CHARLIE TULLY, born in Belfast on 11 July 1924, signed for Celtic Football Club from Belfast Celtic on 28 June 1948. He played his debut match at Inside-left at home against Morton on 14 August in a 0-0 draw. Charlie played a total of 319 matches for Celtic, scoring 47 goals, throughout his illustrious career, which spanned 11 years.

Charlie’s skill quickly earned him the reputation as a Celtic great after an outstanding performance against Rangers in a 3-1 victory at Celtic Park where it was reported ‘Tully dribbled about almost at will.’ ‘..The miraculous Irishman bewildered, badgered…. mesmerised Rangers..’ This catapulted Tully to the status of cult hero and the beginning of ‘Tully Mania’ when Tully cocktails were sold in pubs; Tully ties in shops and green flavoured Tully ice cream in cafes.

As well being such an accomplished player on the domestic front, Tully played International football for Northern Ireland. One game is fondly remembered. Charlie Tully was outstanding during an International match in 1952 and scored both goals in a 2-2 draw with England, one of which was scored from the corner flag. Astoundingly, Tully achieved this remarkable feat again in 1953, not once but twice against Falkirk in a Scottish Cup-tie at Brockville. Charlie Tully played ten times for his country but his form against England in 1952 was indeed impressive enough to be nominated for an award linked to performance.

Before the kick off he said to the future Sir Alf Ramsey, “Do you enjoy playing for your country, Mr Ramsey” “I do, Mr Tully”. “Make the most of it today then – it might be the last chance you get!” The match report read ‘Tully took a corner with his right foot. The in-swinger sailed waist high and at speed, swerving into goal at the last moment. Merrick sensed the danger…but the swerving ball bounced out of his arms and over the line.”

Tully spent brief periods on loan to Stirling Albion and Rangers before being freed in September of 1959. Thereafter he took up the position of Player Manager at Cork Hibs before spells in management with Bangor (twice) and Portadown.

Tully died in his sleep at home in Belfast on 27 July 1971 only a few months after astounding crowds with his old skills at the Ford Fives Festival match aptly titled ‘Night of a Thousand Stars’ at Meadowbank. The Falls Road was packed with mourners for his funeral and Johnny Bonnar turned to Jock Stein during the proceedings and said ‘Charlie would have loved this Jock’.