Over the years we have been visited by a few famous faces, none more so than 2010, we had met as usual for a curry before a huns game. While curry munching Hughie, Donnelly received a phone call from someone introducing himself as Rod Stewarts Manager. After a bit of time and some doubts we took him as being genuine. Sure enough 10 minutes before kick off in strolls Rod the Mod. He could not have been more accommodating regards photos and autographs and was the guy you would imagine him to be. BTW he drinks Bacardi and Coke. Believe it or not the huns beat us that night. We told Rod to Fck off as he was a jinx. Only joking, he left proudly wearing one of our polo shirts and admiring our terrific logo.
Another honorable mention must be our club’s involvement in Celtics down under tour in 2011. We were heavily involved in the events organised in Melbourne. None of them would have been possible without the huge efforts of our current President (Jamie Hanlan). Apart from a magnificent night at the club’s official dinner, hosted by none other than Eddie McGuire, he also organised a massively successful pre game function at the Collingwood club near the ground and a fantastic Q and A with Neil Lennon at the Celtic club. We as a club presented Neil with a vintage bottle of red wine. Along with travelling up to Sydney to watch the Bhoys, it was a marvelous week to be a Celtic Supporter in Melbourne.
I could go on and on about our history and past successes, donations to great Celtic causes, charity functions and participation with other clubs across Australia, but now it is time to talk of the present. With the closing of the Celtic club we were understandably concerned in finding a suitable central venue to watch games etc. They say behind every cloud there is a silver lining, ours came in the shape of Chaz Doris. Chaz is originally from Cambuslang and runs the Turf Club in Queen street Melbourne ably assisted by Alex Smith from West Meath. And as we found out when we approach the Turf Bar he is also Celtic daft and a gentleman into the bargain. Chaz made the Turf Club available to us for live games, mostly against Sevco. A great, great venue to watch football. He has the music blaring before the game and on big nights, even live music. Unbeatable venue and hopefully it can be our home for many years to come. Sometimes on a Sunday night with a late kick off the Turf Club does not have a late enough licence. On such nights Chaz has been able to get us the side bar at PJ O’Brien’s at Southbank. Another great venue to watch the game.
This year we want to revitalise the Club and get those glory days back! We have formed a small committee and have recently set our meeting gatherings for the first Friday of every month @ the Turf. This will help us to regenerate even more interest from the huge Celtic support in Melbourne.
We have some great ideas to bring Celtic minded people of Melbourne into the club. We will focus on social media and keeping our Facebook popularity growing and making Celtic fans in Melbourne more informed of Melbourne No 1s news from home and abroad. As well as keeping our website up to date on club events, news and merchandise. So, if you are in Melbourne drop into the Turf Club Bar and Bistro and say hello to Chaz and Alex. Great meals as well. Believe me the next Sevco game in December will massive.
This great club that we all love becomes a huge part of your life. We are here on the other side of the world, but we are more passionate than ever. From travelling to Parkhead we are sitting up at all hours in Australia watching the Tic. We support a team like no other. Loved all over the world.
