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Details
Ref: Greyhound Racing
Period: 1927-1940s(?)
Greyhound Racing At Celtic Park
Back when Celtic started, the ground was first and foremost a football stadium but other sports played their part too, which is partly why the name around the badge was till the mid-1990s: “Celtic Football and Athletic Coy Ltd“.
Other sports generated additional income, and the interest in gambling was a huge part of this, and that even included such dull events as Pedestrianism (i.e. race walking). The track space round the ground was set to make it suitable for cycling races (popular all over Europe in the 1900s).
Greyhound racing was a popular betting sport, and Celtic Park lent itself to be a popular venue for the sport. It possibly started in around 1927, so long after the passing of the Marist brothers who helped co-found the club who understandably would have likely vetoed it.
There were other venues too, including Carntyne (as per picture to the right), but Celtic with its size must have been something special for a day out at the dogs.
Greyhound racing has fallen a bit out of favour in recent years as other betting varieties have superceded it, such as spread betting on the myriad of nauseating statistics surrounding football, racing, cricket, tennis etc. Still, there are a number of grounds around, and for its adherents it’s a fun night out.
Anyhow, it’s another interesting note in Celtic Park’s history.
Trivia
- Eamon McMahon played just the once for Celtic’s first team. A GAA All Ireland finalist in Gaelic football, he moved to Celtic and then moved back to Ireland. After retiring from football he became a greyhound dog trainer with one of his dogs (Alan’s Judy) winning the Irish St Ledger in 1991.
- Charlie Tully: “Neilly Mochan was a greyhound enthusiast. I remember he wanted a dog from Ireland, and I put him in touch with an owner that I knew. Neilly bought it for eighty pounds. A few days later it dropped dead! He never forgave me.”
Celtic Park Greyhound Racing
Below taken from: http://parkheadhistory.com/sport/greyhound-racing/
Registration card shows three races at Parkhead
Card showing 3 races at Celtic Park
“The Sunday Post” – Sunday 4th December 1927
“It will come, no doubt, as a surprise to learn that Celtic Football Club may soon decide to let Celtic Park for greyhound racing.
“But, nevertheless, it is quite true.
“The matter has been discussed in an informal way.
“The ground has been examined by experts for the racing people, and I understand the Celtic Directors will have the proposal up for consideration and decision very soon.
“If they agree to let, this does not mean any interference with the club’s football. Celtic Park can be adapted readily and quickly to meet the new craze.”