If Guinness did international football – A Nostalgic Night in Paradise

The Celtic Star

·16 novembre 2024

If Guinness did international football – A Nostalgic Night in Paradise

International football is usually a slog and nothing but a hindrance as it gets in the way of club football…

Martin O’Neill manager of the Republic of Ireland looks on prior to the EURO 2016 Group D Qualifier match between Scotland and Republic of Ireland at Celtic Park on November 14, 2014 (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

However 10 years ago this very week a certain international game was played out at Celtic park, and it was one that left us Celtic supporters feeling very nostalgic.

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It was of course the showdown between Scotland and The Republic of Ireland in a Euro 2016 qualifier and there were more than a few familiar names present inside Paradise.

Gordon Strachan manager of Scotland looks on prior to the EURO 2016 Group D Qualifier match between Scotland and Republic of Ireland at Celtic Park on November 14, 2014. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Scotland were managed by former Celtic manager Gordon Strachan, while Ireland were led by another one of our former managers in Martin O’Neill. Two of our successful managers, who led us to so much success going head to head in the Celtic Park dugout.

Aiden McGeady of the Republic of Ireland applauds the crowd after the EURO 2016 Group D Qualifier match between Scotland and Republic of Ireland at Celtic Park on November 14, 2014. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Ex Celt David Marshall was in goal for Scotland, with another former Celtic star Shaun Maloney in attack, while current Celt Charlie Mulgrew was a vital part of the defence. Scott Brown was also skipper for us on the night. The Republic also boasted ex-Celt Aiden McGeady in their starting line up, so it added yet more Celtic related theme to the occasion.

Scott Brown of Scotland points during the EURO 2016 Group D Qualifier match between Scotland and Republic of Ireland at Celtic Park on November 14, 2014 . (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

The game itself was settled in a fashion that had Celtic written all over it. With just fifteen minutes remaining and the game at a stalemate, Maloney took a quick corner and the ball ended up with Broony who had advanced into the box and his deft touch allowed wee Shaun to curl a beauty into the far left corner to send the tartan army in the Celtic park stands into a state of euphoria.

Charlie Mulgrew and Shaun Maloney of Scotland celebrate victory after the EURO 2016 Group D Qualifier match between Scotland and Republic of Ireland at Celtic Park on November 14, 2014. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

It proved to be the match winner, and Scotland claimed a vital victory. Yes it was Scotland’s night, but everything about it felt so very Celtic.

If Guinness did international football…

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Matt Corr’s wonderful new books, Celtic in the Thirties, Volumes One & Two are both out now on Celtic Star Books and you can order a signed copies by clicking on the links below…