Glen Daly

Glen Daly never had the privilege of playing for Glasgow Celtic but nonetheless his place In the Club's folklore is secure and enduring. Like so many East End schoolboys in the period between the wars he cherished the dream of pulling on the famous green and white hoops. Instead, after leaving St Mary's School, he found himself in the Clydeside shipyards building the great ocean liners and on matchdays making the 'pilgrimage' along the Gallowgate with thousands of others to see Celtic greats like McGrory, McDonald and Delaney. On many occasions it was only a fleeting glimpse of these legends: through the 'free gate' for the last twenty minutes. These were hard days in the Calton, the evils of poverty and unemployment not allowing many luxuries, but nothing could crush the spirit of these people, as indomitable as the team they supported. Bartholomew Francis McGovern McCann Dick changed his name and his job just after the end of World War II when as Glen Daly he embarked on a theatrical career at the famous Metropole Theatre. For almost the next forty years he was to appear in every major variety theatre in the country, sharing the stage with giants of the Scottish Music Hall tradition. Milroy, Radcliffe, Murray - Daly worked with them all but it was a comedy 'feed' to Lex McLean that he was to really build a reputation, their less than amicable parting after 12 years breaking up one of the classic performing partnerships. As a solo artiste he then toured Britain with S.T.V.'s 'White Heather Group' hosted by that wonderful singer Robert Wilson. It was during his time with the show that he recorded 'The Celtic Song' in 1961, which was a runaway commercial success in spite of the Club's fortunes being at almost their lowest ebb, and it has subsequently become Celtic's 'unofficial' anthem with a staying power which is confirmed by the fact that over 40 years after its first release it is still welcoming Celtic sides onto the field at Park-head. On many occasions it has proved an invaluable 'Twelfth Man' and with its sane, sensible lyrics has allowed the fans to give their team inspirational and inoffensive support. The release of "The Celtic Song" was not without much criticism and condemnation at the time, as the newspaper article below shows. Almost inevitably Glen became every Celt's favourite minstrel, playing a record number of Celtic Rallies and Testimonial Function's, being made honorary Vice President of the Celtic Supporter's Association in recognition of his services. The emerging club scene now beckoned and Glen's solid Theatre grounding stood him in good stead as he established himself as almost a 'Cult' figure at Glasgow's Ashfield Club. The live recordings he made there brought national chart success, Gold and Silver discs and major tours of Australia, Canada and U.S.A. As 'Mr Glasgow' he packed the Pavilion Theatre, becoming renowned for his topicality and rapport with his audience. At Blackpool's world famous Opera House he entertained 'Glesca Fair' holidaymakers sharing top billing with The Batchelors, Ken Dodd and the Nolans. In the early 80's as a result of recurring bouts of ill health, Glen was forced to retire from the stage and come to 'Scotland's Madeira' hoping to enjoy retirement on an Island he loved and among people for whom he had great affection. After a sudden illness he died peacefully at his home in June 1987 and is buried in the beautiful local cemetery at Barone Road.