CELTIC FC Foundation hosted the 2015 1888 Charity Shield, seven-a-side tournament at Celtic FC’s Lennoxtown Training Centre on Sunday.
For the third year in a row, the official sponsor of the event was Glasgow family firm, ACE Refrigeration.
And when the final whistle blew, it was the Bhoys from Tower Bar Round Toll who emerged triumphant, receiving the 1888 Charity Shield and winners’ medals from Celtic FC Foundation’s CEO, Tony Hamilton
The tournament raised an incredible net total of almost £12,000 and will support Celtic FC Foundation’s new ‘Inspiring Sport’ project.
This initiative will provide physical activity in sport for young people with severe and complex disabilities and also, working closely with all 13 Scottish Disability Sport branches across Scotland, establish a series of pan-disability events and programmes with a focus on severe impairments.
It will build capacity through education and training for coaches and volunteers, provide suitable training kit and equipment and deliver new and increased activities and events to more participants across Scotland.
The 1888 Charity Shield proceedings commenced with a formal welcome from Tony Hamilton.
The group stages kicked off at10am, which saw 12 teams reduced to eight through a series of matches played in a fair and sporting manner.
In the lead-up to the tournament, three former Celts had been made available to teams during our ‘transfer window’ and all were snapped up and played their part on the day – George McCluskey (Crookston), Willie McStay (DRG) and Tosh McKinlay (Parkhead Panthers).
The knock-out phases followed and the final was then contested by Tower Bar Round Roll and last year’s defending champions, Parkhead Panthers (Des Hamilton Casting). The Tower Bar Bhoys ran out 2-1 winners in a competitive match played in a fabulous spirit.
The shield will now be engraved with the winning team’s name and displayed by the triumphant captain until the 2016 event.
The victorious squad of 10 will also receive a fantastic matchday experience at Celtic Park for an SPFL match next season, including presentation at half-time (date TBC).
Tony Hamilton said: “I would like to thank Shane McKenzie of ACE Refrigeration for this three-year sponsorship and also every participant who played their part and made it a day to remember.
“It is absolutely remarkable that the 2015 1888 Charity Shield has raised an incredible net total of almost £12,000. This will have a massive impact on the children and young people with disabilities we support through our Inspiring Sport initiative.”
ACE Refrigeration Sales Director, Shane McKenzie added: “It’s an honour to get behind the 1888 Charity Shield and I am exceptionally proud of the difference it will make to those involved in Celtic FC Foundation’s Inspiring Sport project.
“On their behalf, I would like to say a massive thank you to all those supported the event by entering teams. Your generosity has a massive impact on a very special group of children and young people.”
To register your interest for the 2016 1888 Charity Shield, please call 0141 551 4262 or email[email protected]
Teams: ACE, AC Whyte (1), AC Whyte (2), Campbell’s Meat, Corrigan’s Fish Bashers, Crookston, DRG, Kerrydale Old Bhoys, The Magnificent 7, Parkhead Panthers, Tower Bar Round Toll, Yours in Soccer.
Quarter-finals
Tower Bar Round Toll 2-0 Corrigan’s Fish Bashers
Crookston 0-4 Parkhead Panthers
Campbell’s Prime Meat Ltd 1-1 DRG (Campbell’s won on penalties)
AC Whyte (2) 2-2 AC Whyte 1 (2) (AC Whyte (2) won on penalties)
Semi-finals
Tower Bar Round Toll 1-0 AC Whyte (2)
Parkhead Panthers 2-1 Campbell’s Prime Meat Ltd
Final
Tower Bar Round Toll 2-1 Parkhead Panthers (1)
Winning squad – Tower Bar Round Toll
Manager: David Low. Squad: Frank McAvennie (captain), Matt McGlone, Martin Coyle, James Cochrane. Sean Cahill, Tony Cahill, Paddy Boyle, Chris Burns, James Burke, Chris Hughes.
