Conference will bring Celtic’s history to life

THE history of Celtic FC will be brought to life and examined in news ways with an iconic first—the inaugural event of the Celtic FC History Conference.

The event, which will take place this June, is a fan-inspired gathering, organised and run by supporters who are committed to building on the efforts of three much-loved Celtic historians, and is believed to be the first such-event in the world, where historians gather to explore the story of a single football club.

It will be held at Celtic Park on June 6, and though it is not an official Celtic event, the provision of the Celtic Park facilities free of charge by the club means that supporters can attend at no cost, simply signing up through the Celtic FC History Conference Eventbrite page.

“The organisers are a group of Celtic fans interested in the club's history,” those behind the event explained. “They hope to build on the work of celebrated club writers Pat Woods, Tom Campbell and David Potter, who have sadly died within the past three years.

“The day will feature various notable academic figures with an interest in Celtic’s history. This includes Dr Michael Connolly, biographer of Brother Walfrid, Dr Joe Bradley, editor of the Celtic Minded book series, and documentary maker Dr Margot McCuaig.

“Celtic topics which will be examined at the conference are the life of Brother Walfrid, the influences which led to the club’s formation, women’s place in the telling of Celtic’s history and Celtic stories from all around Glasgow.”

In addition to those three figures, David Watt, Jim O’Brien, Matthew Marr and Stephen Murray will also play a crucial role in the conference, and it is hoped that bringing together those most active in studying the history of Celtic with ordinary supporters with an interest in the origins and roots of the club that a better understanding of the conditions the club emerged from and the cultural impact it continues to have can be achieved.

Organiser David Watt—who helped write Celtic’s Social Charter—said: “We want this conference to help develop a deeper and broader understanding of the history of Celtic Football Club. We will examine social, cultural and political influences linked to the Club’s formation.

“In doing so, we recognise that we stand of the shoulders of giants in the three great writers and researchers of Celtic’s history, Tom Campbell, David Potter and Pat Woods. All of whom, sadly, have died in recent years.”

To book a free place at the conference, fans can sign up on this Eventbrite page: https://celticfchistoryconference.eventbrite.co.uk