Memories of ‘67

The Lions of Lisbon script, published on Friday by Luath press, includes 67 contributions from a selection of wellknown figures including writers, actors and fans who say in 67 words what their events of May 25, 1967 mean to them Tony Curran, actor My grandfather Tommy Reilly was a scout for Celtic late 60s, early 70s and a friend of Jock Stein. I remember as a kid he brought out a pair of white Umbro shorts with a green five on front and back. Billy McNeill’s of course. Watching black and white replays of Lisbon still brings a tear to my eye knowing that my Papa was there that day. Sir Tom Devine, historian I was 22 and my main memory is of uninhibited joy at the final whistle among the family all glued to the TV. My other recollection was of the pride which many of our non-Celtic supporting neighbours took in the achievement, seeing it as a triumph for Scotland. 1967 was a key factor in the long history of emancipation of the Catholic Irish in this country. Dave Anderson, actor, playwright, jazz musician I was an immigrant. I was 21, but, in my mind, I was a bluesman, playing in Canadian cafes, too cool to care about football – until Celtic won the European Cup. It was almost unbelievable – 11 Scotsmen beat a bunch of millionaires! Twenty years later Jack McGinn would be in the Wildcat office, asking if we’d be interested in writing The Celtic Story. Rest? History … Alan Bissett, writer, left Hendrix. Sergeant Pepper. Pink Floyd. Summer of Love. Scotland beating England, then world champions, at Wembley, Baxter playing keepie-uppie. The Lisbon Lions who, to someone

growing up as a Rangers supporter, were the phantom presence in every conversation with Celtic fans. Bigger than Nine In a Row. Bigger than Rangers’ Cup Winners’ Cup side of 1972. An unrepeatable feat. A golden stick with which to beat us. An immortal irritation. Philip Differ, writer Every time I see highlights of this match, I greet. Every time I think of the players in the tunnel singing The Celtic Song before going out, I greet. It’s my happiest memory of football. Pat Kane, musician and writer Big number. It’s the year of my brother Gregory’s birth – without whom, no musical partner, no Hue and Cry. But it’s also the year my dad made a fateful decision. £600 saved for Lisbon – but then my mum’s dream Blairhill house is on the market, requiring, as a deposit … No greater love could a Coatbridge man have for his wife. My dad’s gone. But she’s still there. Tom Leonard, poet Came out the subway and dived into a pub to see the goals on the nine o’ clock news. Standing with a big excited grin to see this already famous event. Noticed some folk seemed to be watching me watching the news and nobody watching the telly itself. Shot back out into the night as soon as it was over. Turned out I’d gone into Willie Woodburn’s Bar. Henry McLeish Former First Minister of Scotland I was proud and privileged to see that winning goal and celebrate one of the giant moments of Scottish, British and European football. The Lions were a team of outstanding talent, skill and courage. I was delighted to meet some of the players later in my political life. Working class boys, a credit to their club and country. We can enjoy the memories and still dream. Michael Nardone, actor The privilege of being born in the same year as The Lisbon Lions’ Victory is a badge of pride that both my dad and in turn myself will wear with honour until the end. My own children now carry the knowledge and I expect it to pass down the line. 67 will never be forgotten. It’s carved in history forever. Hail Hail!