Recap – 25th May delivers again for the Celts

Saturday did not just bring another trophy for the Celts, it was yet another reason for the club to celebrate on 25th May. It is well-known that the Bhoys’ great ever day came on 25 May 1967, when they were crowned Kings of Europe in Lisbon. However that was not Celtic’s first trophy won on 25th May. The Celts have actually done this on five occasions, including this past weekend’s final.

1895, Glasgow Charity Cup Final, Celtic 4-0 Rangers

The Bhoys’ first 25th May final was in 1895 in the Glasgow Charity Cup, then one of the major trophies for which the team played. Playing at the first Cathkin Park, goals from James Kelly and a Sandy McMahon hat-trick gave Celtic the win over the original Rangers.

1918, Glasgow Charity Cup Final, Celtic 2-0 Partick Thistle

Celtic’s next 25th May final was also in the Charity Cup. This took place just as World War One was coming to an end. Playing at Hampden, goals from Patsy Gallagher and Johnny Browning helped claim the Charity Cup versus Partick Thistle.

1967, European Cup Final, Celtic 2-1 Inter Milan

This 25th May final needs absolutely no introduction. In 1967, Celtic reached the peak of European football.
Playing in Lisbon, goals from Gemmell and Chalmers brought Celtic glory. Billy McNeill famously held aloft the trophy after the Celts swept aside Inter Milan.

2019, Scottish Cup Final, Celtic 2-1 Hearts

The Celts’ most recent 25 May final completed a Treble Treble. And in fact, this was also the third trophy claimed on this particular day. Two goals from Odsonne Edouard broke Hearts and gave Celtic the Scottish Cup for the third year in a row.

2024, Scottish Cup Final, Celtic 1-0 Rangers

For the fifth time, the 25th May brought the Celts some silverware. This time it was against the new Rangers team. After a dire 89 minutes, Celtic sub wrote himself into the history books with a last-minute winner to help the Bhoys retain the Scottish Cup.

It seems that 25th May and Celtic are indelibly linked. So pencil 2030 into your calendars now; that’s the next time there will be a Saturday 25th May. Hopefully that brings another Celtic trophy too.

Matthew Marr

Follow Matthew on Twitter @hailhailhistory

Matthew’s debut Celtic book titled ‘The Bould Bhoys – Glory to their name’ was published by Celtic Star Books last year and is available to order HERE. This brilliant book is also available on Amazon Kindle for just £3.49 and includes all photo sections that appear in the hardback edition.