Being a Celtic fan is 'a way of life', say Irish fans

Celtic fan Mark McEvoy has seen many highs and lows in 44 years travelling to Scotland to support his beloved football team - but admits his most recent visit is among the best.

There may have been doubts going into Saturday's league final clash with Hearts given Celtic's shaky start to the season, but when the Glasgow side lifted the Scottish Premiership trophy it was the "title that topped it all" for the Newry man.

"That was history, and to be there with my daughter, money couldn't buy that feeling," he said.

And does he ever tire of watching his team win? "Absolutely not, that is what it's all about."

McEvoy, a member of Éire Go Brách Celtic supporters club in Belfast said he was "confident" of the win, even when others were doubtful.

"I was always confident, but you could feel the tension building on the boat among fans," he said.

"The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, the scenes were unbelievable and it's something that will live with me forever."

McEvoy has witnessed first-hand some of Celtic's most historic games, including the 1998 title race where a win prevented Rangers from completing 10 titles in a row.

Saturday's 3-1 victory however, "topped it all" according to McEvoy, and it was made all the more special by his daughter Saoirse sharing it with him.

"It brought me a lot of joy to be a part of history, and to be there with my daughter, money couldn't buy that feeling," he said.

For McEvoy, Celtic isn't just a team, "it's a way of life".

"People put their heart and soul into this," he said.

"I've met people, some of the best people in the world that I would never have met only for that club."

Barry McDonald, who is a member of Lurgan No.1 Celtic Supporters Club also made the trip to Celtic Park with his friends.

He said it was an emotional day that came with a lot of nervous energy.

"We were written off for so long, it didn't feel like this league title was possible," he said.

"You don't see it happen very often in world football that the top two teams play on the last day of the season to decide the title, it was a momentous occasion."

Saturday's match saw several fans stream out of the stands and onto the pitch after a goal brought the final score to 3-1 to Celtic in the 98th minute.

Hearts players left the stadium immediately while still in their kits due to what the Tynecastle club said was a "menacing and threatening atmosphere inside the stadium".

Celtic have since apologised.

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill said it is "nonsense" to suggest the pitch invasion that followed Saturday's dramatic Scottish Premiership title win embarrassed the game.

McDonald said there were a lot of heightened emotions in that moment.

"It isn't nice to see, it shouldn't have happened. I would have preferred that didn't happen on the day, but the emotions often get the better of people," he said.

McDonald said had witnessed similar incidents at other stadiums earlier in the season.

"There needs to be more communication between fans, supporters, groups and police," he said.

"Anyone involved in running the match days need to be engaged and understand how to control these things.

"The vast majority just got on with it and enjoyed the celebrations."

Martin O'Neill has been pleased by how he has dealt with the demands of the job, but what happens next is unclear.

Upon the Kilrea man's second return to management in January 2026, Celtic trailed leaders Hearts by six points.

Eight months and 2,880 on-field minutes later, he lifted the league trophy, but is he here to stay?

O'Neill is not expecting any talks about his future at Celtic before Saturday's Scottish Cup final with Dunfermline Athletic - and said he doubts whether he would "have the energy" to continue.

"Martin O'Neill has been fantastic for Celtic," McDonald said.

"He got us over this line; this title wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for Martin O'Neill."

Those thoughts are echoed by Mark McEvoy who said O'Neill "brought unity between the club and the supporters whenever there was friction".

"He was a legend regardless but this season he has concreted that status," he added.

McEvoy wants to see a statue erected in O'Neill's honour, but admitted it is time for the club to look to the future.

"Martin O'Neill has done his job." he said.

"I think it's time for a new manager and new ideas, but I'd like to see Martin stay there in some capacity. He should take it easy and enjoy all he has done for the club."