How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others, and render their happiness necessary to him, though he derives nothing from it, except the pleasure of seeing it.” Half a dozen people were arrested over the incident, with one man being held in prison on remand for 16 weeks prior to a high court appearance. By the time of the trial in February 1988, two twin brothers, who had been at the scene, were also arrested and due to stand before the judges. The trial lasted a few days before the supplier and thrower of the gas cannister received substantial sentences, whilst the other six accused were allowed to walk free. Today his own quotes on his retirement have perhaps been lost under a sea of well-wishers and reminisces. As such they’re worth repeating. I also wish to pay tribute to all other staff at the Club and, of course, our supporters who give so much to Celtic and make it the wonderful institution it is today. I will always be a Celtic supporter and I wish the Club nothing but continued success for the future.”

From his first days in Scotland, he became a regular at Celtic Park, developing a deep affinity with the club. John Keane retired in July 2019. A man of true humility and dignity, and a lifelong Celtic supporter, John Keane played a hugely significant role in preserving the Club’s history, success and, above all, continuity. John Keane played a pivotal role in saving Celtic for us all. I had my own mind but you cannot really have your own mind in football. You have to follow what the manager tells you. They treat you like a baby and I wasn't." John is a native of Doohoma on the Mayo coast. His mother was from Crown Street in the Gorbals and his father met her when he came to Scotland as an agricultural worker.Andy Walker had a great opportunity to double Celtic’s advantage before the break, but Celtic headed into the half time interval with a solitary goal advantage and a huge roar of approval from their adoring fans. During the break, according to Celtic Soccer Crew leader (John O’Kane), there was discussion among some Celtic casuals about when they would deploy a weapon on the unsuspecting Hibs fans. The story goes that a CS gas cannister had been acquired by a member of the firm during a recent trip to watch Celtic against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Cup. The said member had supplied the hooligan group with the missile that morning and the Celtic Soccer Crew would have seen an opportunity to earn a major coup against one of Britain’s most feared hooligan outfits. John accepted an invitation to become Honorary Chairman of the historic Celtic Football & Athletic Club board which handles relations with supporters and of which he is a long-standing member. He also agreed to take part in Saturday’s ceremony. WHEN John Keane, the Honorary Chairman of Celtic Football and Athletic Club, unfurls the League Championship flag at Celtic Park on Saturday afternoon, he deserves an ovation to match the contribution he has made to the history, success and – above all – continuity of Celtic Football Club.

Ferguson was as supportive as he could be. There were regular chats in his office. "He had an aura about him but he was approachable. I did not give him a choice, to be fair. I used to go and see him three or four times a week." He started his career with Manchester United but failed to break into the first team, and after loan spells with Wimbledon, Bury, Wrexham and Bradford City, [1] he made a permanent move to Everton in January 1998. There he found first-team opportunities easier to come by, but a change of manager at the end of the 1997–98 season meant he fell out of favour again and was sent on loan to Burnley at the start of the 1998–99 season. He went on loan again to Bolton Wanderers at the start of 1999–2000, a move that was made permanent a month later. Limavady beat us in the league about 10 weeks ago so we're going to have to be on our guard, big time.”

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The Bank met the Board and despite some disbelief from some who perhaps felt the bank were simply trying some strong arm tactics, the board were left a message in no uncertain terms. As a further measure of the gratitude of the club, this unsung hero was rewarded with the honour of raising the league title flag in 2013 at Celtic’s 2-1 victory over Ross County which allowed the general support to show their appreciation. Although he has done some scouting for United, the club he still supports, there is no great appetite to throw himself into coaching.

It’s difficult to comprehend now, but without John Keane’s actions it may well be that Celtic would look altogether different today. WILLIE Falconer wasn’t a player to particularly make you sit up and take notice. He was alright and pretty indicative of the standard of player that Celtic had filling their squad in March 1994. He was one of many who were average at best, but Willie is a player who nearly became the most infamous Celt in history. That he didn’t become that is down quite substantially to a man who retired with a great many platitudes from Celtic and beyond today.

John is the most modest of men. Throughout the dramas of the 1990s, he delivered exactly what was asked of him and what he promised but never sought the limelight. He was capable of seeing the light and shade of the saga rather than becoming a partisan. And when the chips were down, he saved Celtic for us all. At the age of 17, he moved to Scotland himself, first of all carrying out agricultural contracts and then building a successful business as a contractor laying cables and pipes for major utility companies. He began his professional career at Manchester United in 1990 and played 7 competitive games for the club before signing for Everton in January 1998. His last appearance for United was on 27 November 1996 when he played against Leicester City in the League Cup The care sector, you have got to really want to do it. If you don't want to do it, you will hate it because this work is not for the faint-hearted.