1898-99-Reached the Steel Cup final and lost to Linfield Swifts by 1-0.

1899-1900 - Won the Irish League Championship for the first time, with Linfield runners-up. Steel Cup final lost to Cliftonville Olympic by 3-0. Team - Maginnis, Fleming, Doran, Nicholl, Connor, McConville, McGarry, Abraham, Dorrian, Anderson, Dornan.

At this period the old Belfast Celtic was cornpletely wiped out, being taken over lock, stock, and barrel by the present Company at Celtic Park.

1901 - Belfast Celtic was now formed into a Limited Company, with a £3,000 capital of £1 shares. The first Board of Directors were - Messrs. James Millar, John McKenna, David McCloskey, John Rooney, Hugh Fitzpatrick, Charles Watters, Henry Scullion, Patrick M'Crush, Hugh McAlinden, Joe Smyth. Present Chairman of the Board - Mr. Hugh McAlinden.

The first League match played at Celtic Park took place on 31st August, 1901, and the opposition on that occasion was Glentoran, who at that time was at the height ol their form. The latter won by 3-1. The next match was against Ulster at Ballynafeigh, and ended in a draw 1-1. The third match was the first visit of Derry Celtic, the famous Barney Donaghy's team, and the third time being the charm the first winning flag at Celtic Park.by the score of 2-1.

The year 1901 was the most momentous in the history of the Club, as it was then that Belfast Celtic became a Limited Company, and Celtic Park was acquired. It was thought that there was too much ground and it was decided to surrender about 2 acres on the Falls Road end.

The following is an interesting list of the players on the wages list at the time:

W. Donnelly, G Fleming, J. McAvoy, Harry Nicholl, the great Jimmy Connor, J. McConville, Harry Dornan, Isaac Doherty (formerly Linfield), T. Bell, Richard Buchanan, Robert Clarke (Hilden), Ned Maguire. It was on the 7th September

However, there were few who thought that in about ten years time portion of the surrendered portion would be necessary to meet with the improvements decided upon by the Directorate, so the surrendered portion was re-acquired in 1912, at a greatly enhanced figure. The greater portion of the new unreserved stand is built on this new section, which extends to the banks of the old Blackwater River.

1903 and 1904 - Mr. Bob Barr was appointed part-time Secretary in succession to the late Mr. Alf Lockhart. Lost to Linfield in Shield Final, 4-1.

1904 and 1905 - Won the Charity Cup. Runners-up in the League to Glentoran.

1905 and 1906 - Won the Charity -Cup.

1906 and 1907 - Won the Charity Cup.

1907 and 1908 - (No luck) - Haddock, McCann, McCartney (Linfield), Nicholl, Connor, Watson, Andy Hunter, Steve Mulholland, Halligan, Diamond, and Luke, Devlin.

1908 and 1909 - (No trophies) –Team - Curran, Bob Mills (Cliftonville), McCandless, Magill, DevIin, O'Neill, Doyle, McKeown, McMahon, Hamill, Luke, Devlin.

1909 and 1910 - Runners-up in the League to Cliftonville. Won the Shield, beat Glentoran 3-1.

1910 and 1911 - Charity Cup final lost to Glentoran, 4-2.

It was in this season that a crisis arose in the history of Belfast Celtic, which almost meant the closing down from football, due to the harsh suspension of a player named Neal Clarke in the Irish Cup tie against Bohernians at Celtic Park, during which the crowd broke on to the playing pitch and the game had to be abandoned. The referee's decisions did not go well with the crowd, for which there was some cause. However, the referee's report (Mr. Entwistle) was an eyeopener to the Celtic officials, as he blamed the whole thing on Neal Clarke for having, it was alleged, kicked an opponent, an incident seen by very few. The I.F.A., after a lengthy sitting, came to the conclusion at two o'clock in the morning that Clarke would be suspended for ten months, and that the ground be closed for one month. The only man to openly protest against the injustice of the sentence was the heaviest man in Irish football, Jimmy Clarke, of Cliftonville, excluding of course, the late Frank Toal, and he bluntly told the Committee that the punishment was harsh and unjustifiable.

The Celtic following took the decision that much to heart that it was only on the eve of the County Antrim Shield semi-final with Linfield at the famous Grosvenor Park, and further, that it would be the Celts farewell to football. As a result of Neal Clarke's suspension, Andy Davidson was brought into the centre forward position, and Mick Hamill took up the inside right berth. It is an ill-wind that blows nobody good, and Andy Davison not alone did the hat trick, but helped materially to turn defeat into a glorious victory by 3-2. It was a big factor in deciding Celts not to go out of football, as they went on to win the Shield, beating Glentoran in the final by 3-1 at Cliftonville with the lollowing team: Murphy, McDaniel, McCann, Crothers, Connor, Anderson, McGivern, Hamill, Davidson, Briggs, Walker.

At the conclusion of the season 1911-12, in which they won the Gold Cup and the Charity Cup, beating Cliftonville in the final by 3-0 before a record gate of £166. The Seconds won the Steel Cup, beating Glentoran II by 3-1.

A continental tour was arranged to the Prague in the month of June, 1912, and the party that did the journey were Messrs. Dan McCann, J.P. (decd.) ; Hugh McAlinden, D. McCloskey, J. McInerny (decd.); Brady, Cahal O'Byrne, R. Barr, and the players were W. Lavery (Capt.) ; C. Gibson, J. Nelson, R. Norwood, Jimmy Connor (decd.); T. Lewis, Jordan Robertson, H. Buckle, Nipper Smith, Oscar Trainor (goalie), and Louis Crowe (centre forward), the latter two hailing from Dublin. Sam Palmer also did the trip, but left early for home owing to sickness. Altogether there were five matches played, the Celts winning five and drew one. Harry Buckle did most of the scoring. In the drawn match, the referee never moved from the corner flag during the whole game.

During their stay in Prague an invitation was received from one of the local Literary Societies, composed principally of students, who thought it would he a grand opportunity to brighten up their "English" a bit by conversing with the members of the party. It was a regular scream when the late Jimmy Connor, with his broad Scotch dialect (Downpatrick), and Bobby Norwood, in the pure Lisburn dulcet tones, endeavoured to educate them in English as it should be spoken, and the poor students drank it all in?

Says one member of the party - We were having a good time in Prague for the first four or five days, until somebody asked for the loan of a " fag." All the cigarette smokers began to take stock, and found their supplies were running very low, so from that on every man had one object in view, viz., to find a shop that sold "Woodbines" or "Players". Some of them had bought cigarettes called "Sport" (but they were poor Sports), and you could have got ten or twelve Sports for one Woodbine. Every man was now a "secret service agent," looking for information as to who kept "Coffin Nails." Every morning somebody had been told where they were to be bought, and as soon as breakfast was over the company formed up and started investigations; perhaps the chap who was in command forgot the directions he had got, and that meant a lost morning, because none of the party could speak the language (although Jordan Robertson made some heroic efforts) to find out how the land lay. In fact, every one of the party had to carry a "billhead" of the Hotel in their pockets in case they got lost.

So ended a memorable trip and a happy time.

1912 and 1913 - Charity Cup final lost to Linfield 3-1. Gate, £244, a record.

1913 and 1914 - Steel Cup final lost to Glentoran II (after a draw), 1-0. Lost Charity Cup final to Linfield, 1-0. Gate, £22 17s. 5d. Won the Intermediate Cup.

1914 and 1915 – Irish Cup final lost to Shelbourne in Dublin (after a draw, 1-1), by 1-0. Team - Bert Mehaffy, J. Nelson, F. Barrett, A. Leathem, M. Hamill, R. Norwood, Ned Kerr, D. Williams, Jack Cowell, J. McKnight, J. Hegan. Went out of Senior football until 1917, Belfast United taking their plach.

1912 and 1913 - A poor season, finishing,up 6th in the League. Played 18, W. 7, L. 7, D. 4. Goals for, 24; against, 26 - 18 points.

Last in the City Cup - Played 12, W. 3, L. 8, D. 1. Goals for, 15; against, 24 - 7 points.

Lost Charity Cup final to Linfield by 3-1. Gate, £244. a record. In the junior League the Second Eleven finished runners-up, being only 4 points.behind Gleptoran II, the winners. They had ample revenge, beating Glentoran II, their great rivals, in the Steel & Sons Cup final by 3-1.

1913 – 1914 Reached Charity Cup final, and lost to Linfield, 1-0,. before a gate of £220 17s. 5d.

The Intermediate Cup was landed for the first time, and the only one in the history of the Club.

James Blyssington, the famous Scottish coach, was engaged for this season, and made a wonderful improvement, both in style and pace of the team, and practically laid the foundation for winning the League Championship the following season.

Mr. Bob Barr was appointed full-time Secretarv in May, 1913, and we all hope he may be long spared to wield the pen, as there is no more popular official in Irish, or even cross-channel football, than the genial and courteous "Bob." He has completed 25 years' service last May, and is getting "younger" every day.

1914-1915 Won the Irish League for the second time in 15 years. Lost the Irish Cup final to Shelbourne in Dublin (after a draw, 1-1), by 2-0. Team - Bertie Mehaffey, Nelson, Barrett, Leathem, Hamill, R. Norwood, Kerr, Williams, Jack Cowell, Jimmy McKnight, and Hegan.

Jimmy Magowan was appointed as Manager, having acted as Secretary for some three years for the Second Eleven.

Belfast Celtic dropped out of Senior football at the end of the 1914 and 1915 season until the season 1917-18.

1915 and 1916 - Won the Steel & Sons Cup, beating Distillery Il by 2-0. Runners-up Intermediate League to Glentoran II.

The season 1916 and 1917 saw the Intermediate League Championship won by one point, the record being P. 18, W. 16, L. 2, D. 0 – 62 - 8. 34 points. A protest against Glentoran Il for having played an ineligible player named John M'Laughlin was upheld.

The following season, 1917-18 saw the Intermediate League Championship again won, the record being P. 21, W. 20, L. 0, D. 1. 70 - 5. The match with Linfield Swifts was not played owing to the season being finished. Ormiston was the only team to take a point, drawing 1-1. For the first and only time, the M'EIroy Cup was also won.

At Last

The Irish Cup was won for the first time, and realized their life's ambition, beating a powerful team of Linfield by 2 - 0, at Grosvenor Park, both goals being scored by the left half, Norman Stewart. It was a great game, bristling with tense moments right throughout. This was really the turning point in the career of Belfast Celtic, as from that time up to the present they improved beyond all possible expectations, until now they are recognised as being the best all round team that has been in Ireland since the palmy days of Linfield. They were an Intermediate team at this time, and entered direct for the Irish Cup, which enhances the victory all the more.

It was in the season 1906 that the doyen of the Celtic supporters, Mick Hamill, received his first Senior baptism of fire, and that against the famous Dublin team, Shelbourne. The display of the former Belfast Rangers dark-haired youth stamped him as a player with a great future, a prophecy which was borne out three years later, when he was chosen to represent his country against England. The following season, 1910, saw Mick land his first Senior medal, when Belfast Celtic beat Glentoran in the Co. Antrim Shield final by 3-1. About this time a number of cross-channel clubs had heard about Mick, and the result was that Manchester United secured his transfer in January, 1911. He remained in England until the season 1914-15, when he returned to Belfast Celtic, and was a big factor in helping to win the Irish League Championship. It was in the season 1917-18 that Mick realised his ambition of winning an Irish Cup medal, when Belfast Celtic, although an Intermediate League team, who had entered direct for the Irish Cup were successful in winning it by beating their great rivals, Linfield, at Grosvenor Park, by 2 - 0,after two drawn games, both goals being scored by Norman Stewart, who played left half, and they were two beauties. The teams on that occasion (4th April, 1918), were - E. Scott, McStay, Barrett, Mulligan, Hamill, Stewart, McKinney, McElroy, Ferris, Johnston, and Frazer.

Linfield - M'Kee, Rollo, Foye, Dunlop, Fulton, M'Candless, Rea, Stitt, M'Laughlin, Lacey, M'Ewan.

Once again Mick crossed the channel and joined Manchester City, in 1920, where he remained until 1924. It was about this time that the game began to catch on in the States, and for the purpose of popularising the game there, agents were sent over to England to get the best players possible, regardless of expense. As it was only to. be expected, Mick was approached, and being anxious to see a bit more of the world, "he fell like Nelson," and off he went to the great Republic of the West. His fame had preceeded him, as in the following season, 1925, he had the honour of being Captain of the Irish team that won the International Championship of the U.S.A.

Far off fields look green, but Mick believes there are no fields look so green as those of old Ireland, and back home he came and threw in his lot with his old love, Belfast Celtic, in the month of October, 1926. We all know the rest. His greatest opponents will even admit that he is still the finest centre half in the country, and as he says himself, he feels fit to carry on for some time yet. " Mickey, may your shadow never grow less," and the "Centre Half" always be full.

The season 1918-19, the Belfast and District League was formed, which took the place of the now disbanded Irish League, and Belfast Celtic won it only after a test match with Linfield by 1-0. Danny M'Kinney scored the goal. The gate was £589. The Celts reached the Co. Antrim Shield Final once again, only to be defeated by Distillery after a drawn game by 1-0.

1919 and 1920 - Won the League Championship, and again lost to Distillery in the County Antrim Shield final, after a draw, by 2-0, but had revenge later on by beating Distillery in the Charity Cup final. At the end of this season went out of football, and did not return until 1924.

After repeated deputations from I.F.A. and Irish League had waited upon the Directors, it was only in the season of 1924 and 5 that it was definitely decided to return to football. Up to this time the Club could not have survived had it not been for side lines such as Athletics and Cycling, Trotting, Whippets and Boxing, as they were the main source of revenue. With the return to football Mr. Austin Donnelly accepted a unanimous invitation to act as Honorary Team Manager, and it would be like attempting to paint the lily to rehearse what has been done by him and "his boys" since then. He has a wonderfully persuasive way with him, and the players are always ready for the fray, as "members of one family," to uphold the honour and fame of the Belfast Celts. At the same time he is strict as to training as well as good conduct on the field. He can always be seen on the track in the event of "things getting a bit warm" during the game, and his presence invariably has a salutary effect, if such were needed on the players. The secret of his success lies in the fact that he is one of the "boys."

His first lot of signatures were:- Burt Jackson, Alfy Bruce, Bob Ferguson, Bert Fulton, Davey Gamble, W. Kirkwood, Jimmy McDowell, Willie Pollock, Jimmy Gault, Sam Moore, John Doherty, Joe Henderson, Andy Smyth, Fred Roberts (Glentoran), Jack and Stanley Mahood, and the evergreen Jimmy Ferris. There wasn't a big lot of delph broken that season, finishing third in the League and getting pipped in the post in the Co. Antrim Shield Final by Glentoran 2-1.

In the close season word had come to the "Park" that in the little " Salt Town" of Carrickfergus there lived a demon goal getter (just what was required) named Sam Curran, whose goal scoring propensities had caused a few of the local Senior Clubs to get on his track.

However, it came to the ears of Mr. Jim Rice, the well-known Boxing Promoter, and his motto in life being ( a successful one at that) "When there's business to be done, do it," quietly took Joe McCleery, in the quiet of the evening, in his car to Carrick, determined to do the trick. When they arrived Sam had gone out to see "a friend," and so enquiries were made as to the direction he had gone, which was procured. Along came Sam, and in a shorter time than it would take to say "Jack Robinson" the persuasive powers of "Mr. Jim" told its tale and the blue form was well and truly signed. It would not be fair to mention names, but the representatives for a well-known club "over the way" must have felt like kicking themselves, as they had representatives there at the same time, but were caught napping. From that time up to the present Sam has never let his side down, and has given good and loyal service for the confidence reposed in him by Mr. Jim Rice. In fact, it could be truly claimed that he is the most prolifically consistent goal scorer in English, Scottish, Welsh or Irish Football, although he has been marked for special attention by the opposing, centre halves practically since he came into Senior football.

Practically swept the boards, winning the Irish Cup, League Championship, Gold Cup, City Cup, and joint holders Charity Cup with Glentoran. The Co. Antrim Shield being won by Cliftonville Team. 

A conspicuous feature of the Celtic Directorate has always been to cater for all classes, rich and poor, and with that end in view a gigantic Carnival was carried out for the express purpose of erecting a covered stand for the unreserved side. As all lovers of football know the promise was kept, and to-day the finest unreserved covered stand in the kingdom now adorns the Willowbank side of the ground. It was completed this season – 1926 - at a cost of almost £10,000 and accomodates 5,000 spectators comfortably, and from any part a grand uninterrupted view of the playing pitch can be seen.

The first cover was erected on the reserved side without seating accomodation in the year 1905.

Reserved seating accomodation was provided in the year 1910.

Another glorious season, 1926 and 27, winning the Irish League (without a defeat) for the second year in succession, also the County Antrim Shield, beating Dunmurry, the well-known Intermediate team, by 3-2.

1927 and 28 was marked by the third successive win of the League Championship, thus falling into line with Linfield, who is the only other team to have won the League three times in succession (which they did on two occasions), also the City Cup.

This season, 1928 and 29, will be remembered lor the second greatest event in the history of the Club, and the greatest in the history of the Irish League competition, when the League Championship was won for the fourth season in succession, a feat never before accomplished by any other club.

It is worthy of notice that the League Championship has been won by Belfast Celtic on seven occasions, out of the eight times they have competed. 

1892-3 Won the Irish Junior League

1893-4 Won the Irish Junior League.

1894-5 Won the Co. Antrim Shield and Irish Junior League.

1898-9 Beat in Steel Cup Final by Linfield Swifts, 1-0

1899-1900 Won the Irish League. Lost Steel Cup Final to, the Olympic, 3-0.

1903-4 Beat in Co. Antrim Shield Final by Linfield, 4-1.

1904-5 Won Charity Cup; beat Glentoran by 2-0.

1905-6 Won the City Cup.

1906-7 Won the City Cup. Lost Irish Cup Final to Shelbourne by 2-0.

1909-10 Won Co. Antrim Shield; beat Glentoran 3-1. Won the Charity Cup; beat Distillery 2-1.

1910-11 Charity Cup Final lost to Clentoran 4-2.

1912-13 Won Steel Cup Final; beat Glentoran II by 3-1.

1914-15 Won the Irish League. Won the Irish Intermediate Cup. Lost Steel Cup Final to Glentoran II (after a draw) by 1-0. Went out of Senior Football until 1917-18.

1916-17 Won the Steel Cup; beat Distillery II by 2-0. Won the Intermediate League.

1917-18 Won the Irish Cup for the first time, beating Linfield 2-0. Won McElroy Cup, the Steel Cup and Intermediate League (twice in succession).

1918-19 Won the Belfast and District League; beat Linfield in a test match 1-0. Lost Co. Antrim Shield Final to Distillery (after a draw) by 1-0.

1919-20 Co. Antrim Shield Final to Distillery 2-0 (after a draw). Irish Cup Semi-Final with Glentoran abandoned. Went out of Senior Football until 1924-25.

1924-25 Lost to Glentoran in Co. Antrim Shield Final 2-1. Charity Cup Final again lost to Glentoran by 2-1.

1925-26 Won the Irish Cup. Won the League Championship. Won the City Cup. Won the Gold Cup. Joint Holders Charity Cup with Glentoran. Won the All-Ireland Championship, beating Shelbourne.

1926-27 Won the lrish League Championship (third time in succession). Won the City Cup. Won the Co. Antrim Shield. Won the All-Ireland Championship, beating Shamrock Rovers 2-0.

1927-28 Won the Irish League Championship (third time in succession). Won the City Cup (twice in succession). Finalists Gold and Charity Cups.

1928-29 Won the Irish League Championship (fourth time in succession). Irish Cup Final lost to Ballymena by 2-1. In other words, just pipped on the post after having all the play and Ballymena getting the goals.

When Belfast Celtic was formed, Bob Hayes was instructed to write Glasgow Celtic for assistance, who replied right away by sending a cheque, much to the surprise of some people, whom it was reported had written warning the Glasgow Celts against sending anything, as the locals could not possibly carry on. That's that!

John (Big) Kearney, at present in the States, holds the first member's card of Belfast Celtic, and so anxious was he to get it that he waited outside Doherty's (Printers) in Ann Street for the late Alex. Begley coming out with them.

There was a time when Belfast Celtic very near "went West" in the first year, as following defeats by Glentoran ll, Rosebank, and Suffolk, poor Alex. Begley and his pal had to pass the Milltown (rivals) corner, and got " some betting," but the dominating factor in their determination to carry on was, "what would Glasgow Celtic think about us after getting a cheque trom them."

A good story is cold about the late Alex. Begley. In an Alliance match with Clarence II at Stranmillis, the referee failed to turn up, and the Celts, winning the toss, Alex. was appointed to blow the whistle. There were three loyal supporters of the Celts turned up. Well, the Celts had all the play, but could not score. About five minutes after the start, Alex.'s watch stopped, and after playing over two hours, as apparently it was Alex's intention to play until the Celts would score, only for the spectators beginning to bawl at him: " was he going to play all night." Very reluctantly Alex. blew the long whistle, leaving the game a scoreless draw.

It is most remarkable that all the record gates in Charity matches have been made where Belfast Celtic were playing. Year after year they increased until last season the receipts went well into four figures. They are certainly worthily upholding the motto of their big brothers, Glasgow Celtic, in this respect.

Another record which Belfast Celtic can honestly claim is that Sammy Curran (centre forward) has the greatest number of goals to his credit during his first four years of Senior football than any other player in the,game, and will still bang them in.

Still another record in how to win the Irish Cup, when the other fellows are too good was demonstrated by Jimmy Ferris in the last successful Irish Cup final, 1925-6, when they again defeated Linfield 3-2. Well, "Barney" Moorehead simply wouldn't let Sammy Curran even look at the ball until Jimmy " siddled" up, and made a "fearful kick" at " Barney". What happened then was this, "Barney" went after Jimmy (just what was wanted), Sammy gets loose and scores all three goals. That's how it is done. " Barney" and Mr. James are the best of pals.

The spirit that animated Mick Hamill to play in that memorable Irish Cup final, 1917-18, with a terrible gash in the leg, when their life's ambition was realized, by beating their great rivals, Linfield and winning the Irish Cup for the first time is as strong as ever with him to-day.

Very few players ever leave Celtic Park once they have been fixed up, except at their own request. "Pa" Donnelly looks after "his boys" like a hen after her chicks.

The Irish League record of Belfast Celtic, especially during the last four seasons, will hardly be equalled, much less beaten.

One of the most famous protests in Association football, and upheld, was against Belfast Celtic in an Irish Cup tie by Cliftonville, at Klondyke, owing to the goal posts being 1and 3/4 inches out. However, in the replay the Celts won 7-0, and the posts were the correct measurement.

Can anyone tell who the Celtic half-back was that, throwing a ball in, could land it in the goal mouth as good as a corner kick?

Harry Laverty, the vetran Celtic back, says that there were no less than five leading English clubs after half of the Celtic team that beat Distillery in the Co. Antrim Shield in the season 1895 and 1896.

There is a short thrilling story about the transfer of Jimmy Ferris to Chelsea. In fact, had it not been for Mickey Hamill a cross-channel player then assisting Belfast Celtic might have created a sensation by getting " James" away quietly.

One of the heaviest defeats the Celts ever got Was 5-2 by Cliftonville, while Austin Donnelly was keeping goal for the Reds.

At the age of seventeen, Steve Mulholland was considered to be one of the finest forwards in Ireland, by a prominent cross-channel judge, especially in his first International.

Barring William Foulkes, the goalkeeper of Sheffield United, the late Frank Toal, the Belfast Celts centre half, was the heaviest player ever played lootball.

It was quite a common thing for the late Jimmy Cormor to walk to Celtic Park from Downpatrick, "play a blinder," and then walk back again, and he was "some player."

The late Jimmy McInerney was a Director of Belfast Celtic, and one of the most fearless writers that ever put pencill to paper. He was particularly fond of the I.F.A. He died on the 17th Sept., 1923. " Tempus Fugit."

There are only three of the first nine members of Belfast Celtic in Belfast, viz.: Harry Laverty, James Crummie, and Frank Laverty.

One of the Celts greatest friends in their Junior days was Mr. Hugh Fitzpatrick, who stood by the young Celts through thick and thin.

Billy Pollock, one of the most loyal and wholehearted players any Club ever. had, seems to have the spirit of "bucking up" when things are not going too well, especially during the present season he has been most consistent.

If ever a player deserved well of a Club it is Bertie Fulton. As a back, he has few equals and certainly no superiors in Irish League football. His play this season has been a revelation, full of fire and life, and enthusing to his partners, sure in his tackling, and places with rare judgment.

Never in the history of football have two brothers played so long and consistently together as Stanley and Jackie Mahood. Since leaving Dunmurry, they have been the most consistent and reliable pair in Irish football, for the past four years. Often have they turned possible defeat into glorious victories. Jackie has had the honour of representing his country on a number of occasions, and has never once let us down. They can always rise to the occasion.

Trainer Joe DevIin looks after his boys like a "hen after her chicks," and what he does not know about "repairing damaged legs on the shortest possible notice," is hardly worth enquiring about. Deeds, not words, are his motto. The players swear by him, and woe betide the man (or woman) who would speak disrespectfully of our Joe.

It is not generally known that Secretary Bob Barr is the proud possessor of about 200 prizes for cycle racing, and amongst them is a 20 miles Championship of Ireland, won in Phoenix Park a "wheen" of years ago.

The defeat of Belfast Celtic by Ballymena in the Irish Cup final was a big blow to the Celts loyal band of supporters. Still it cannot be expected for the Celts to win all the time, as the strain of winning the League Championship without a defeat must have told on the players. However, the Cup has been won by Ballymena, and the hearty congratulations from all football followers goes out to them.

Jack Diffen, goalkeeper, for his inches, the pluckiest lad that ever pulled on a glove. The goal average during the past four years proves conclusively his sterling worth. It is admitted, by even his opponents, that when the boys in front of him were a bit groggy, Jack was sure to fill the breach to perfection. Even in his Junior days he recognized the best goalie we had, and has been honoured by the I.F.A.

Bob Ferguson, "Surefoot", one of the steadiest backs in Irish football. In fact, not a few cross-channel clubs, angled for him, bit Bob preferred "The Park." Has not been enjoying the best of health this season but now that he is back, the weak spot in the rear line should immediately disappear.

Paddy Gallagher, the speediest man of the lot, and takes some stopping either on the right or centre. A terror to goalies either in shooting or bundling them through, ball and all. He should represent his country in the near future - has all the qualifications, big, young and speedy.

Keiller M'Cullough, the possessor of fine footwork, and manipulates plenty of openings. Quiet and unassuming, is a favourite at the Park, and should be seen more often next season. Enquiries have been made from across the channel, but Mac is satisfied where he is.

Eddy McIlwaine, from Linfield Rangers, has proved his worth as a defender in the few matches he has played, and with the confidence gained as a Junior International, he should develop a real, robust, tactical defender.

Celtic's Irish Cup team which lost to Shelbourne was - Haddock, McClelland, Pinkerton, Connor, Nicholl, Gall, Mulholland, Runnigan, Maguire, DevIin.

Stan Mahood made the I.F.A. sit up over the famous Blackpool protest, when he was suspended. After seeing his Solicitor, who communicated with the I.F.A., who, as usual, pulled in their horns and he was reinstated at once.

The gates at Celtic Park in the season 1901 and 2 totalled £529 18s. 1d., less £42 12s. 2d. paid to other clubs. In the season finishing May this year the gates totalled £6,370 3s. 10d., less £2,115 16s. 9d. paid to other clubs. A bit of a contrast!

It was the famous Jack Henderson, the official handicapper to the I.C.A. and I.A.A.A. that recommended Belfast Celtic to take the present grounds, and he was not a bad judge.

Sam Curran played his first match for Belfast Celtic against Glenavon on Aug. 22nd, 1925, when the Celts were beaten 1-0.

In 1902 and 3, won the Steel Cup, beating Glentoran II, 3-1; gate £574. Finished last in City Cup, but beat Linfield in the last match by 2-1. Team that season – Mehaffey, Mullan, Nelson, Smyth, Devlin, M'Intosh, Doyle, Crone, Crowe, Marshall and Thomas.

1918 and 19, won Belfast and District League. The team beat Linfield 1-0 (after test match); gate £589. Dan McKinney scored. Team – Scott, Mulligan, Barrett, Hunter, Hamill, Norwood, Kerr, Wishart, McKinney, Ferris, Frazer. 

C. A. Shield Final, lost to Distillery 1-0, after a drawn game.

The Irish Cup team that beat the Blues (1919-20) by 2-1 in the first round at Windsor Park, and in the Irish Cup semi-final with Glentoran at Cliftonville on Wednesday, 17th March, 1920 – B. Mehaffey, M'Dade, Barrett, Mulligan, Hamill, Carroll, Kelly, Norwood, Chambers, Bell and Topping – 0-0.

Barrett was ordered off for tripping Gowdy and suspended for the season. The crowd broke on the field. Referee M'Clean raced for the Pavilion, and match was abandoned ten minutes to go.

1924 and 5 Lost to Glentoran, Shield final 2-1. Gate, £586. Team - Doherty, Bruce, Ferguson, Pollock, Kirkwood, M'Dowell, Clarke, Moore, A. Smyth, Ferris, and J. Mahood. Referee, Sam Thompson.

Again Glentoran won the Charity final, 2-1. Team: Doherty, Ferguson, Fulton, Moore, Kirkwood, Pollock, Clarke, Ferris, Kinsella, S. Mahood, J. Mahood. Referee – J. B. Stark.

Finished third in the League.

1925 and 26 – A wonderful season. Won the Irish League Championship, City Cup, Irish Cup, Charity Cup, Gold Cup.

Sam Curran scored 51 goals in the above and 6 in representative matches.

Beat Linfield 3-2 in Irish Cup Final. Gate £750. Curran scored all three goals.

Travelled to Dublin and won the All-Ireland League Championship, the first time for a North team, beating Shelbourne well by 4-2. Admittedly the best team won.

Cliftoriville in the Gold Cup Final 3-0. Gate £512.

For the season 137 goals for and 72 against. Team - Fitzmaurice, Scott, Ferguson, Pollock, Moore, Perry, M'Grillen, Ferris, Curran, S. Mahood, and J. Mahood.

In the season 1926 and 1927 the lrish League Championship was won for the third time in succession and City Cup winners. Lost to Linfield in the Gold Cup Final 3-2, and in the Charity Cup Final by 4-0

Beat Shamrock Rovers 2-0 Championship in Dublin. Team - Diffen, Scott, Ferguson, Moore, Hamill, Inch, M'Grillen, Ferris, Curran, Mahood and Mahood.