John Fallon

J. J. Whelan

The Twelfth Lion Sleeps Tonight (John Fallon)

A fearless lion left us today,
With grit and grace, he led the way.
A keeper bold, a Celtic soul,
Whose hands and heart would guard the goal.

For those in green, you’ll never fade
A name etched deep where legends stayed.
With every cheer and thundered cry,
The Holy Goalie soars the sky.

He wore the Hoops with pride and fire,
Through rain and storm, he’d never tire.
Two finals graced on Europe’s stage,
A hero carved on football’s page.

His Irish roots he held so dear,
Sligo’s call rang strong and clear.
A passport gained in twilight years,
Fulfilled the dream he chased for years.

He once told me a tale so rare
Of angels clad in green out there.
They walk among us, watch and guide,
Forever with the Celtic side.

Ah, but referees his lifelong feud,
A stubborn curse he’d not elude.
With heartfelt laughs and honest fight,
He made his mark in green and white.

And now with tears we say goodbye,
Our lion rests beneath the sky.
Goodnight, God bless, your spirit’s free
The Holy Goalie, eternally.

Slán go fóill

This Celtic legend joined the club on December 11, 1958, and fulfilled a lifelong dream, signing for the club he had supported passionately as a boy, and which he continues to support with the same passion to this day.

He made his debut in a 1-1 draw against Clyde in September 1959, and went on to make a total of 195 appearances before leaving in 1972.

John won six league titles, five League Cups and two Scottish Cups, including the 1965 triumph at Hampden, which was the club’s first trophy under Jock Stein and which kicked off the club’s golden era.

And, of course, he also won a European Cup medal on May 25, 1967 as part of the club’s legendary Lisbon Lions squad.