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Fullname: Patrick Connolly
aka: The Greyhound
Born: 14 April 1901
Died: 18 Feb 1969
Birthplace: Hamilton, South Lanarkshire
Signed: 2 Dec 1921
Left: 6 Feb 1933 (to Hibs)
Position: Right-Winger
Debut: Clyde 1-1 Celtic, League, 3 Jan 1922
Internationals: none

Biog

Patrick Connolly was a lightening quick winger much loved by the Celtic fans of the 1920s. For his speed he became christened by some as "The Greyhound".

The Hamilton-born outside-right started his career at Kirkintilloch Rob Roy before joining the Bhoys in December 1921. He made his debut on January 3 1922 in a 1-1 league draw at Clyde. Paddy’s greatest asset was undoubtedly his blistering pace which he used to great effect to terrorise opposition defences.

With the exciting Connolly in the side Celtic could be a lethal team on the break, with the winger’s speed used to great effect in turning defence into attack,

Once free of his defender Connolly was more than capable of delivering inch perfect crosses on to the head of Jimmy McGrory. He was also more than capable of cutting in from his wing and helping himself to a goal. He was devastating at his best.

The great McGrory rated Connolly so highly that he selected the player as right-wing in his all time Celtic XI.

While much loved by McGrory and the support, Connolly was not so highly regarded by the board and during his time at Parkhead he had a number of wrangles with the club over reduced terms. Got to the point where he would hold out each season then re-sign but by 1932 he was training at Albion Rovers.

After a number of brief loan spells Paddy finally departed Celtic Park in the summer on 1933. He played 296 games and scored 46 goals.

A real crowd favourite.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

[Indicate any known awards (player of the year, etc)]

Pictures

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