How supporters of the Celtics can help the team that gave us McGrory James.

Nobody could have guessed how many ex-Celts and famous supporters would have stepped up to play in the centennial encounter when ACSOM was granted the ultimate honor of choosing a Celtic team to take on St Roch’s.

Although all four players—Scott Brown, Neil Lennon, Charlie Mulgrew, and Didier Agathe—agreed to play, unforeseen events and other obligations kept them from showing up on the scheduled day (we’ll get them in for the next game).

Nonetheless, the Celtic Select team featured an impressive line-up that included stars from the music and political industries in addition to a number of former players from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.

In less than 48 hours, tickets for Sunday’s major game at James McGrory Park sold out. Almost 30,000 people watched the game live on A Celtic State of Mind’s YouTube channel:

The game was scheduled to celebrate St. Roch’s centennial in 2020, but the pandemic caused it to be postponed by three years.
Despite the fact that Celtic is known for “not playing friendlies,” Sunday’s match had an air of showcase. Jerry Taylor, a resident of ACSOM, was one of the guest players. Following the game, he stated the following:

It was, in my opinion, a closer game than many had anticipated. St Roch’s had age on their side, despite the Celtic Select’s superior skill and experience.

“I usually perform for a theater audience, but Sunday’s environment was very different. I was excited to perform well and play up to the audience since I’m a showman. Sadly, the referee misinterpreted that and booked me!

“I was quite excited to be playing on the same field as Scott McDonald, who had a great game that day. It was an honor to play on the same squad as all of those former Celts, and I will always remember that experience.

Considering that several of the Celtic players hadn’t seen one another in thirty years, St. Roch’s entered the game arguably the more fit of the two teams. As expected, the home team prevailed 4 goals to 3, but what really mattered was the deepening of the bonds between the two teams. St. Roch’s has been referred to as “The St Pauli of junior football,” thus most people with a Celtic viewpoint should not be surprised by their admiration. But there is much more to the St. Roch link than that.

“Being Celtic’s super-sub and coming off the bench to make a couple incredible saves before sprinting up the field to score the game-winning header from a corner was my dream.” Sadly, that was not meant to be.

 

Considering that several of the Celtic players hadn’t seen one another in thirty years, St. Roch’s entered the game arguably the more fit of the two teams. The home team prevailed, perhaps appropriately, 4 goals to 3, but the true accomplishment was the fortifying of the ties between the two teams.

Being dubbed “The St Pauli of junior football,” most people of a Celtic disposition should not be surprised by St Roch’s admiration. But there is much more to the St. Roch link than that.

As the old hymn says, “And they gave us James McGrory,” and for that we should always be thankful. Many years later, Sir Robert Kelly, the chairman of Celtic, similarly assured the club that “As long as there is a Celtic, there will be a St Roch’s.”

In addition to the most prolific goal scorer in British football, The Candy has fielded numerous former Celts over the years, including Dom Sullivan, Frank and Jim Brogan, Tony McBride, and Shanty Ferry. Lisbon Lion Willie O’Neill has also managed the team for a while. However, St Roch’s appeal extends beyond football.

Now that the club’s centennial celebrations have over, “Roch Talk” will endure despite the current climate of extreme anxiety and apprehension about the future. This important Sunday community event at James McGrory Park supports individuals dealing with mental health concerns.

Why not attend a game, purchase some gear, and show your support for the team that produced James McGrory if you haven’t visited the Royston Road field before?