Thursday 15 May 2008
 Tommy Burns RIP
 1956-2008 It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Tommy Burns,the term legend is used to freely in modern society,but in the case of Tommy he truly was a "Celtic Legend",he was a great friend to the Association and while he was Manager of ourGreat Club he attended every Monthly Meeting,he will be sadly missed throughout the Football World and indeed in Society as a Whole.Our sincere Condolences go to Rosemary and all Tommy's extended Family,they will be in our thoughts and Prayers at this very sad time. May God Bless Tommy Burns,and May He Rest In Peace,He Truly Will Never Walk Alone. There will be a Special Rosary for Tommy Burns at St Mary`s RC Church on Sunday 18th May at 7.30pm. to 7.50pm Everyone welcome Tribute by Tommy Dornan PRO CSA Tommy Burns - Legend (a fairy story, a fable) What is a legend and how does someone achieve legendary status? A fairy tale, of great deeds and mighty wizards, of knights in shining armour defeating wicked spells and slaying dragons ? The term has often been used to describe many less than worthy candidates. Those who can be deemed legendary in their own imagination, famous for their own notoriety, in tales of outrageous exploits fuelled by drink or boastful self praise! Occasionally, once in a generation perhaps, a beacon will shine, marked by a quiet demeanour, a strong sense of right and fair play and a burning desire to succeed. When such a man is found he is to be cherished for we will seldom see his like again. Of humble origins and proud traditions, from within a stones throw of Celtic Park, came such a Bhoy. He played for St Mary’s boys Club, the parish that gave birth to our beloved Celtic. In 1973 he began his walk among the giants when Jock Stein signed him and he began learning his trade. He earned his spurs in 500 games where his mop of red hair was forever in the thick of things scoring 81goals. Big Jock once said of him“doesn’t he have class, his left foot makes the ball talk” praise indeed from the master.In the Happy Birthday year of 88 he twisted and turned to bring the double home, including one trademark free kick which deceived big Butcher into conceding an own goal. However all good things come to an end and so Tommy, in tears, threw the tools of his trade into the Jungle and left for Kilmarnock, where he achieved his first managerial success. He returned home in 1994 and created a team in his image, the Glasgow Celtic Way, with flair and pace they entertained us and we were desperately unlucky not to win back the title. Di Canio, Van Hooijdonk, Cadette ably backed by Peter Grant and Phil O’Donnell, epitomised Tommy’s style and belief in real football. A team many would contend played the best football we’ve seen since the Lions. With only the Scottish Cup success of 95 to show for his effort and grumbling behind the scenes from Fergus, Tommy was all too soon, off to pastures new to continue his football education. His parting words and perhaps the beginning of his legacy to us, “football academies are about people, not bricks and mortar.”Like a wandering minstrel of old, he packed his bags and was off to Newcastle and Reading before making the journey home to pass on his acquired wisdom to the young bhoys. His flame red hair, now turning silvery grey, perhaps due to the weight of our expectations, lent him a scholarly, sage like appearance yet he still cavorted around the training field like a two year old. Working away in the backroom, he again travelled the length and breadth of the country, securing the right people for his academy and imparting his wisdom to strengthen our future. He played his part on our road trip to Seville and like us, wept with pride in the achievements of Martins’ team.In 2006 fate through another challenge in his way and he met it like before, head on. With Rosemary and their family beside him and the Celtic family surrounding him in prayer,we believed the battle had been won. Sadly it was not to be and on Thursday morning he again walked through the gates of Paradise. So what is a legend, a stirring tale, a fairy story, yes indeed, for he is now part of our folklore and many tales will be told of his deeds through the ages.In future if you are asked to explain what it means to be “Celtic-minded” the answer will Come easy, TOMMY BURNS. Tommy Burns Honorary President CSA. With Francie Hinton former President at the Celtic Supporters Association Rally 17 Feb 2008 The route for Tommy Burns’ funeral cortege has been announced. The funeral party will leave St Mary’s Church, Abercromby Street, Calton, on Tuesday, May 20 at approximately 1:45pm to pass the front of Celtic Park before heading to Linn Cemetery. The route will be Abercromby Street - Gallowgate - Holywell Street - Janefield Street - front of Stadium - London Road - Dunn Street - Newhall Street - The Green - Kings Drive - Ballater Street - Laurieston Road - Cathcart Road - Aikenhead Road - Carmunnock Road - Lainshaw Drive to Linn Cemetery.
Tuesday 13 May 2008
 Brother Walfrid Well's,Update
I would like to thank Robert Bogan and the Committee and members of the Casey Jones Emerald for raising the magnificent sum of £1,500 for the Walfrid Well's,they held a Football Talk-In and Cabaret the main coordinator being Phil Agnew,as usual Phil done a wonderful job,it was also attended by Peter Lawwell and Davie Hay. We have now raised over £27,000 for the fund,and its thanks to clubs like the Casey Jones Emerald that this has been achievethanks once again to all who contributed in any way. Joe O' Rourke General Secretary CSA
Thursday 01 May 2008
 CSA STATEMENT
We have complained in recent weeks about the content of songs being sung by the fans of Rangers,the songs we complained about were Racist and Bigoted,but we cant complain about other fans if a small number of our fans wish to sing songs which are also offensive,we're talking about two songs in particular,one about Nacho Novo and what should happen when he's sleeping,and one about a female relation of another Rangers player,these songs are offensive,insulting and crude,and should be stopped immediately.The Celtic Fans have won praise from all over Europe for our support of our Team,and rightly so, lets support them with the songs we are proud of,and which are not offensive to anyone. Joe O`Rourke General Secretary CSA
Thursday 24 April 2008
 Mountain Man
Celtic fanatic Jim McGinty leaves these shores in about seven weeks time,the reason for his travel is,he intends to climb the 6,000 metre high Mount Kilimanjaro,Jim is well known for his magnificent Charity work,and this year he will donate all the money he raises to the Walfrid Well's Fund,we are absolutely delighted with this and we hope many Well's can be funded by his efforts,anyone wanting to sponsor Jim can do it either directly to him,or can donate through the Association,if anyone needs any more information please feel free to contact me,we will keep you updated with the progress. Joe O'Rourke. General Secretary
Tuesday 22 April 2008
 BWW UPDATE
Peter Lawwell presents a cheque to father Willie, and Brian from the SMA fathers for £6000 pounds for the Walfrid Well's Also in picture are J O`Rourke Secretary and J Andrews VP of the CSA
Thursday 17 April 2008
 the Sunday Herald article
CELTIC Football Club yesterday met with the Sunday Herald newspaper in relation to the recent article containing the line, 'some fans would probably rather have a bead-rattling Hoopy the Huddle Hound in the dug-out.' During a constructive meeting with regard to this issue, the Sunday Herald has informed the club of the following: The individual in question will no longer write a column for the Sunday Herald. The newspaper will be printing a full unreserved apology in this Sunday's edition. The newspaper will be responding directly and individually to all those people who have complained by letter or e-mail to the Sunday Herald on this matter. Celtic Football Club welcomes the measures taken by the Sunday Herald.
 EXPECT DELAYS AS ROADWORKS KICK OFF
M8: GLASGOW CITY CENTRE FOOTBALL FANS TO EXPECT DELAYS AS ROADWORKS KICK OFF Football fans and other road users are warned to plan their journey in advance for the upcoming Celtic V Aberdeen premier league game on Saturday 19 April. Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland , will carry out improvement work on the M8 between junction 17 ( Great Western Road ) and junction 15 (Kirkintilloch off slip) beginning Friday 18 April until Sunday 20 April. These essential works involve resurfacing over 750m of carriageway to a depth of 10cm to repair the wear and tear caused through heavy use by an average 45,000 vehicles daily in each direction. Traffic Restrictions: * Eastbound carriageway will close at junction 19 ( Bothwell Street ) Between 11 pm and 6 am on Friday/Saturday and again on Sunday/Monday to allow the safe set up and removal of traffic management – clearly signed diversion routes in place * Contra flow between junctions 14 (Blochairn) and 17 ( Great Western Road ) beginning 6 am on Saturday 19 April and finishing at 12 am on Sunday 20 April. Two lanes will be maintained in each direction * Associated slip road closures at junction 15 ( Stirling Road ) westbound on-slip, junction 16 (Craighall) eastbound on slip and junction 17 ( Great Western Road ) east bound on slip * Access to all local destinations will be maintained Willie Watson, Amey’s unit manager for south west Scotland said: “We take great care to plan all roadworks around major events in the city, including football matches. This has been unavoidable in this instance due to the recent change in football fixtures, and we would therefore urge anyone intending to use this particular route to plan their journey in advance as delays are to be expected. The M8 is one of the busiest roads in the country and the carriageway has become worn with age. Once the work is complete, drivers will benefit from a smoother road surface” Amey urge drivers to take a ‘Cone Sense, Common Sense approach to roadworks: * Keep to the speed limit, it has been implemented for not just your safety but the workforce’s too – speeding vehicles area a serious threat to staff * Concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks * Be alert for roadworks traffic and personnel leaving or entering the safety managed roadworks site * Keep a safe distance – there could be queues in front * Observe all signs – they are there to help you * Get into the correct lane n good time – don’t keep switching -ends- 14 April 2008 For further information, please contact: Amey, Scottish Trunk Roads Press Office, Tel: 0141 781 6995 24hrs
Wednesday 16 April 2008
 The Sunday Herald
CSA STATEMENTOnce again the Celtic supporters have been abused in the press,under a heading of Celtic supporters having no class,we read an article by Kenny Hodgart in the Herald on Sunday stating that some Celtic supporters would prefer to have "Bead-Rattling Hoopy the Huddle Hound"in the dug-out rather than Gordon Strachan. The terms used in this article are nothing short of Sectarian Bile,we come to expect this from other areas of the media,but not from the Herald,which claims to be totally impartial,that's if you miss out their sports supplement.I will be interested to hear if the Scottish Government has anything to say on this,I'm sure the Catholic Church will also be watching with interest. Once again we say,when buying your newspaper consider who you about to sponsor,very soon we will be left reading the Celtic View,one of the few publications giving an honest report on matters Celtic. Celtic football club statementHAVING been inundated with complaints in relation to an article in the Sunday Herald last weekend, Celtic Football Club has today written to the Editor of the newspaper looking for his comments on the matter. The complaints have been in response to an article containing the line, “some fans would probably rather have a bead-rattling Hoopy the Huddle Hound in the dug-out.” As a club open to all since its formation in 1888, regardless of race or religion, this disparaging characterisation of Celtic supporters is extremely disappointing and offensive. The reference is completely inappropriate, and one which has naturally caused great concern amongst our supporters. Clearly, with the level of feeling among our supporters being so high with regards to this issue, the club felt it important to address this issue with the newspaper concerned.
Thursday 10 April 2008
 TRIBUTE TO A LEGEND
The Association had great pleasure in presenting certificates for 4 Walfrid Wells dedicated to the late Phil O'Donnell,they were accepted by Phi's dad Bernard,his brother James and two of his children Megan and Luc,we would like to thank Ian Jamieson for his help in arranging the presentation,also Chief Executive Peter Lawwell and ex captain Tom Boyd,the Wells were donated by Joe Boyle of celticrally.com and our Branch in Luton,it was very fitting to dedicate the Wells to Phil,he was a man who loved his family,and we hope it will be some small comfort to know that the Well's provide clean water for families in Africa.With all due respect to Motherwell F.C. And Sheffield Wednesday F.C.Phil will always be remembered as Phil O'Donnell of Celtic F.C .May He Rest In Piece.
Thursday 03 April 2008
 exclusive: lenny comes home
CELTIC Football Club is delighted to announce today that former club captain Neil Lennon is to join the club's full-time coaching staff with immediate effect. Neil will be working with the first team under the direction of Celtic manager Gordon Strachan. The Irishman, a hero among supporters throughout his time at the club, takes up his new role immediately and will be in the dugout at Celtic Park on Saturday for the game against Motherwell. Celtic manager Gordon Strachan said: “Neil is someone who I am proud to have worked with previously and is a man who I have great respect for. “Neil has made a huge contribution to Celtic over a number of years and has been a major part of the club's success in recent times. “We were disappointed to lose Neil and he is someone who I was very keen to have back at the club. “With his qualities, Neil will be a very valuable addition to our team and we are very much looking forward to working with him.” And speaking to the official Celtic website, Neil Lennon described his delight at returning to Paradise. Neil said: "I am overwhelmed at being offered this chance to return to Celtic, a place where everyone knows my heart lies. "Obviously, it was a tremendous honour to play for Celtic and to captain the club. Returning to Celtic and being part of the coaching set-up is simply phenomenal. "I would like to thank Gordon for this opportunity and I look forward to doing all I can to play my part in achieving further success for the Club." Neil Lennon joined Celtic from Leicester City in December 2000 and made his debut against Dundee at Dens Park that same month. Over the course of the next few seasons, until he left in June 2007, he made a total of 304 appearances for his beloved Hoops, scoring three goals. He won a total of five League Championships, four Scottish Cups, two League Cups and also helped Celtic reach the UEFA Cup final in 2003. The 36-year-old midfielder joined Nottingham Forest for the start of this season and then moved to Wycombe Wanderers in January this year, where he teamed up with former Celtic team-mate Paul Lambert.
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