Hail Hail, Glorious St Patrick – Some of Celtic’s Favourite Sons called Patrick

The Celtic Star

·17 mars 2025

Hail Hail, Glorious St Patrick – Some of Celtic’s Favourite Sons called Patrick

It’s Saint Patrick’s today, a big day in the calendar for numerous Celtic supporters. Over the years, there’s been plenty of Patricks connected to Celtic FC…

PAT BONNER

1989: Pat Bonner (centre) of Celtic celebrates with his team mates after the Scottish Cup Final match against Rangers at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland. Celtic won the match 1-0. Photo Allsport UK /Allsport

The Irish goalkeeper made his debut in 1979. By the time of his retirement in 1995, he had played for Celtic more than 600 times. Pat Bonner won all major Scottish domestic honours, as well as representing the Republic of Ireland.

Vidéos OneFootball

PADDY CONNOLLY

Paddy Connolly, Celtic FC – Celtic in the Thirties, image by Celtic Curio

A forward, Paddy Connolly was at Celtic from 1921-33, winning the title and three Scottish Cups. A popular figure with fans, he made almost 300 Celtic appearances, scoring 46 goals.

PAT CRERAND

Pat Crerand, the Celtic player marries Noreen Terry in Glasgow on 27 JUNE 1963, Photo: Topfoto

Pat Crerand was a talented midfielder who enjoyed particular success in England. He was at Celtic from 1957-63 but won no major trophies. Then he went to Man Utd and won the English title, FA Cup and European Cup.

PATSY GALLACHER

Patsy Gallacher, Celtic legend. Image by Celtic Curio

The ‘Mighty Atom’ hailed from Donegal but grew up in Scotland. A skillful forward, Patsy Gallacher is Celtic’s sixth all-time top goalscorer. He won multiple trophies and is best remembered for a stunning goal in the 1925 Scottish Cup Final.

PADDY GALLAGHER

Paddy Gallagher, Celtic FC. Image The Celtic Wiki

A half-back (midfielder), Paddy Gallagher played for Celtic in the 1880s and 1890s. He was part of multiple club ‘firsts’ including League title and competitive game. After retiring, he was often Celtic’s linesman, when clubs provided these.

PAT GILHOOLEY

Celtic line up (above) Back Row: Friel (trainer), Campbell, Hodge, McMahon, Divers, King, W. Maley (secretary / manager). Middle Row: Bell, Marshall, Storrier, Welford, Battles. Front Left is goalkeeper McArthur. Front Right Patrick Gilhooley. Scottish Cup Winners 1899

A forward, Gilhooley spent four years at Celtic Park, from 1896-1900. He helped Celtic win the 1898 title and 1900 Scottish Cup. In total, he made 50 appearances, scoring 20 goals.

PAT McCLUSKEY

Pat McCluskey in action for Celtic against Rangers at Celtic Park on 5 January 1974. Celtic won 1-0. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Midfielder Pat McCluskey was a Celtic player for eight years (1969-77). He played almost 200 times for the club, helping them win all the major Scottish domestic trophies.

PADDY McCOURT

Paddy McCourt celebrates during Celtics 4-0 win over Hearts at Celtic Park on 26 January 2011. Photo Celtic Wiki

The ‘Derry Pele’ was a talented winger who was on Celtic’s books from 2008-13. Popular with fans, he only played occasionally, but still turned out 89 times, winning the league and Scottish Cup.

PADDY ROBERTS

Paddy Roberts celebrates scoring For Celtic against Hearts at Celtic Park on 29 January 2017. Photo Getty Images

A popular winger, Paddy Roberts spent just over two years on loan at Celtic, from 2016-18. One of Brendan Rodgers’ Invincibles, he won all Scottish domestic competitions, playing 82 times in total.

PAT STANTON

Jock Stein welcomes Pat Stanton to Celtic. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Best remembered as a Hibs legend, Pat Stanton came to Celtic later in his career from 1976-78. He could play in defence or midfield, and helped Celtic win the 1977 title and Scottish Cup.

PADDY TRAVERS

Paddy Travers, Celtic FC, Photo The Celtic Wiki

A forward, Paddy Travers was at Celtic from 1911-12, part of the 1912 Scottish Cup winning team. He was later better known as a manager, achieving success with Aberdeen and Clyde.

PAT WELSH

Pat Welsh, Irish Rebel and a Celtic FC Founding Father. Photo The Celtic Wiki

One important Patrick wasn’t a player. Welsh was a Irish Rebel and once almost arrested by a British soldier. Instead, he was let go and allowed to go to Scotland. The soldier was the father of Willie and Tom Maley. The relationship between Maley Senior and Welsh later led to the two signing for Celtic.

Matthew Marr

If you want to learn more about Celtic history, follow Hail Hail History on Twitter/X. You can also take part in a FREE Celtic history walking tour. Visit celticwalkingtours.wordpress.com for more information.

Click on cover to order a hardback copy

Matthew’s debut Celtic book titled ‘The Bould Bhoys – Glory to their name’ was published by Celtic Star Books last year and is available to order HERE. This brilliant book is also available on Amazon Kindle for just £3.49 and includes all photo sections that appear in the hardback edition.

Matthew Marr with his debut Celtic book, Glory to their name, which tells the story of Celtic’s first ever title win. Photo The Celtic Star

Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books.