Belfast Celtic: What happened to west Belfast’s Grand Old Team?

The Boxing Day game was typically bloody – injuries, goals and two red cards. When Linfield scored a last-minute equaliser, fans spilled onto the pitch and some went after Jones.

He was chased onto the terracing under Windsor Park’s South Stand, where his right leg was stamped on and smashed to bits. He almost needed an amputation.

Linfield were punished by having to play two games away from home. No arrests were made. The lack of action left the Grand Old Team’s board of directors with a decision to make.

On 21 April 1949, after a 4-3 win against Cliftonville, a letter of resignation was posted to the Irish League. Belfast Celtic would leave at the end of the season.

The club finished up with a tour of North America, beating Scotland 2-0 in New York. The win is considered one of the greatest in the club’s history.

When they returned from the States on 21 June, club chairman Austin Donnelly made it official, saying: “We have gone from the Irish League.”

For Charlie Tully Jr, the decision – made without consulting fans – left a void in west Belfast.

“Imagine today Glasgow Celtic, Man United, Man City, Liverpool suddenly saying we are not going to play next season – it would have been a similar impact to that.

“Who do these supporters turn their allegiance to? What do these people do on a Saturday?”

For Charlie, Belfast Celtic’s demise “created the allegiance of a lot of fans going from Belfast to Glasgow to support Celtic” as well as other English teams.

“The community, the businesses were affected, the spirit – they felt Belfast Celtic belonged to them. That bond is unique.”