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THE SCOTTISH UMPIRE 29/11/1887
We learn that the efforts which have lately been made to organise in Glasgow a first-class Catholic football club, have been successfully consummated by the formation of the " Glasgow Celtic Football and Athletic Club," under influential auspices. They have secured a six-acre ground in the east-end, which they mean to put in fine order. We wish the "Celts " all success.

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THE SCOTTISH UMPIRE 24/01/1888

On Thursday last, the first general monthly meeting of the "Celtic" Football and Athletic Club was held in the Hall, East Rose Street (Calton). There was a large turn-out of members and patrons. The various committees submitted their reports, which were considered extremely satisfactory. The convener of the Park Committee, Mr. Brien, said that, if all went well, the ground would be ready for play in a few weeks. The pitch is finished, the paling well nigh up, and the grand stand—capable of accommodating from 8oo to 1ooo — would be begun in the course of the ensuing week. A good few members were enrolled; and several gentlemen, who are much interested in the welfare of the "Celts," handed in their donation! The committee meet every Thursday evening in the Hall, East Rose Street. Altogether, the “Celtic” bids fair to be a great success. It is expected that the committee will put a first-class team on the field for the coming season. The secretary is Mr. J. O'Hare, 77 East Rose Street, Calton.

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THE SCOTTISH UMPIRE 27/03/1888

Our readers, especially those in the east end, will be pleased to hear that the Celtic F.C.'s ground is rapidly approaching completion. We understand the committee expect to have it ready in a few weeks. The grand stand is almost complete, and will be a handsome one, capable of accommodating 1200 persons. The pavilion seems to be a bright idea, and fully realises the expectations of the committee; it is large and commodious, 50 ft. by 14 ft., and will be divided into three apartments. The necessary baths, lavatories, &c., will complete it. The park lies east of Janefield Cemetery, in Dalmarnock Street, within a few minutes’ walk of the Parkhead tramcar terminus. The London Road terminus is likewise convenient. The committee will be glad to see visitors; the field is open daily till about 6 o'clock, p.m. We wish the enterprising "Celts " every success, and, no doubt, the Glasgow clubs will willingly insert their names in the fixture card for the forthcoming season.

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THE SCOTTISH UMPIRE 17/04/1888

The Celtic club which has been formed in the east end of Glasgow had hoped to bring off their ceremony on the afternoon of Exhibition-day, May 8, but the arrangements have fallen through. It was expected that Renton and Hibs, would play the opening match, but evidently the date won't suit Renton. The management will require to requisition some other foemen worthy the Hibernians' steel. The Celts' new field, pavilion, and stand are nearing completion, and the public will be surprised at the extent of the undertaking and the thoroughness with which it has been carried out.

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Glasgow Observer Saturday May 5th 1888

The Celtic Football Club


An advertisement in our issue of today announces the news of the opening of the above park in the afternoon of the 8th May, (the day of the opening of the Exhibition). As will be seen the match will not be played till after the ceremony at the Exhibition is over. We are sure that there will be a very large attendance owing to the popularity of the teams who will have the honour of playing the first match on the Celtic Park; as well as the desire to give substantial aid to the Celtic exchequer, which certainly deserves the support of the admirers of the national sport. The courage of the committee in venturing such a grand undertaking at the commencement is the surprise of many. Some idea may be formed of it, when we state that it is the opinion of competent judges that the Celtic Park is second to none in the country, and that is saying a great deal. The pitch is a perfect level; close on 110 yards long by 66 yards wide surrounded by a splendid track of 19 feet wide, which, we are sure, will be well patronised by our cycling friends. A magnificent Grand Stand has also been erected which will accommodate 1,000 persons, beneath the stand is a large pavilion divided into three rooms, a committee room 25 feet by 14 feet, and a dressing room at either end, 13 feet by 14 feet, with bath and lavatory accommodation attached to each. There is plenty of light from front and back, with doors to admit the teams from the back and enter the field from the front. The gate accommodation is excellent consisting of three large and six small entrances, one of which is reserved for members. It is with unfeigned pleasure we offer our Celtic friends our congratulations on the great success that has crowned their labours so far and we wish them a long and a prosperous career.

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SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER 15/05/1888

OPENING OF THE CELTIC FOOTBALL CLUB’S PARK

On Tuesday evening last, the new park and pavilion of the Celtic Football and Athletic Club was formally opened. The park which covers about twenty acres is situated in Dalmarnock Street, Parkhead. Tram-cars from the centre of the city, convey visitors to within a few seconds walk of the field, which is enclosed from the street by a wall of wood similar to that running around the other football parks in the neighbourhood. The Grand Stand is an erection capable of accommodating in comfort a very large number of people. Underneath is the pavilion or clubroom, a large well-lighted apartment, housing dressing rooms at either side fitted up with all the requisite toilet appliances. On Tuesday evening the weather was all that could be desired, a trifle chilly perhaps but bright and pleasant notwithstanding. In and around the pavilion were clusters of Clergy & people. Among these were the Revs. Messrs Beyeart, Parkhead; Hughes, Sacred Heart; McCulls, Sacred Heart; Vander Heyde, St Mary’s; Montgomery, St Alphonsus; Foley, St Patrick’s, Edinburgh; Brothers Walfrid and Dorotheus, Dr Conway, Messrs J. Shaughnessy, William Toner, W. McCaffrey, J McKillop, J.F. McGrory, W. McKillop, W.P. O’Brien, Charles Campbell &c, &e. Prompt to the advertised time Dr Conway and Mr Shaughnessy emerged from the pavilion and entered the field, followed by The Hibernians and Cowlairs, McLaren heading the procession of players. The Doctor placed the ball amid the cheers of the spectators, who numbered fully 5,000. The Hibs won the toss and played with the wind. About a minute after the kick off, the Hibs with a good display of combination made a rush toward their opponent’s goal and attempted to score. They failed, but narrowly enough to evoke a round of cheering. Shortly after the resumption of play the Cowlairs, had a look in, getting close to the Hibs posts. McKeown made a vain effort to bar the way, but a faulty shot on the part of Cowlairs spoiled their chances. Play was now of a give and take nature, neither club having much advantage over the other. A couple of throw ins gave the Hibs a fair chance of scoring but the wind interfered with the kick and nothing came of the opportunity. A corner kick gave them a second chance, but the leather on being started, went through unopposed, so the point did not count. The Hibs seemed to press their opponents slightly at this period, but McLeod and McCartney were not to be passed. The Cowlairs now had the best of matters and quickly brought the ball to the goal of the ex-champions. Docherty however, was all there and fisted out safely. Some unexciting play ensued, at lengths the Cowlairs broke away with a run that seemed threatening. On reaching McKeown, however, that cool youngster quietly stepped in among a crowd of excited combatants and sent the leather to a safe distance. Half time was called without anything having been done. On changing sides some great play took place, but neither side could manage to do much. The play till the call of time was uneventful, and neither side could put on a point, so the first game played on the Celtic Park resulted in a draw. Mr McFadden was umpire for his team, the Cowlairs had their usual man and Mr McCulloch (Our Boys) was the referee. At the conclusion of the game the players and committee of the Celtic adjourned to the Royal Hotel George Square, where supper was served. Dr Conway presided and was supported by Messrs Shaughnessy, McGrory, McGallagley, MacKay, Charles Campbell, W.F. O’Brien, Gaffney, Gines, Quillan, Darroch, O’Hara, T.E. Maley, W. Maley, Vaughan, McFadyen, Connell, P. Glass, Green, McHugh, M Rodgers, J. Rodgers, Kilpatrick, Welsh, McKillop, Shannon, Curtis, D. Blayney, H. Blayney, McDonald, Molloy, Dolan, Doyle, Pearson, and McLaughlin. Representatives of Queen’s Park, Rangers, Renton, Third Lanark, Clyde, Thistle, Shettleston, Cambuslang, Airdrieonians, Cambuslang Hibs, St Mirren, Dykebar, Abercorn, Port Glasgow Athletic, Greenock Morton, Dumbarton Athletic and Dumbarton clubs were also present. When the viands had been done justice to Dr Conway who was received with cheers, rose and formally proposed the toast of “The Hibernians” which was warmly honoured. Mr McFadden who was called upon to reply, thanked the company for the hearty manner in which the toast had been responded to. The Hibs were only too glad to have an opportunity of showing their friendship for their compatriots in Glasgow. They had never forgotten the great encouragement which had been shown to them on past occasions on which they visited the city. (Cheers). It would be a sorry day indeed for the Irish in Scotland when the Irish residents of one city should act in an unfriendly way towards those of another. They all sprung from one spot and with God’s help they would from first to last be friends with one another. (Cheers). In meeting the Cowlairs they knew they were meeting a club who could give as much as they got. If the Celts went on as they had begun and made friends with their neighbours, he had no doubt, they should be meeting in a year or two to witness the presentation of the Scottish Cup and badges to the team to whom the Hibs would least grudge them, the Celtic Football Club. (Cheers). Dr Conway proposed the health of the “Cowlairs”, coupling it with the name of Mr Henderson, the secretary. Mr Henderson suitably replied, and on behalf of his club wished the Celts every success. The next toast was that of “The Celtic” proposed by Mr McCulloch, Dundee. Mr Thomas E. Maley replied, and in doing so remarked that there was no reason why the Celtic should not obtain a good position among the clubs of Glasgow. He felt sure that the enthusiasm of the members would bring the team to the front rank. (Cheers). The next toast was that of “Kindred Clubs” proposed by the chairman and responded to by Mr Charles Campbell, who confessed his astonishment at seeing the field and the pavilion so well prepared. In conclusion he proposed the healths of the “Umpires and Referee” whose tasks were always arduous. The toast was heartily pledged. Mr Shaughnessy proposed the toast of “The Press” which was replied to by Mr Stewart McKay. The concluding toast was that of “The Chairman” which was spoken so by Mr Collins of the Clyde Football Club. Dr Conway appropriately replied and the proceedings were brought to a close with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne”. During the course of the evening songs were given by Mr Thomas Robertson, Mr Good, Mr Bishop, and Mr Shannon. Mr Thomas E. Maley recited Sims’ “Lifeboat” in a most artistic and sympathetic style, and was warmly applauded as were the other gentlemen who contributed to the entertainment of the company. Taken all through, the opening was most successful and with so auspicious an inauguration, great things may be looked for from the Celtic Football and Athletic Club.

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THE SCOTTISH UMPIRE 15/05/1888
The ground of the Celtic F.C. was opened last Tuesday night, the Hibernians and Cowlairs doing the needful. From start to finish the game was of the hardest description, both teams experiencing the worst of luck in not scoring, time arriving without being scored. Docherty, of the Hibs, is rapidly coming to the front as a goalkeeper, while McKeown has scarcely been seen to better advantage. McLaren was quite a host at half. McGhee, Coleman, and Groves in front showed good judgment in the passing line, but the latter's shooting was a bit feeble. To a man Cowlairs played exceptionally well, young McPherson coming in for most favourable criticism. We would advise Cowlairs to keep Carson in the centre, as he is seen to better advantage in that position.

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THE SCOTTISH UMPIRE 29/05/1888

The Glasgow Celtic had their first club match last night, the Rangers being their opponents.

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THE SCOTTISH UMPIRE 05/06/1888

It would appear as if the newly-formed Glasgow club, the Celtic F.C., has a bright future before it. At any rate, if the committee can place the same eleven in the field as opposed the Rangers last Monday evening, or an equally strong one, the Celtic will not lack for patronage and support. A good team is essential to success, and this fact the committee have not lost sight of. It will be interesting -to many of our readers to know the composition of the team which represented the new organisation in its first club match. Here it is :—Goal, Dolon (Drumpellier) ; backs, Pearson (Carfin Shamrock) and McLachlan (Whitefield); half-backs, Maley (3rd Lanark), Kelly (Renton), and Murray (Cambuslang Hibs.); forwards, McCallum (Renton), Maley (3rd Lanark), Madden (Dumbarton), Dunbar (Hibs.), and Gorevin (Whitefield)—a pretty good eleven. The Rangers were without D. Gow, J. R. Gow, Hotson, Peacock, Allan, and Aird ; but had Suter (Partick Thistle) doing duty—the remainder being drawn from the Swifts. The match was a capital one, fast and friendly—the home organisation playing with a combination which could scarcely have been expected for an opening display. The Celtic retired victors by 5 goals to 2—a result which must be indeed gratifying to their supporters. After the match, over 70 gentlemen sat down to supper in the Hall, East Rose Street, where a pleasant evening was spent. Dr. Conway occupied the chair, and on the platform were also Messrs. M'Fadden (Hibs.), McCulloch (Our Boys), Grant (Rangers), and the Rev. Brother Walfrid. The latter gentleman, who took a deep interest in the origin of the club, has every reason to flatter himself as to the success of the Celtic. Long may it flourish in our midst.

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THE SCOTTISH UMPIRE 05/06/1888

Grand Football Match.—Saturday First, 9th June.
CELTIC VERSUS HARP (Dundee)
Celtic Park, Dalmarnock Street, Parkhead.
Kick-off at 4 30. Admission 3d. Ladies Free. Stand, 3d. each person.