Greenock Telegraph | News | Fans in tribute to legend Tommy

Saturday, 6th September, 2008

Published: Monday, 19th May, 2008 12:00

Fans in tribute to legend Tommy

By Brian Hossack

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MARK OF RESPECT: Anton McCafferty, Jim Hampsey, Mick Welsh and Alec Houten will be heading to Tommy Burns’ funeral.

Pic by: George Munro

CELTIC fans from Greenock will travel to Parkhead to pay tribute to club legend Tommy Burns.

Buses will depart from the Laird Street club at 9am on Tuesday morning to head for Celtic Park, where the funeral cortege will pass the main stand following a Requiem Mass at St Mary’s Church in Calton.

Members gathered on Thursday night to celebrate the life of the 51-year-old following the news he had lost his long battle with cancer.

Club president Tommy Dornan said tributes will be paid by fans in their own way, as well as through official channels.

He said: “We have put a sheet on the wall taking names for the trip to Tommy’s funeral on Tuesday.

“Quite a few people will plan to go by car, while others will obviously be working and will find it difficult to get time away, but so far there has been a very good response, as we expected.

“Right now, we plan to run one bus, but if it needs to be two, three or even more than that’s what we will do. The mass is going to be for family and close friends, so we will take members to pay their respects at the procession that will pass the main stand after the mass.”

Commenting on the Greenock club’s plans to mark the legend’s sad passing, Tommy added: “As a member association club, we will respect and take part in whatever official tribute Peter Lawwell and Tommy’s family decide they would like to do. Locally, we may put a plaque in the club.

“Last night we gathered at the club and watched the tribute to Tommy on Celtic TV.

“The programme was more of a celebration of his life and everyone enjoyed watching and reliving some of his best moments on the park.

“He was one of the few men who could cross the Old Firm divide, and it was nice to see on the news last night Rangers fans coming back from Manchester hanging scarfs at Parkhead and paying their respects.”

Club member Alec Houten said: “Tommy was a gentleman. He always had a word for you and would ask about you and your family. He will be sadly missed.”

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