(by TheHumanTorpedo)

If you played a football-based word association game then the likes of ‘United’ ‘Rovers’ and ‘Albion’ would no doubt provoke a myriad of responses. However say the word ‘Celtic’ and only one club will enter most people’s heads.

While there has been flattering imitators from Belfast to Bloemfontein the fact is that say ‘Celtic’ in the sporting world and thoughts automatically turn to Glasgow.

It is a proud and world famous traditional title which in this modern world is an equally well known commercial ‘brand’.

But it is so much more than just a name. It’s an identity. Brother Walfrid sent out a message when he insisted on this name. This club of Irish roots could have become another Hibernian, Harp or Emerald.

But in choosing ‘Celtic’ Brother Walfrid demonstrated a desire to unite Scots and Irish and in doing so knitted together the joint Irish and Scottish identity of the club in one simple but beautiful six letter word.

Links

• Celtic Badge
• Celtic - The Name