Las Vegas 98
An incredible journey

I said it last year and I am saying it again. For the people who did not go to Las Vegas, "You really missed something". I am sure you have all spoke to someone by now who was at Vegas and they have told you a few stories. But I’ll tell you, it was FANTASTIC. From the moment we got into the limo to the moment we arrived home it was one laugh after another. I do not think I have ever witnessed so much drinking and singing in one place in my life. There is a bar in the hotel that was nicknamed the Jungle and for every minute of the weekend it was packed with Celtic fans singing, exchanging stories, and doing a lot of bevving. Some of them I don’t think left the bar the whole weekend.

There were 13 players sponsored for the convention. They included Ronnie Simpson, Jim Craig, Stevie Chamers, Joe McBride, Bobby Murdoch, Pat McCluskey, John Fallon, Pat Crerand, Dixie Deans, Bobby Lenox, Mike Galloway, John Paul McBride, and Willie Fernie. They all made themselves available for pictures and autographs as well as conversations about past exploits in the game. This was something I got a lot of personal pleasure from listening to the older members of the club converse with their idols.

The Thursday night consisted of a get together for everyone. A chance to meet fellow Tims from other clubs in the NAFCSC and meet the players who came over. The singing was unbelievable and the drink was flowing big time, which carried on to the early hours of the morning. Went to bed about 5:00 am all hoarse. 2 hours later, wide awake and ready to go again. The beds in this city are absolutely brilliant. 2 hours sleep and you’re ready to go again, no hang over or nothing.

On Friday we arranged a lunch with Jim Craig. We took him to Caesars’ Palace and he kept us enthralled with his stories for about 3 hours. The man is an absolute gentleman and a credit to Celtic Football Club. When you hear the stories these greats had to put up with, it makes you realize how pampered the players of today are. One story that sticks in mind is a boot sponsorship story. The total sponsorship was one pair of boots and 10 quid, that’s it. This was an afternoon that I am sure all the guys who were there will remember for a long time. And on behalf of all of them, I would like to thank the people who helped make it possible by their generous donation and allowed the club to sponsor a player and making it such a memorable afternoon.

Friday evening was the dinner dance. Hugo Strangy the compare of the evening. This man is a highly entertaining fellow and resides in Toronto. If ever you have the chance to see him, don’t miss it. Just perfect for this type of occasion. He started the evening off, by introducing the players. With the Star Wars music in the background and with introductions normally left for the heavyweight champion of the world, he started introducing "our champions", the place was absolutely bouncing. When things settled down it was followed by a great meal. Then the real partying began, Hugo was up on the stage giving it his stuff really getting everyone hyped then he pulled a string from the wall and unfurled a League flag for the 1997-98 season. Well the place just erupted into one of the most intense singing sessions I have ever been involved in. You literally couldn’t hear yourself for about 10 minutes, MAGIC! There was an evening of entertainment laid on. An Elvis impersonator, an Al Jolson skit by Hugo, dancing to all eras of music. Then a big sing song to finish it up and of course it had to be "Walk On" to top it off. 800 people standing on chairs waving green and white napkins and not a dry eye among them. How so much camaraderie came to be shown between so many strangers is unbelievable. And makes me proud to be a Tim.

Saturday was the AGM and the Road show. At the AGM the most disappointing news of the weekend was to come out. There is to be no convention next year. The committee asked to have a break for a year as it is just so much work organizing it. Although there were a lot of disappointed faces, no one objected as the committee had done us proud and deserved the backing of the membership. Plans are in progress to hold the year 2000 convention in Glasgow. One incident that comes to mind about the AGM was Tom Donnelly reading an article about a young Celtic fan murdered on his way home from a game and while he was drifting into unconsciousness he asked the Police Woman who was holding him if Celtic had won the league. The woman told him they did just to keep him happy. And the boy then passed away with a smile on his face. The Bhoys then of course did go on to win it. For those of you who have not met Tom, he is a big, mean looking Glasgow man, but when reading this letter to the membership, he was reduced to tears. The emotion he showed really summed up what this is all about. There was a raffle for the young boy’s family to which the club donated a golf shirt. $3000 US was raised for the boy’s family.

The Road show was pretty much as expected, a waste of time. Celtic sent Matt McGlone and David Low to answer any questions the fans had. They spent their whole time repeating the question or changing the subject. One thing that comes to mind that they said was that the announcement of the manager was imminent. (We’re still waiting).

Sunday it was all over and time for heading home. There were a few beaten bodies and it probably took a few years off most but I don’t think any of them would have swapped the experience for anything. I think I can speak for all of the lhads and say if I ever see another bottle of Heineken again it will be too soon.