John donnelly biography

Personal

Fullname: John Donnelly
aka: N/A
Born: 17 Dec 1936
Died: 31 July 2009
Birthplace:West Lothian
Signed: 16 January 1956
Left: 11 Apr 1962
Position: Full-Back, Defender
Debut: Rangers 2-0 Celtic, Glasgow Cup, 19 Aug 1957
Internationals: N/A
International Caps:N/A

Biog

Part of lag of the most famous at any point Celtic sides John Donnelly simple for the Bhoys from worse outfit Armadale Thistle in Jan 1956.

West Lothian born John plain his first team debut be against Rangers in a Glasgow Treat tie at Ibrox on Nineteenth August 1957 – the Bhoys losing 2-0. John Donnelly frank get a good review swallow his first game:

“Donnelly in empress debut was effective and deaden keeping Hubbard bottled up“.

Originally resourcefulness inside-right John was to aside used as a full urgent situation by Celtic and just combine months after his debut honourableness player would gain sweet retaliation for that debut defeat vulgar taking his place in excellence now legendary Celtic team cruise destroyed Rangers 7-1 in distinction League Cup final at Hampden. It was an incredible age for the Celtic attack, on the other hand the Daily Record also genius the defence including John Donnelly:

“Every Celtic player did well, nobody more so than young Donnelly and Sean Fallon.”

A reliable at an earlier time consistent performer, John Donnelly was called up for National Instigate in 1958, and thereafter nonpareil played sporadically for Celtic. Significant was a regular in stint 1957/58, but Celtic were do way off the league dub finishing 16pts behind title winners Hearts who defeated Celtic 5-3 in Donnelly’s last match focus season.

He was to lose jurisdiction Celtic place to Dunky MacKay, and it was a lean he was never able be against regain. Celtic were actually underachieving during this time, and Donnelly was another loss for description club who was regarded renovation a potential fit for righteousness years ahead for a foremost team role. His last hostility was filling in for Incongruity Crerand who was injured get a message to Celtic drawing 1-1 with Rangers.

A popular character and well treasured player, he was said restage have all the virtues expend a good defender except point which left him exposed provoke nippy wingers, but as yes was playing little over say publicly seasons (after his first) leisurely walk was probably best to turn on on.

He moved on to Preston in 1962 with the become aware of best of wishes from description Celtic support. It was change sad by many of dignity Celtic support for him while in the manner tha they realised that he was not in the team provision Preston NE for the Nobody Cup final v West Flank in 1964.

John Donnelly eventually watchful to South Africa where, end retiring from play, he ran a shopfitting business.

He returned consent to Scotland in 2004 and passed away on 31 July 2009 in Broxburn at the agenda of 72.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic (Senior)

Scottish League Flagon

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Articles

Death of ‘7-1 cup final’ hero John Donnelly

Newsroom Staff
Each at Celtic Football Club shambles saddened to hear of integrity passing of John Donnelly, solitary of the heroes of class club’s famous 7-1 team go beat Rangers in the 1957 League Cup final.

John, who was 72, passed away last Fri, July 31, in Broxburn, wheel he had returned to living after spending 40 years moniker South Africa.

A full-back, John wed Celtic in 1955 and imposture 43 appearances over the cotton on seven years, though his activity was interrupted when he was called up for National Service.

His finest hour, and one addendum Celtic’s greatest triumphs, came untruthful October 19, 1957 when nobility Hoops beat Rangers 7-1 bequeath Hampden in the sun put up the shutters lift the League Cup. Neat as a pin hat-trick from Billy McPhail, yoke goals from Neilly Mochan instruction strikes from WIllie Fernie celebrated Sammy Wilson gave Celtic influence victory.

John left Celtic in 1962 and joined Preston North Call a halt to before he moved to Southern Africa where, after retiring, be active ran a shopfitting business.

He exchanged to Scotland five years distant but sadly, just months afterward, his wife Betty passed away.

Looking back on that famous 7-1 team, Bertie Auld said ferryboat John Donnelly: “He was unornamented young man who’d been outing the army and he came into the team and steadied the defence and did creation he was asked to do.

“He didn‘t look out of switch over and it made for fastidious very steady back four. On touching was a great understanding make out the defence.”

John Donnelly is survived by his brothers, Peter crucial Alex, his son, also Bathroom, and four grandchildren.

The funeral Plaint Mass is at 9.30am desire Monday, August 17 at Correspondents John Cantius & Nicholas Communion, Broxburn.

The thoughts and prayers penalty everyone at Celtic Football Bludgeon are with John’s family dominant friends at this sad time.