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Personal
Fullname: Pierce O’Leary
Born: 5 November 1959
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
Signed: 29 November 1984
Left: 7 May 1988 (free, then retired)
Position: Centre-half, Defender
First game: Hamilton Accies 2-1 away Scottish Cup 30 January 1985
Last game: Dundee 1-4 away League 28 February 1987
Only goal: Saint Mirren 1-0 away League 29 November 1986
Internationals: Ireland
International Caps: 7
International Goals: 0
Biog
Dubliner Pierce O’Leary joined Celtic in November 1984 from Canadian side Vancouver Whitecaps for a reported fee of £50,000.
The brother of Arsenal star and fellow Irish international David O’Leary, the tall centre-half made his competitive debut in a 2-1 Scottish Cup victory at Hamilton Accies on 30th January 1985 at a time when Celtic had been crying out for a commanding centre-half for some time.
A cultured rather than robust defender the former Shamrock Rovers man came on as a substitute in the 1985 Scottish Cup final as Celtic came from behind to defeat Dundee United 2-1. His appearance had allowed Roy Aitken to move into midfield, a master stroke by David Hay which won Celtic the final.
The next season pelvic problems limited his chances for selection but he still made enough appearances to claim a League Championship medal after Celtic pipped Hearts for the title on the final day.
In August 1986 he proudly captained Celtic at Highbury against Arsenal, skippered by his brother David O’Leary in his own testimonial game, as the Hoops ran out winners by 2-0. David O’Leary was seen as a more hard nosed character, and later went on to be a manager at Leeds Utd & Aston Villa.
In 1986/87 he scored his only goal in a 1-0 win at Love Street against St Mirren on November 29th. On March 14th 1987 he was fielded at left back against Dundee at Dens Park. Celtic were leading 1-0 at half time but a rejuvenated Dundee scored four in the second half to win 4-1 and Pierce lost his place. It was a disappointing season with Celtic surrendering the league to a rejuvenated and moneyed Rangers, and things were never to be the same again. Manager Davie Hay was sacked at the end of the season.
When Billy McNeill returned as Celtic manager in the summer of 1987 Pierce O’Leary had already slipped from the first team picture, and as injuries continued to plague the player, his time at Celtic was inevitably coming to a close. Celtic needed major changes to mount a challenge for the next season.
He was released by the club in May 1988 after making 51 appearances and scoring one goal. At least he was present at the club through the wonderful centenary season, albeit sadly didn’t get to play in any of the matches that season.
He would retire later that year due to a pelvic injury and having never found another club after the Bhoys.
He remained in Scotland and moved into business. We wish him all the best.
Playing Career
| APPEARANCES (subs) |
LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 1984-88 | 38 (2) | 5 (1) | 1 (2) | 0 (2) | 44 (7) |
| Goals: | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Honours with Celtic
Scottish Premier Division
Scottish Cup