s great side, Strachan’s late goals and Lennon’s special victories. We have now been blessed with Rodgers and his invincibles.

Now living in the US, I am forced to follow Celtic from afar. I can’t describe how much I miss nights at Parkhead, The great lads at the Chicago Celtic supporters club add some comfort to being so far from away. I keep it together by reminding myself that I will be back again someday soon. Singing rebel songs and cheering the hoops towards 10 in a row.

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I look forward to getting back to it all. The 7am sail to the bitter Glasgow weather. Pints and singsongs keeping you warm before the game. Hearing a message from wee Jay or the Thai Tims before we roar our way through ninety minutes of  football being played the Glasgow Celtic way. Goals, Glory, Community. A club like no other.

Thats why I’m Celtic, always and forever.