The last time I had a proper yarn with Paul Muldoon was on the 25th of May, 2017.
By some baffling coincidence, we were both in Lisbon at the same time.
He and some hardy souls had cycled from Paradise to Stadio Nacional to celebrate Celtic’s immortal triumph fifty years earlier.
He had kindly invited me to their hotel that morning before the final leg of their odyssey to meet with the entire crew.
They then set off for the stadium on their trusty bikes.
For the record, I made that arduous journey by taxi.
In fairness it was craic as in the same vehicle was a man from Sweden called Martin.
It turned out he was a neighbour and childhood friend of Celtic’s other iconic Number Seven.
I remember Henke’s mate asking me a very perceptive question as we shuttled through the Lisbon traffic:
“Phil, how can one city have two groups of football supporters that are SO different?”
As ever, the súil eile of the outsider will see what others miss.
Martin and I were in the stadium to greet Paul and the other cyclists as they entered that holy place in triumph.
They deserved all the cheers that bounced around that unique amphitheatre.
The cyclists raised £74k, which was split between three charities:
Celtic FC Foundation, Solving Kids’ Cancer and Children in Crossfire.
A Portuguese friend thought it amazing that thousands of fans were going to Stadio Nacional and there was no football match!
A club like no other.
Earlier this week, Paul spoke to me about his pedal plans and the great charitable work that he and his cycling pals continue to do:
“I was planning to cycle to Seville this year. However, due to chronic back, neck, and significant nerve pain I sadly had to withdraw. I was able to make a small contribution by being part of the support team, helping to co-ordinate and promote social media throughout the past few months.
“I am now recovering and back in the saddle, and I plan to cycle the 1,050 miles and 59,275 feet of climbing from Glasgow via Ireland to Seville. I won’t be fast, but I will get there. I will be making the journey virtually using some sophisticated software and will post regular updates.
“The Seville team have raised a phenomenal £100K, and I would like to help raise much-needed funds for Celtic FC Foundation. I am very proud of the work that our Foundation does to help many people in the community, locally and internationally.”
A winner never quits, and a quitter never wins.
I’m sure that, in a virtual sense, Paul will finally make it to Seville.
You can support his efforts by going here.
I’m proud to know this man.
Paul is generally a good guy, and I wish him and the charity the best of luck.