By Tim McCloskey
The cold weeks between New Year’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day have traditionally been a slow and painful period for Philly’s downtown Irish bars, but one group of diehard soccer fans have been throwing an annual event to keep warm, sing a few songs, raise money for charity and have a good time doing it.
The 2nd Street Plough Bhoys Celtic Supporters Club threw their annual Féile at the Plough & the Stars Pub in Old City, 123 Chestnut Streets, to celebrate all things Glasgow Celtic.
The Féile, (Irish for ‘festival”) was attended by hundreds from across the East Coast and Canada, as well as from Ireland and Scotland. It featured three days of food, drink, music and merriment by fans of all ages.
Live musical acts included Ray Coleman from County Tyrone, Dublin’s Derm Farrell and “Rebel Singer” Stephen Dodds. Irish Olympic boxer John Joe Nevin was in attendance, as well as John Fallon, former Celtic goalkeeper and member of the ’67 European champion “Lisbon Lions.”
The long weekend culminated with a blessing at the Famine Memorial and finally the Bhoys in green watching and cheering on the Eagles winning the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots on Sunday night.
Organized by Glaswegian ex-pat John Joe Devlin, the festival has grown each year since its inception in 2013. The club takes its name from both the pub where they meet to watch games, and from a traditional Irish song they like to sing, “The Merry Plough Boy.”
“We started the supporters club in 2003, right after watching Celtic play Real Madrid in a summer friendly at the Linc. The Féile first came about when one of the guys, Declan Hanlon, was having a birthday party. In fact, Deco was sitting on his couch at his home in Toronto, Canada last Saturday afternoon, watching videos and fighting with his baby momma. He said ‘Screw this, I’m going to Philly.’ He jumped on a plane to JFK, drove down to Philly, drank until the bar closed, ate some pizza and went back to the airport and flew home. His suitcase is still in the back office if he remembers.”
Glasgow Celtic Football Club has one of the most devoted fan bases in the world, but draws heavily from the Catholic communities of Scotland, Ireland and the U.S. Their distinct uniform of green and white hoops is a literally a badge of honor for many.
“This was a fantastic weekend,” said Scottish musician Stephen Dodds, who played several sets.
“It was great to see so many Celtic fans in the USA get together to share stories, enjoy a few beers and listen to some great music. The hospitality from the Plough Bhoys CSC was excellent and the venue is top class.”
For many, supporting Celtic is a family affair. Originally from County Armagh, Gary “Swing” McDonald told me why he supports Celtic FC.
“When I was young, I asked my Da what team should I support. He told me Celtic. Seriously!
It was the start of a serious love affair. Lot of heartbreak. Lot of joy. It’s like being an Eagles fan, I suppose, but better. The Eagles have only one song, now two I suppose. We have a million. We are the anti-establishment team and we are literally worldwide.”
Irish-born Seán Ó Fearghail drove in from Harrisburg, PA for the festivities. Ó Fearghail was one of several Plough Bhoys who ran the 2017 Philadelphia Marathon as a team and raised over $1,000 for the Celtic FC Foundation, a charity which supports poverty, health and refugee initiatives around the world. This weekend’s events raised another $2,500 for the cause.
“I joined a Celtic Supporters Club in Dublin at the age of 13, and went to my first game, a 0-0 draw against Rangers. The minute I came up those steps in the old Jungle, I knew that I was where I belonged. I’ve not had a feeling like the feeling I had that day since. It was magical, mystical and it enthralled me. It’s more than just a football club, it’s an institution. It’s a religion and a way of life. Even when I first arrived here in Philly, some of my first friends I met here through our mutual love of our club. That’s something that words will never do justice to. Our club is our bond. Our people are our strength and courage. This club is our life.”
You didn’t have to be Irish or Scottish or even a Celtic fan to enjoy yourself. Eva Branca, a tourist from Argentina, stumbled accidentally into the event with a friend and stayed for hours.
“It was so pleasant for me to see how affectionate Irishmen are. They are hugging each other; many were tearful and looked genuinely moved by the songs and their memories, so attentive and respectful. It was magical when they sang a song about Racing Club of Argentina. I hate Racing Club, too!”
Branca added that she is a supporter of Boca Juniors.