RIP Tommy Burns

[JimStynes]

WGS interview about Tommy. Some very good (and very sad) tribute videos on youtube if you want to have a look.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRzP7_iIKCI

[JimStynes]

Tribute by Tommy Dornan PRO CSA

Tommy Burns - Legend (a fairy story, a fable)

What is a legend and how does someone achieve legendary status? A fairy tale, of great deeds and mighty wizards, of knights in shining armour defeating wicked spells and slaying dragons ?

The term has often been used to describe many less than worthy candidates. Those who can be deemed legendary in their own imagination, famous for their own notoriety, in tales of outrageous exploits fuelled by drink or boastful self praise! Occasionally, once in a generation perhaps, a beacon will shine, marked by a quiet demeanour, a strong sense of right and fair play and a burning desire to succeed.

When such a man is found he is to be cherished for we will
seldom see his like again. Of humble origins and proud traditions, from within a stones throw of Celtic Park, came such a Bhoy. He played for St Mary's boys Club, the parish that gave birth to our beloved Celtic. In 1973 he began his walk among the giants when Jock Stein signed him and he began learning his trade.

He earned his spurs in 500 games where his mop of red hair was forever in the thick of things scoring 81goals. Big Jock once said of him"doesn't he have class, his left foot makes the ball talk" praise indeed from the master.In the Happy Birthday year of 88 he twisted and turned to bring the double home, including one trademark free kick which deceived big Butcher into conceding an own goal. However all good things come to an end and so Tommy, in tears, threw the tools of his trade into the Jungle and left for Kilmarnock, where he achieved his first managerial success.

He returned home in 1994 and created a team in his image, the Glasgow Celtic Way, with flair and pace they entertained us and we were desperately unlucky not to win back the title. Di Canio, Van Hooijdonk, Cadette ably backed by Peter Grant and Phil O'Donnell, epitomised Tommy's style and belief in real football. A team many would contend played the best football we've seen since the Lions. With only the Scottish Cup success of 95 to show for his effort and grumbling behind the scenes from Fergus,

Tommy was all too soon, off to pastures new to continue his football education. His parting words and perhaps the beginning of his legacy to us, "football academies are about people, not bricks and mortar."Like a wandering minstrel of old, he packed his bags and was off to Newcastle and Reading before making the journey home to pass on his acquired wisdom to the young bhoys. His flame red hair, now turning silvery grey, perhaps due to the weight of our expectations, lent him a scholarly, sage like appearance yet he still cavorted around the training field like a two year old.

Working away in the backroom, he again travelled the length
and breadth of the country, securing the right people for his academy and imparting his wisdom to strengthen our future. He played his part on our road trip to Seville and like us, wept with pride in the achievements of Martins' team.In 2006 fate through another challenge in his way and he met it like before, head on. With Rosemary and their family beside him and the Celtic family
surrounding him in prayer,we believed the battle had been won.

Sadly it was not to be and on Thursday morning he again walked through the gates of Paradise. So what is a legend, a stirring tale, a fairy story, yes indeed, for he is now part of our folklore and many tales will be told of his deeds through the ages.In future if you are asked to explain what it means to be "Celtic-minded" the answer will Come easy, TOMMY BURNS.

[Solomon Kane]

RIP

[Gaoth Dobhair Abu]

Thousands bid farewell to Burns 
 
A PA system was relaying Tommy Burns' funeral to Celtic Park


BBC coverage 
Figures from the footballing world have joined thousands of fans to bid farewell to Celtic legend Tommy Burns at his funeral in Glasgow.

Manager Gordon Strachan and the entire Celtic first team squad arrived for the service at St Mary's Church in the Calton area where Burns grew up.

Hundreds of fans were outside the church and about 4,000 were listening to the requiem mass at Celtic Park.

The Celtic coach died from cancer on Thursday aged 51.

The coffin was carried into St Mary's by former Celtic team-mates Danny McGrain, Peter Grant, Pat Bonnar and George McCluskey.

Rangers manager Walter Smith and his assistant Ally McCoist, who were part of the Scotland international coaching set-up with Burns, were also among the pall-bearers.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond has also attended the funeral.

Other figures from the football world who arrived to pay their respects included Everton manager David Moyes, Motherwell boss Mark McGhee and former Celtic manager Martin O'Neill.

Former Celtic players Roy Keane, Kenny Dalglish and Pierre van Hooijdonk were also there.

'Unique and special'

In a eulogy, former Celtic team-mate Billy Stark described Mr Burns as a "unique and special man".

He said: "A list of Tommy's wonderful qualities is endless - a dignified man of principle, his generosity of spirit knew no bounds. He showed great compassion for those less fortunate than himself.

"Tommy Burns treasured three things in life above all others - family, faith and football, particularly Celtic Football Club.


The funeral service will be followed by a funeral cortege through the city

"You would see him on the training ground in the morning, demanding and driven. When he returned from the lunchtime visit to the chapel, he turned into a calm and serene man."

Monsignor Tom Monaghan, parish priest of St Cadoc's Church, Newton Mearns, led the service.

He said: "There can be few families who have received the number of condolences upon the death of a treasured member of the family, as the Burns family.

"Although they knew his days on earth were drawing to a close, still the pain of loss kicks in and they would have wanted to hold him just one more day, just one more minute.

"The ordinary people of Glasgow and beyond have joined with supporters of Celtic football club and indeed of rival football teams to express their regard and affection for Tommy."

As the service got under way, thousands of Celtic fans who had engulfed the streets around Celtic Park stood in silence.

Individuals, couples and whole families had made the journey to say farewell to the man they all acknowledged as a Celtic legend.

  The mourners crossed the generations of the Celtic family.

George Inness, from Maryhill, said he totally identified with Burns.

He said: "Tommy came from the same background as I did. He came through the ranks and he lived the dream. I'm just emotionally struck at this time."

Elizabeth Snape, from Holytown, North Lanarkshire, said: "We just wanted to pay our respects. He was a really nice guy and Celtic through and through."

Danny Carlington, from the city's south side, said: "I felt totally compelled to come here just because of the man himself and what he meant to so many people."

After the service, the funeral cortege will make its way through Gallowgate and past Celtic Park before heading to Linn Cemetery.

Tommy Burns was treated for skin cancer in 2006, but the disease returned earlier this year. Since his death was announced last week, the outside of Celtic Park has been turned into a shrine.



Hopefully he's joining another great Celt in Phil O'Donnell up in heaven, I thought it was a nice touch, Walter and Ally carrying the coffin.


Hail Hail to a true Celtic legend and a gentleman.

[Minder]

Fair fcuks to oul Honkeytonk for attending.

[orangeman]

Did you see the BBC news on the funeral of Tommy Burns - there were scenes reminiscent of Lady Diana Spencer's funeral - it was unbelievable - he must have been a serious Celtic legend - the scenes outside the chapel were incredible. RIP -

Hopefully Gordon can do Tommy justice by winning on Thursday night by a bagful !

[Yes I Would]

Yeah good call Orange!! Surely the extra motivation should be there and go and do it in Tommys memory!! Jeez they should be fired up big time for thsi on Thursday nite!!

[5 Sams]

he must have been a serious Celtic legend

...the man bled green and white....he cried buckets when he played his last game for the Hoops...his efforts as manager didnt get the rewards he deserved .......pure legend

[orangeman]

he must have been a serious Celtic legend

...the man bled green and white....he cried buckets when he played his last game for the Hoops...his efforts as manager didnt get the rewards he deserved .......pure legend

I don't really follow soccer at all but I couldn't help but be struck by the scenes at the funeral - it was awesome and his family will derive huge comfort from this in the days ahead.

[Croí na hÉireann]

Some moving pics here http://www2.newsquest.co.uk/scotland/pdf/Slideshows/080521funeralet/index.html

Hopefully Tommy and his family got some joy out of last night.

[Hoof Hearted]

fantastic slide show that

[T Fearon]

This week's Celtic View is a 75 page edition dedicated exclusively to Tommy

[lurganblue]

fantastic slide show that

agreed.
and i must say fair play to the rangers lads

RIP Tommy

[orangeman]

Some moving pics here http://www2.newsquest.co.uk/scotland/pdf/Slideshows/080521funeralet/index.html

Hopefully Tommy and his family got some joy out of last night.

Brilliant slideshow - what a tribute ! Celtic fans have to be some of the best in the world, if not THE best. Pure class.

[red hander]

A mate, who's a Rangers fan, said he heard that there's apparently a written tribute to Tommy outside Parkhead that goes along the lines of "Tommy, you're up there with the rest of the Saints now.  Say hello to all of them, especially that St Petersburg..."