‘Brought The Car Up To Scotland And Had A Brilliant Celtic Day' – Part 2

Bournemouth-based Celtic fan and historian, Liam Kelly was recently up in Scotland house-hunting (with a view to being nearer to Paradise no doubt) and he took the opportunity to visit some iconic Celtic sites. Liam wrote up a journal of his latest visit, and here in Part Two of a three-part feature, we catch another insight into a very special trip.

-  LIAM KELLY

IN Part One of my journey, I explained how my day of Celtic history began. The article tells of the visit to Arkleston Cemetery when we paid tribute to Patsy Gallacher and also discovered that his son, Willie, was buried alongside him. Willie played for Celtic too. Having researched both and told that first phase of the story, I now commence Part Two from St Conval’s Cemetery in Barrhead.

St Conval’s was a place we had decided to visit because not only was another of John’s uncles buried there, but so were three Celtic greats.

The first Celt we found was Tommy McInally, situated just yards from the front gates of the cemetery. Tommy is one the early Celtic legends of the ilk that David Potter writes about in the early stars section of Walfrid & The Bould Bhoys (out now!). An unambiguous Celtic star, McInally was also a remarkable character and perhaps Celtic’s first ever “Bad Bhoy”.

Tommy is not buried alone and his name is written faintly at the bottom of the grave. Nevertheless, we were pleased to confirm it was him and once more shared notes on a wonderful Celtic player and personality. Tommy had two stints at the club, which produced two league titles and a Scottish Cup.

I paused at the grave and sang his old song in my head (to the tune of Roamin’ in the Gloamin’):

Tommy McInally, He’s the toast of ground and stand

Tommy McInally He’s the Greatest in the land

Even though I get the sack how I love my Tommy Mac

Oh I love my Tommy McInally

And love him the Celtic fans did!