School project named after Lisbon Lion Stevie

A MUSIC programme in Glasgow’s East End will be named after Celtic’s goal-scoring Lisbon Lion Stevie Chalmers.

Celtic FC have announced its charity Foundation arm will name a school music programme at St Roch’s in honour of the footballer.

The honour comes on the 50th anniversary year of the European Cup final triumph at Lisbon, where the Hoops forward scored the winning goal against Inter Milan in the Parkhead side’s 2-1 win.

The programme, which started five years ago, now extends to 22 schools. An initial investment of £20,000 will be made and the initiative will extend to the primary schools associated with St Roch’s.

The football legend and his wife, Sadie, both attended St Roch’s and his son, Paul, said: “He enjoys music so much and his mother’s side is very musical, indeed his aunt is a keen violinist.

“It is a wonderful legacy and the family is so pleased it is at St Roch’s.

“My father would always point out to us that was where he went to school when we passed it in the car.”

We previously reported in that Chalmers, now 81, has dementia.

His granddaughter Natalie confirmed the news before a tribute 50th anniversary tribute to the Lisbon Lions at the SSE Hydro in May.

A statement from the family said: “We were sad that his health did not allow Stevie to attend any of the 50th anniversary celebrations. He would very much have enjoyed being back amongst his old teammates.

“Our family was really happy to have been approached by the Foundation about this.

“Although football has obviously been a major force in our family, Stevie was also a great believer in the arts and encouraging young people to express themselves and grow a certain type of modest confidence.”

Tony Hamilton, chief executive of Celtic FC Foundation, added: “We are really pleased to be announcing this new school music programme at St Roch’s.”