Tommy lit up the football pitch. And he helped shine a little light into our darkest days

CELTIC ACE’S LETTER OF SUPPORT AFTER TRAGEDY

Heather Greenaway A heartbroken couple have revealed how a handwritten letter from Celtic legend Tommy Burns brought them comfort in the aftermath of their daughter’s death.

Joe and Margaret O’Sullivan’s world fell apart when their only child, Joanne, was killed in a car crash in 1999 when she was just 19.

Four weeks after her funeral, the devastated parents, from Croftfoot, Glasgow, received a four-page letter from Tommy, who they had known socially for years, offering his heartfelt condolences.

The Celtic ace’s poignant words about Joanne and the revelation he was lighting a candle for her every day brought the family solace at their darkest time.

Now, in a special documentary to mark the 10th anniversary of Tommy’s death, Joe has shared the treasured letter for the first time as a tribute to the man who meant so much to so many.

The feature-length programme, which will air on BBC Alba later this month, focuses on the life of the late Celtic great through the eyes of his children, friends and footballing family.

Driving instructor Joe, 64, who has been helping Hoops players get their licence for 40 years, said: “Tommy was one of the nicest human beings I’ve had the pleasure to know. He was a legend on the pitch and in the dugout but he was also a legend away from the field thanks to the compassion and kindness he showed to everyone he came into contact with.

“His handwritten letter brought Margaret and me comfort at the darkest time of our l ives and, even now, his kind and thoughtful words bring tears to our eyes when we read them.

“Losing Joanne was beyond horrific. She had been over visiting my sister in Donegal when she was killed in a car accident. Joanne was our world – she was bubbly, beautiful, full of fun and lit up every room she walked into.”

Musician Joe, who recorded a charity single for the Tommy Burns Skin Cancer Trust, added: “We decided to share the letter on the 10th anniversary of Tommy’s passing. And we discovered Tommy had shown similar kindnesses to many.

“People told us how he had turned up unannounced at hospices to lift someone’s spirits or sent a wee note when a family member was ill. It is a real honour to contribute to the film.”