I understand that last Friday a member of the Sevco High Command expressed some concern about my work life balance.
He wanted to know if I would ever take a break.
Or words to that effect…
It is the measure of the chap that amid the tsunami of excrement on his desk that he was concerned that I was putting in too many hours here in Donegal.
Yes, I am rather busy, but I enjoy it that way, dear reader.
Today, I received a communique from Madam Editor deep in Tom Barry country.
The hard copy of the manuscript, a mere 127,000 words, had arrived safely in West Cork.
Then, over the weekend, I started to sketch out the character biographies for my next play.
Personally, I prefer to start with the dramatis personae before I sketch the plot.
Actually, the Bean an tí is in agreement with the Blue Room chaps.
She is of the opinion that I really should give myself, and ipso facto them, a break.
For the avoidance of doubt, herself has far greater say on my plans than the Sevco High Command.
I have found that it is always wise to heed her counsel.
The last quarter of a century has taught that lesson rather well, ach mar a deir siad, sin scéal eile.
So, this week I WILL take a break.
Therefore, the Sevco High Command can rest easy.
At least for a while.
I’m off on a sojourn to a certain Portuguese city.
I think you can guess which one.
I rarely pack with care when I go on a trip, especially when it comes to clothing.
However, this time is different.
I have been waiting a long time for this.
Yes, the past half century has made it faded and worn.
However, when it was new the colours gleamed in the Lisbon sun.
My uncle by marriage took his nine-year-old nephew’s scarf to Stadio Nacional.
I will always be grateful to him for that.
It is in my case and we will both be in Lisboa Amanhã à noite.
There are very few things that I have kept since childhood.
However, this one is special.
When my uncle held my scarf aloft at his moment on the 25th May 1967 it was a victory for sport.
However, it was also a triumph for a socially excluded community.
My uncle had a Wexford father and a mother from South Derry.
He was born into a Scotland that didn’t want him as anything other than a guest worker to be causally derided by the locals.
He faced them down, and Celtic was a crucial part of that affirmation.
His late wife, my mother’s sister, was a force of nature.
Number One Daughter is the image of her.
We are a river flowing.
His youth was a time of rampantly blatant discrimination against the Irish community in Glasgow.
An Irish surname and attendance at a Catholic school were the primary makers of disadvantage in that Scotland.
Thankfully, those days are gone.
Today only cultural remnants of that discrimination remain.
Sadly, it is heard wherever The People gather.
You will know them by their noise.
They grieve for the old certainties of officially approved anti-Irish racism in Fair Caledonia.
Fortunately, what they have in their dignified heads is no longer mainstream in Scotland.
The People liked it when the community that gave birth to Celtic were at the back of the bus.
Now all is changed, changed utterly.
I was the first of my Baillieston clan to go to university, others followed.
The insults that were hurled at my uncle’s generation fifty years ago are no longer legally permitted or socially acceptable there.
The only occupational qualification to wear the Hoops at Lisbon was to be a very fine footballer.
Of course, that wasn’t the case in all of the football clubs based in Glasgow then.
Stein’s triumph wasn’t just a blow against Helenio Herrera’s suffocating Catenaccio system.
It was a psychic wound against the Herrenvolk belief system in Scotland; a world view that put my community in a place of economic disadvantage and cultural ridicule.
This Thursday the scarf will back in Stadio Nacional after a half century.
In 1967 the Berlin Wall looked unmovable and Rangers were alive.
Now they’re both gone.
The community that created Celtic survived and thrived.
The multi-faith team from the West of Scotland that crushed Inter that magical day in May won a victory for sport and for decency.
The last time I was in Baillieston I called round to himself.
I told him the scarf was going back.
He was delighted.
Pride of place in his living room is a picture of him and his buddies on the apron of the runway at Glasgow airport.
They were returning as supporters of the best team in Europe.
There he is with my scarf around his neck.
Life is about moments.
They’re there for seizing, for savouring and for remembering.
This week I intend to do all three in Lisbon with my Celtic scarf held aloft in triumph at Stadio Nacional on Thursday.
I think it will make for a rather nice break.
Discover more from Phil Mac Giolla Bháin
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Epic stuff as per Phil, from Vinny/ Vmhan and the Cycle2Lisbon team hx2
I worked in Bournemouth in 67. Three of my brothers a friend and my brother in law drove to Lisbon. my mother phoned me from a lassie in the street at Carmyle to update on the Boys journey. I watched the game with a group of Northern Irish lads mostly not Celtic but we got through it. my mother contacted me next day to say the boys would come to Bournemouth for a sub to get home. I left town. On my return to the flat I was advised to my shock I had missed them. Mother phoned you missed the boys. Can you see a Church of England church from your flat yea ma well the priest is a nice man the boys explained you lived across the street and they missed you. He subbed them £11 and they promised you would pay him back with interest. It got them petrol, grub and a Carryout for the journey. Fuck ma naw, and it took me two months to pay the COE priest back.
Fifty years ago tomorrow I was a bag of nerves and overcome with emotion and fear yet full of hopeful anticipation of Celtic becoming the first British club to win the European Cup.
I got home from work in Kilmarnock early to watch the game on TV. It was a holiday of obligation and I had to leave the match immediately after the final whistle to go to mass.
Tears of joy were, unashamedly, streaming down my cheeks.
My thoughts during mass were not of the Eucharistic miracle but rather of the Celtic miracle and I could not get home soon enough to start the celebrations.
A few years later, Celtic’s Centenary year 1988, I penned this poem and I think it is appropriate now to read the verses written about the Lisbon game in 1967.
For years after it I always referred to the Corpus Christi feast day as…”The Holy Feast of Lisbon’. So here is my poem…
‘Your Heart’s in Paradise’
100 Years of Celtic
My grandson came to see me,a day or so ago
Och, he’s a fine wee lad, so full o’ life, he’s only ten or so
But he’s got this boyish habit, it’s no’ peculuar at his age
Of asking lots o’ questions, he can fair get you in a rage!
But he happened just to mention a name that’s dear to me
When he asked about the CELTIC and it’s 100 year history
Ah Ah, says I, Now that’s a subject I could talk about, for years
For I’ve followed Celtic all my life, through many joys, and some tears.
When first I went to Paradise I was just a boy like you
I was lifted o’er the turnstyles by my dad or uncle Hugh
I remember Patsy Gallagher, Johnny Thomson and McStay
And saw the great McGrory,the highest ever scorer even to this day.
Now the Celtic club was founded son, to raise money for the poor
And this charitable tradition will continue, of that I’m sure
Brother Walfrid was the founder, and, if he were allowed
To come back now and see the club, I know he would be proud.
Celtic set up records in every aspect of the game
With the most league and cup wins ever in their 100 years of playing
And when it came to special cups to mark a great occasion
We beat the best in Britain in the ‘Exhibition’ and ‘Coronation’
Oh, that ‘Coronation’ final, I recall it very often
And reminisce with pleasure that great goal from Neilly Mochan
I’ve had the privilege and the pleasure, great players to have seen
Whose hearts beat ever stronger when they donned that strip of green
Bobby Collins, Willie Fernie, Bobby Evans and McPhail
And the famous Charlie Tully, to entertain he didn’t fail.
Now the league cup seemed to pass us by, twas the cup we seldom won
Until we beat our greatest rivals by seven goals to one.
That was 1957, and just ten years later on,
Was by far the greatest year this Celtic club has ever known
We won every trophy played for, another record for the club
Including the biggest triumph of them all…The European Cup !
A cavalcade of Celtic fans, the likes you’ve never seen
By land and sea and air, went off to Lisbon in the green
And we won the European Cup, which no British team had done
Beating Inter Milan of Italy, the score was 2 to 1
All Scotland’s streets were bare that day, when the game was being played
For the nation’s eyes were on TV and nerves were getting frayed
From being one goal down to Inter, Gemmell made it one goal all
And how the place erupted with Stevie Chalmers winning goal !
Ah, that night a lump came to my throat, and a tear came to my eyes
Just to know the Bhoys were taking the Euro Cup to Paradise
The bhoys that won this greatest prize were mostly all home bred
The Kelly Kids we called them ..all products of Parkhead
But they became the Lisbon Lions led by the boss Jock Stein
They were by far, the greatest team, this country’s ever seen
And under Big Jocks guidance, in stature they did grow
Dominating Scottish football with nine league triumphs in a row
Aye, the four leafed shamrock symbol of this club I love so dear
Is one I wore with pride following Celtic far and near.
It’s been a custom in our family to support the bhoys in green
For a hundred years we’ve followed our beloved Celtic team.
But the Celtic Story isn’t o’er there’s more glory still to come
With McNeil in charge, I’ve no doubt, more trophies will be won
And in this great centenary year of 1988
To win the league and cup double would be most appropriate
And I think you’ll be there to cheer them son, I can see it in your eyes
Just like your dad before you, your heart’s in Paradise.
Gerard Grant, Ardrossan, 1988
Can’t make it on Thursday,unfortunately, but I will be at the Hydro . I was lucky enough to make the pilgrimage to Estoril
a few times in the 80’s , and have fantastic memories- and photos – of being on the pitch, bhoyishly reenacting the ’67 goals .Thanks,Phil,
for this poignant piece.
I had the privilege and honour to say hello Billy McNeill a few weeks ago when I saw him in a shop with his wife.
Normally, I would not approach celebrities if I saw them but this man is a legend and I would never have forgiven myself if I had not done it. Billy is still a giant of a man despite his illness.
He gave me a warm smile and a very strong handshake but was unable to speak.
Cesar should be front and centre as we celebrate Lisbon 67 but sadly perhaps that is not to be.
God bless you Mr Celtic.
Great stuff HH
Phil, today’s blog really resonates…..my mother was born in the old back in Buchanan St, before moving down the box. An Irish surname and a leaving certificate from St Bridget’s cast the die. But they were ambitious proud people and times have thankfully changed.
Onwards.
We’re probably related…
A Wee tear in my eye reading your story. Please post a photo or two of your trip with the scarf held high.enjoy your time off
Her self is right, you can afford to take a break.
After all, Sevco and its hilarious daily feck ups will still be there when you get back.
Enjoy.
Great post bringing back some cracking memories.
I took my three kids on a cruise a few years ago and the last port of call no the return leg to the UK was Lisbon.
There was only one place that we were going to go.
I’d heard that the stadium had been left to decay over the years, but actually it was in good repair and the grass had been recently cut. We spent a few hours running around and went up to the platform were King Billy lifted the big cup.
It was a magical day and one that they will remember.
Have a great time in Lisboa.
DB
No one at Ibrox gives a hoot your not of any importance to anyone other than your blogs followers .. stop preaching lies about your so called mole in Ibrox . Assumption is the mother of all fuck ups
Oh dear.
This must be a difficult time for you.
As Andy Stewart might once have sang,
‘Oh, Desmond, where’s yer tutu?’ 😀
Have a cracking trip, Phil.
Hail Hail to all the Bhoys & Ghirls who are rejoicing that our time has come!
Desmond dont get your tutu in such a twist.
Not able to get to Lisbon this week but 7 weeks on from the 25th, on my 50th birthday, I will be in the city & will be at the stadium.
I wasn’t born until 7 weeks to the day after the final but that doesn’t matter, had to be there for my 50th birthday.
Hail Hail
May the blessing of good fortune favor you all.
Kind words from Swavvy on previous post…thanks….
Our granny came home crying and laughing at the same time after the game in 67….I was getting washed in a big “Belfast” sink when she came in to the scullery……
After 7 o clock mass in the morning….plzying football all day in the back garden…watching the game late afternoon early evening….more football in the garden….watching the grown ups spontaneously taking to the streets singing and dancing…..the only time I ever witnessed such a spectacle in my life so far….!!! 25th May holds a lot of emotional baggage ….even for non footballing types like me.
Our grannies died 25/5/1971 at 2 in the afternoon in the old Coatbridge Co-op buying a wedding present for my cousin who herself is now dead…..we will be carrying so many memories….we all do every day…..but a special one off visit to Lisbon brings it in to sharp focus….
We’ll be in Browns Downtown hotel 2 minutes walk from the church of San Nicolau where there is reportedly a Traditional Latin Mass at 8.15 am….I’ll be the wee guy with the XXL Celtic strip….crying into my prayer book…
Cheers
After that…..Guiness.
You’re more than welcome, Tecumseh, and thanks for a brilliant memory here today.
I might no be there in person but I’ll be there in spirit, and I’ll be raising a glass of Dublin’s finest to The Lions, and the worldwide Celtic Family they helped unite, cometh the Cup Lifting hour. (Though I might sneak a few in before haun;)
HAIL! HAIL! THE CELTS ARE HERE!
And thanks for sharing your story too, Phil.
You’ve once again contributed to my ‘Many A Happy Tear’ Week 🙂
Opinions of fifty years ago are still rife at Barrhead travel I had vouchers and refuse to accept the bile thrown at us by their executive on Twitter but they refused a refund or explanation didn’t even get a reply so not all changed fifty years on hail hail phil enjoy the heat of Lisbon
Have a great time on your well deserved break. Had hoped to go this week myself but its my partners 50th birthday this week & the draw of spending it with her family back in Sweden one the day, so we delayed the trip until July. So i will be feeling very jealous on the 25th.. HH
Enjoy Phil and thank you for all your do.
Great piece, Phil. My Godfather was there. He sent a postcard back to my Dad with simply the team line up on it…nothing else. Didn’t need anything else. Best 2-1 drubbing of a team you’ll ever watch IMO.
That was really nice to read. I especially loved the line ” We are a river flowing…” Have a great time!
van said I ever knew they would be days like this
Very well put and written Phil, enjoy Lisbon. Hail Hail
Enjoy your visit to Lisbon. What a moment that was when Celtic became the champions of Europe. I was 24 years old at the time. Couldn’t go to Lisbon because of work committments but that afternoon I skipped work to watch the match on television. Before the end I got so nervous I had to go for a walk so I missed seeing the winning goal.
Fifty years on and my heart still swells with pride whenever I think of Lisbon 1967. “Jock, you are immortal,” declared the great Bill Shankly. It takes one to know one! 🙂
Met some Lions in Abercromby Street on a wet but pleasent Saturday. They were only too willing to sign my tribute when asked. I was thrust back to a seven year old and when i used to queue to see these giants, i thought it strange these guys no matter what time does, these guys are still giants when in their precence, i really do understand what legend means and how humbling they were attending my home town, my parish, my school area and the place where Walfrid had a vision, when you sum it up what is there for the other side to hate they would have been more than welcome in this company and surroundings yet they hate us for no other reason than we are Catholic,Irish roots and have a strong sense of loyalty to a team and history . Enjoy Lisbon and party long as there is no other party surroundings can beat that magical place.
I attended a CL game a few years ago against Benfica and made a pilgrimage to the state nacional. Celtic very kindly made the Big Cup available for fans to have their photo taken in the very spot where Caesar held it aloft all those many years ago. A very proud moment which was followed by a kick about on the pitch. Enjoy your break Phil!! Hail hail
Hi Phil,been to the stadium a couple of times when over for games against Benfica & Sporting & its a magical place for us bhoys & always will be,my dad was there & tells some great stories,keep safe & have a great trip mo chara,hh
Phil, my good wife and I are in Lisbon at the moment and will be in the company of some very knowledgeable CQNers on Thursday at the Estadio National. If I see you I hope you will accept my hand and thanks for the great work you are doing.
Hi Phil,I’m in Lisbon just now. I have with me my late big brothers scarf,very like the one you have shown.
It’s the second time I have brought it to Lisboa,the Estadio Nacionale is a very special place and am looking forward to Thursday.
H.H.
Went there with my family in 2007 with my family for my 40th Phil and like you had the freedom of the empty stadium. Total bliss. I am again flying out tomorrow and hopefully see you there Phil Hail Hail.
Can’t wait, see you at the Casa on Wed night Phil!!! A wee vinho verde seems most appropriate somehow.
Look forward to meeting you in the stadium on Thu . 10 of us flying into Lisbon on Thu am.
I was 15 when it was won & have always wanted to go. This season has been such a fitting tribute to the Lions. See you Thu & keep up the good work
See you at the statio nacionale on Thursday Phil. Don’t forget to say hello HH
I’m in Portugal until Sat but can’t get up to Lisbon on Thurs but my thoughts will be with for a few reasons – firstly 25 May is my long departed mothers birthday and on that day in 1967 I grew up and became a supporter of the greatest football team on this earth – not because we are the best at football although there was a time when we were, but because we accept everyone who wants to be part of us – you know I’m not catholic or Irish – I’m just proud to be Celtic
Enjoy Lisboa
A club open to all.
Muito Obrigado.
Was at the stadium in October Phil, what an enchanting place, enjoy.
I was there on the 39th anniversary(2006) on the 25th May.
By complete happenstance.
I had the place to myself.
I walked on the turf barefoot.
It was magical.
I smiled for days.
Enjoy Phil, enjoy. I wish I Could be there.