M | Player Pics | A-Z of Players

Personal

Fullname: John Mulrooney
aka: 'Caruso'
Born: 1 Aug 1886
Died: 26 July 1914
Birthplace: Hamilton, South Lanarkshire
Signed: 4 Nov 1911
Position: Goalkeeper
Debut: Queen's Park 1-4 Celtic, League, 9 Dec 1911
Internationals: none

Biog

Goalkeeper John Mulrooney would succeed Davy Adams as the man in Celtic’s goal.

The Hamilton-born player moved to Parkhead in November 1911 from Earnock Rovers and made his debut on December 9th at Hampden as Celtic defeated Queen’s Park 4-1 in a snow-topped league tie. Said to have had performed heroics in the second half of a Scottish Cup final v Clyde, and he played his part well in many matches.

It wasn't just in between the sticks where he made his mark, and socially he was said to be a great character and "the life and soul of many a Celtic trip".

Popular with fans and a major character among the Celtic players, John played 51 games for the Bhoys, and had 26 shut-outs, an incredible record of a 51% shut-out record.

Sadly, a rheumatic condition saw him lose form and be replaced by Charlie Shaw (for which Celtic paid a larger transfer fee), initially he was criticised for a lack of anticipation before the condition was diagnosed which explained his form.

John would join St Johnstone on loan in August 1913 but tragically he died a young man on July 26th 1914.

It was felt hard at Celtic, players in pre-season training were devastated to hear the news of the early death:

#He loved the team that graced Parkhead
And sang the glories of the Old Brigade...#

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

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

Pictures

• Player Pics