A Legend Of Celtic And Slavia

Celtic Graves Society commemorates Johnny Madden, the father of Czech football, in Prague

- Brenden Sweeney

THE Celtic Graves Society recently visited Prague to commemorate the life of one of Celtic’s earliest players, Johnny Madden, as part of the celebration of the 1892 treble-winning Celtic team.

After appearing in Cetic’s first ever match in 1888, Johnny Madden went on to play for Celtic from 1889 to 1897, before relocating to Prague in 1905 to take up a role as coach of Slavia Prague.

Incredibly the Bhoy from Dumbarton went on to become known as the Father of Czech Football after he led Slavia to 17 trophies in the next 25 years, before retiring in 1930, aged 65. He remained in Prague for the rest of his life and is buried there in the Olsany Cemetery.

Odbor Pratel, translated as ‘Friends of Slavia’ is a supporter group of Slavia Prague and the Celtic Graves Society initially got in touch with them over a year ago to work together in organising a ceremony to honour Johnny Madden at his graveside, which finally came to fruition at the start of the month.

Seven members of the Celtic Graves Society arrived in Prague the day before the event, with three others arriving from Belfast, who were descendants of Johnny’s. Tom O’Neill, Johnny Madden’s great grand nephew from Dumbarton was unable to travel.

On arriving at Prague Airport, the group were met by a representative from Odbor Pratel, wearing a Celtic top, who then drove us to the Eden Arena, the home of Slavia Prague, which was only re-opened in 2008 after major reconstruction.

Following a tour of the ground, the group watched the players train and then met the manager on the sidelines and two Slavia Prague directors, Tomáš Syrovátka and Jirí Vrba, as well as one of their legendary players, Stanislav Vlcek.