Fallon, Sean – Obituaries – The Celtic Wiki

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Celtic legend Sean Fallon passes away

Celticfc.net
By: Paul Cuddihy on 18 Jan, 2013 09:05

CELTIC legend Sean Fallon has died at the age of 90. Sean passed away peacefully earlier this morning (Friday), surrounded by his family.

Sean was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather, and he was also held in the highest esteem by the Celtic Family. Sean, a proud Irishman, was a wonderful and faithful servant of Celtic over many years, first as a player, making 254 appearances and scoring 14 goals, and then as assistant to Jock Stein during a golden era for the club.

Sean was also responsible for bringing many great players to Celtic much as Tommy Gemmell, Danny McGrain, Kenny Dalglish, Davie Hay, Lou Macari and Pat Bonner.

Celtic chief Executive Peter Lawwell said; “This is very, very sad news and our thoughts are with Sean’s wife, Myra, their children Marie-Therese, Louise, Collette, Siobhan, Sean and Sinead, and all of Sean’s family and many friends.

“Sean Fallon was a Celtic legend who devoted much of his life to the club he loved. He was, of course, a supporter, first and foremost, and he was proud to have worn the green and white Hoops that he loved.

“He did so with fearless distinction over eight years in the 1950s, and Sean was at the heart of all of our triumphs, including that famous 7-1 League Cup victory in 1957.

“Ten years later, he was part of our greatest ever success, winning the European Cup in Lisbon. Working alongside Jock Stein, Sean helped to deliver that trophy, along with nine consecutive league titles and numerous other trophies. He was an integral part of the club’s success, and also played a vital role in identifying talented young players who would go on to become great Celts.

“He was a gentleman with a great sense of humour, and always a welcome guest here at Celtic Park. And there could have been no more fitting person to unveil the championship flag at this start of this, our 125th anniversary season, than a man who gave so much to Celtic Football Club.

“Sean will be sadly missed but he will never be forgotten for what he did for our club.”

Celtic manager, Neil Lennon said: “We are all shocked and saddened to hear of Sean’s death, and the thoughts of all the players and management are with his family.

“Sean was a great Celtic man, and it’s been a privilege to meet him over the years. He was always a very humble man when you met him, even though his achievements in the game were extraordinary.

“He did everything you could ever wish to achieve in football, as a player for both club and country, while he went to even greater things in management alongside Jock Stein. For these things, the Celtic supporters have always loved Sean and recognised him as one of our own because it was always his great love of Celtic which shone through.

“It was a fitting tribute that Sean unveiled the championship flag back in August and the welcome he received from the supporters spoke volumes. We will all miss him.”

The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic, and indeed, the entire Celtic Family, are with Sean’s family at this very sad time.

Sean Fallon – a man for the Celtic

Celticfc.net
By: Joe Sullivan on 18 Jan, 2013 10:01

THE league flag flies over Paradise once again as the club celebrates its 43rd championship success in the club’s 125th year – a flag that was unfurled by Celtic legend Sean Fallon at the start of the season.

He is a true Celtic great, having served the club faithfully as a player and then as an integral part of the management team.

As assistant manager to the legendary Jock Stein, the Irishman played an instrumental role in the extraordinary success Celtic enjoyed in the 1960s and ´70s, winning nine league championships in a row and, of course, lifting the European Cup on May 25, 1967.

Sean also, to paraphrase a famous Celtic song, brought some great names to the game, and we have him to thank for seeing the likes of Tommy Gemmell, Davie Hay, Danny McGrain, Kenny Dalgish, Lou Macari and Packy Bonner, amongst many others, play for Celtic.

Yet, this giant of a man has always remained humble and, indeed, grateful for having been able to play a part in the unique history of his beloved Celtic Football Club.

Sean Fallon was born in Sligo on July 31, 1922. As a player, he wore the Hoops between 1950 and 1958, making 255 appearances and scoring 13 goals. He was also capped eight times by the Republic of Ireland.

Sean’s footballing career started with St Mary’s Juniors, Sligo, and he also played Gaelic football for Craobh Ruadh. He went on to play for McArthurs, Sligo Distillery and Longford Town before he arrived at the Showgrounds in 1947 to play for Rovers.

He then joined Glenavon in the north before impressing Celtic with his performance for the Irish League against the League of Ireland.

Sean Fallon´s Celtic connection started when Joe McMenemy, son of Jimmy McMenemy, saved Fallon’s sister from drowning. McMenemy was invited back to the Fallons´ house, and Joe sent Sean a Celtic shirt and a copy of Willie Maley´s book, ´The Story of the Celtic.´

The Irishman went on to realise his ambition of playing for Celtic when he made his league debut for the Hoops, away to Clyde, in the last game of the 1949/50 season. At the end of season 1950/51, he earned his first piece of silverware by helping Celtic beat Motherwell in the Scottish Cup final.

By October 1953, Sean had been made club captain but broke a collarbone against Hearts which sidelined him for part of the season. In his absence, the captaincy was passed on to Jock Stein – at Sean’s request.

At the end of season 1953/54, Celtic had secured the league and cup double, with Sean scoring in the 2-1 victory over Aberdeen at Hampden to clinch the Scottish Cup.

And he was also part of the famous team which retained the League Cup in 1957, in which Celtic beat Rangers 7-1. The club had won it for the first time in the previous season against Partick Thistle.

In 1958, he was forced to retire through injury but he remained an influential part of the club. When Jock Stein was appointed manager in 1965, Sean came in as his assistant, and he was responsible was bringing players like Tommy Gemmell, David Hay, Danny McGrain, Kenny Dalgish, Lou Macari and Packy Bonner to Celitc.

While Jock Stein was recovering from a car crash in 1975, Sean took control of the first-team as caretaker manager, and from 1976 he took over the position of Youth Development Officer.

He left Celtic in 1978 and became assistant manager of Dumbarton before becoming manager in 1980. In December that year, he even tried to tempt Johan Cruyff to Boghead for £2,000, but the Dutchman turned him down to play for New York Cosmos.

Sean Fallon said of his time with Celtic: “I was just an ordinary player with only a big heart and a fighting spirit to recommend men… I can never find words to express my feelings at becoming a member of the Celtic Football Club.”

Sean Fallon was, is and always will be a true Celtic legend….the thoughts and prayers of all at Celtic Football Club are with Sean’s family at this sad time.

McGrain: Sean Fallon was a Celtic great

Celticfc.net
By: Mark Henderson on 18 Jan, 2013 15:09

SEAN Fallon was a warrior. His bravery on the pitch was renowned. Famously, even a broken arm never stopped him completing a game for his beloved Celtic. His commitment to the cause was absolute.

But once he was off the pitch, he was a gentleman, someone always willing to listen and offer advice. And this is how Danny McGrain will always fondly remember Sean Fallon.

The Irishman was a major influence on McGrain´s career. He brought him to Paradise in the mid 1960s and was assistant manager for much of the full-back´s Hoops career, as he went on to become one of the club´s all-time greats.

Like the whole of the Celtic family, McGrain was deeply saddened at the news of Sean´s passing this morning. He will never forget him.

"I am at the age where you thought Sean and Mr Stein were indestructible – you could never imagine them ever going," McGrain told the official Celtic website. "I only saw Sean about a month ago and he had to go away and have a smoke.

"It was an in-joke, and I said to him, ´How it was good for his health´. But Sean was 90 and he just took it like water off a duck´s back, as he had got this far smoking.

"Thankfully I wasn’t around to play against him. He was a full-back who took no prisoners, and as a centre-forward he scored the winner in a cup final. The likes of Sean and Bobby Shearer at that time were solid players who gave everything on the park. Sean also gave everything off the park, and he has a great family as well.

"Obviously, Sean brought me to the club and was here as assistant manager to Mr Stein and he would just always be there for you. If you wanted to talk to him, he would always take time to listen to you. He was just a great man."

By all accounts, Sean was also someone with a dry sense of humour, and that will be another of McGrain´s abiding memories of him.

"He was Irish and had great one-liners," he said. "He would be in the background to Mr Stein but he was always working away at football matters, trying to bring the young players through.

"Sean was Sean. I was at his 90th birthday party at the beginning of the season, and he was thoroughly enjoying himself. He was a great football person but also a great human being.

"He had a sense of humour, was open to people and was kind. I don´t think anyone had a bad word to say about Sean. He was such a friendly guy. I will miss him.

"I didn’t see him that often because of his age, but you could phone him or Myra up, or meet his son Sean and ask how he is. He will be greatly missed by his family, and he will go down as one of the Celtic greats."

Neil Lennon pays tribute to a Celtic icon

Celticfc.net
By: Mark Henderson on 18 Jan, 2013 17:31

NEIL Lennon has paid tribute to Sean Fallon after the Celtic legend passed away early this morning, aged 90.

Sean was a faithful servant to the club for many years. As a player he was renowned for his courage and commitment, making 255 appearances and scoring 13 goals.

He then moved to the dugout and became Jock Stein´s trusted lieutenant during Celtic´s golden era in the late 1960s and early ´70s.

The Irishman was also responsible for bringing many great players to Paradise including Tommy Gemmell, Danny McGrain, Kenny Dalglish, Davie Hay, Lou Macari and Pat Bonner.

"The club has lost a great icon, a great servant over the years and someone who was a gentleman," said the manager, speaking at today´s media conference at Lennoxtown.

"I met him on numerous occasions and he was always bright as button despite the fact he was getting on a little bit but he kept a sharp wit and sharp mind.

"It´s a very sad day. He was a great ambassador and servant for the club for such a long time. Obviously my thoughts go out to the family as well, and also on behalf of the playing staff and backroom staff as well. It´s a huge loss for the club today."

One of Celtic's most undervalued figures, Sean Fallon's was the great untold story

Obituary
Published on 19 January 2013
Stephen Sullivan

The Sean Fallon you will read about in today's obituaries is the devoted Celtic servant, the faithful right-hand man and fearless player.

Delve into any Celtic history and, accompanying his name, you'll see the same adjectives: "reliable", "honest", "solid", "wholehearted". And it's true that he was all of these things. But he was also so much more.
Over the past year, I had the privilege of working with him on an autobiography. Even before taking a single note, I considered his to be the great untold Celtic story and Fallon to be one of the club's most influential and undervalued figures. I'll admit now that I didn't know the half of it.

I was aware, of course, that he had scouted and recruited several Celtic greats, and that all but one of the Lisbon Lions had been in place by the time Jock Stein arrived. I'd heard the famous story of him leaving his wife in the car – on their wedding anniversary, no less – to conclude unexpectedly lengthy signing talks with Kenny Dalglish.

But I would not have dared suggest Fallon had signed more world-class players than anyone in Celtic's history, save for the possible exception of Willie Maley. Now I have no hesitation in doing so. In fact, the names – Simpson, Gemmell, Auld, Murdoch, Dalglish, McGrain, Macari, Connelly, Hay and McStay – speak for themselves. Essentially, Fallon recruited most of one European Cup-winning team, then assembled another – arguably more talented – only to see them sold off before their potential could be realised.

Jock Stein recognised his eye for talent, trusted in it, and was richly rewarded. Fallon had free rein to recruit young players and was a constant companion on the manager's trips to assess signing targets and European opponents. Back at Celtic Park, he played an equally important role in soothing friction with the players, all of whom mention the Irishman's uncanny knack of knowing when to heal Stein-inflicted wounds. "Big Jock didn't do peacemaking," explains Billy McNeill. "Sean, with that Irish charm, was born for it. There would have been many more fall-outs without him around."

Even the relationship between Stein and Fallon has its surprises. It's no secret they worked well and closely together, but the extent of their friendship and ways in which their careers were intertwined is remarkable. I had no idea their families would enjoy day trips to the coast together, or that Stein – "Uncle Jock" – would accompany Fallon on the morning school run.

Fallon was the junior partner in their working relationship, but he was a man to whom Stein had been indebted since December 13, 1952. That was the date on which Fallon was made Celtic captain, recognising his position among the club's most established and influential players. Stein, by contrast, had joined just 12 months earlier and was still scrapping to earn a regular first-team place amid scepticism about his age and ability. Nonetheless, in selecting his deputy, the new captain opted not for established internationals such as Bobby Evans or Bertie Peacock, but for the journeyman centre-half just signed from non-league Llanelli. An injury to Fallon meant Stein took the armband just weeks later, and the rest forms the greatest chapter in the club's history. "A lot of people weren't happy with my choice," Fallon would recall. "But I saw something special in Jock."

Not for the last time, Fallon had been the first to identify extraordinary talent. Indeed, it was this same appreciation of Stein's unique abilities that enabled Fallon to selflessly and willingly stand aside in 1965 when his old pal was given the job he had been groomed for. "I could see that Jock was what Celtic needed," was his explanation.

The man with the inimitable, gravelly Sligo accent enjoyed a unique perspective on the most turbulent and successful period in the club's history, and shared with Neilly Mochan the distinction of having played his part in its two greatest triumphs. But while his contribution to Lisbon and the 7-1 win over Rangers was considerable, it would be a mistake to conclude Fallon's story begins and ends with black-and-white images and long-gone glories. He left Celtic with their best player of the 1980s and 90s in Paul McStay, and at Dumbarton maintained his knack for unearthing talent by signing the teenage Graeme Sharp and Owen Coyle. Sir Alex Ferguson, a long-standing friend, credits Fallon with having a major influence on the early stages of his managerial career.

If you're wondering why someone so extraordinary is consistently portrayed merely as "trustworthy" and "dependable", it is because his humility facilitated this typecasting. And perhaps that's what impressed me most about Fallon. Ask him about Dalglish and McGrain and he would say, "Ah, they were Celtic's signings, son. Not Sean Fallon's." Enquire about his playing achievements and he would stress how much better others were. Discuss the shabby way he was treated at the end and he would lament only that his departure broke Celtic's historic links with Sligo.

Fortunately, the men who worked with him had no such reservations. It had been my great hope that Sean would be recognised for the giant he is while still alive, through their words and this book – his book. But I realise now that's not important. Public recognition something he never craved. Sean Fallon died peacefully with his beloved family gathered round him, having enriched the lives of all those fortunate enough to have known him. Nothing I or anyone else could write can ever compete with that.

Celtic favourite Fallon dies

Evening Times
Former Celtic player and coach Sean Fallon has died at the age of 90, the club confirmed today.

Fallon made more than 250 appearances for Celtic during the 1950s and was assistant manager to Jock Stein throughout the most successful spell in the club's history.

The club announced on their Twitter feed: "Celtic legend Sean Fallon has died peacefully at the age of 90. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

The Irishman unfurled the Scottish Premier League flag before the champions began the defence of their title at Celtic Park in August last year.

Born in Sligo on July 31 1922, Fallon played for Celtic between 1950 and 1958, making 254 appearances for the club and scoring 14 goals.

He made his league debut for Celtic in the last game of the 1949/50 season and won his first piece of silverware by helping the club beat Motherwell in the Scottish Cup final in 1950/51. He became captain in October 1953 but was forced to retire through injury in 1958. However, he remained an influential part of the club and became Jock Stein’s assistant in 1965.

As assistant manager to Jock Stein, he was instrumental in helping Celtic secure nine league championships in a row and the European Cup on May 25, 1967.

Fallon also brought names including Tommy Gemmell, Davie Hay, Danny McGrain, Kenny Dalglish, Lou Macari and Packy Bonner to the club.

He left Celtic in 1978 and became assistant manager of Dumbarton before becoming manager in 1980.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said: “This is very, very sad news and our thoughts are with Sean’s wife, Myra, their children Marie-Therese, Louise, Collette, Siobhan, Sean and Sinead, and all of Sean’s family and many friends.

“He did so with fearless distinction over eight years in the 1950s, and Sean was at the heart of all of our triumphs, including that famous 7-1 League Cup victory in 1957.

“Sean will be sadly missed but he will never be forgotten for what he did for our club.”

Celtic manager, Neil Lennon said: “We are all shocked and saddened to hear of Sean’s death, and the thoughts of all the players and management are with his family.

“Sean was a great Celtic man, and it’s been a privilege to meet him over the years. He was always a very humble man when you met him, even though his achievements in the game were extraordinary.

“It was a fitting tribute that Sean unveiled the championship flag back in August and the welcome he received from the supporters spoke volumes. We will all miss him.”

Sports broadcaster Dougie Donnelly paid tribute to Fallon on Twitter.

He tweeted: "Very sorry to hear about Sean Fallon – another great old football man has gone. Much loved @ClydeFC as well as #Celtic."

Celtic legend Sean Fallon, who helped lead Celtic to European glory, dies aged 90

18 Jan 2013 10:14
Daily Record
CELTIC'S 'Iron Man', Sean Fallon has passed away aged 90. One of the Parkhead club's greatest players, he also served as trusted assistant to Jock Stein and helped lead the Lisbon Lions to European Cup glory.
Sean Fallon celebrated his 90th birthday alongside the Lisbon Lions Sean Fallon celebrated his 90th birthday alongside the Lisbon Lions
Rob Casey/SNS Group

CELTIC great Sean Fallon passed away this morning, he was 90 years of age.

The Irishman fulfilled almost every role at Celtic Park during his long association with the club, serving as player, captain, coach, assistant manager to Jock Stein and temporary manager.

As a player between 1950 and 1958, Fallon won the league, two Scottish Cups and two League Cups. It was in the latter that he first cemented his name in the club's history, starring in the Celtic team that beat Rangers 7-1 in the 1957 Scottish League Cup Final at Hampden.

He has previously played his football in his native Ireland for a variety of clubs, where he was also a strong swimmer, competing in national competitions and also triathlons.

This, combined with his robust playing style, his courage and competitiveness, earned Fallon the nickname of Celtic's 'Iron Man' and, when asked to describe his playing style and talents as a player he once modestly commented: "I was just an ordinary player with a big heart and a fighting spirit to recommend me."

After hanging up his boots he moved into a coaching role at Celtic Park and after helping bring through a talented generation of young players and working closely with the future Lisbon Lions, he was appointed assistant to Jock Stein.

He wasn't the new Celtic manager's first choice for the job, but he became a close friend and his most trusted lieutenant. Together they helped lead Celtic to nine league championships, seven Scottish Cup wins, six League Cup triumphs and the club's most famous victory, the European Cup final win in 1967.

In his retirement he continued to support the club he had served and helped raise the league championship flag as a guest of honour at the start of the season. He also celebrated his 90th birthday at Celtic Park alongside the Lisbon Lions.

Speaking on the club's official website, Celtic manager Neil Lennon commented: "We are all shocked and saddened to hear of Sean’s death, and the thoughts of all the players and management are with his family.

“Sean was a great Celtic man, and it’s been a privilege to meet him over the years. He was always a very humble man when you met him, even though his achievements in the game were extraordinary.

“It was a fitting tribute that Sean unveiled the championship flag back in August and the welcome he received from the supporters spoke volumes. We will all miss him.”

Celtic chief Executive Peter Lawwell added; “This is very, very sad news and our thoughts are with Sean’s wife, Myra, their children Marie-Therese, Louise, Collette, Siobhan, Sean and Sinead, and all of Sean’s family and many friends.

“He did so with fearless distinction over eight years in the 1950s, and Sean was at the heart of all of our triumphs, including that famous 7-1 League Cup victory in 1957.

“Sean will be sadly missed but he will never be forgotten for what he did for our club.”

Recently, the Celtic great had also been working on his forthcoming biography, Celtic's Iron Man, with writer Stephen Sullivan. The book will be published this year.

“You meet people in football whom you’ve admired from afar, but who disappoint you once you get to know them," said Sullivan. "With Sean, the better I knew him and the more I knew about him, the more I liked and admired him.

"He was a man of immense integrity, great fun to be with, and I’ve never met anyone more humble or selfless. People genuinely don’t realise the half of what he did for Celtic, and that’s largely because of his own humility and refusal to seek recognition.

"As he said himself, "Everything I did, I did for Celtic." He was a colossal figure and a hugely undervalued figure in the club’s history, and it has been a great privilege for me to get to know him and his family.”

Billy McNeil in the Sun.

Fallon idol

SEAN FALLON never had the profile of Jock Stein.

Never got the credit afforded to the Lisbon Lions for all of our achievements over the years.

But, let me make it clear, Sean was every bit as important and influential in our greatest triumphs as anyone.

He is a true club legend — a magnificent character who was selflessly devoted to Celtic.

Right to the very last, the club meant everything to him.

I thought the world of Sean. He was a lovely man, full of good humour and sharp with it.

And, believe me, if he ever felt the need he’d cut you with it courtesy of a wicked put-down.

Big Jock gave Sean the responsibility of sorting the players out, making sure we stayed in line, didn’t break curfews and always reported at the appointed time.

We certainly tested his patience on many an occasion, especially wee Jinky!

But I have to confess I had my own moments when I provoked the full wrath of Sean.

He didn’t lose his temper too often — but when he did, my God, you knew all about it!

Sean was the perfect No2 for Jock. Loyal, passionate about Celtic and tireless in his commitment to the club.

Of course, he was also utterly trustworthy.

The players knew they could confide in him without Jock ever being made aware.

Much is made of the winning attitude of the Lisbon Lions. That fearless belief in ourselves, that no team was unbeatable.

And Sean sure played his part in instilling that into us.

As a Celtic player he was truly inspirational, wore his heart on his sleeve as well as the captain’s armband.

His most famous game in the Hoops jersey was the remarkable, the unforgettable 7-1 ‘Hampden in the Sun’ League Cup final triumph against Rangers.

He sadly suffered a fair few injuries but he kept on coming back. He was given the nickname ‘Iron Man’.

He wasn’t what I would call a silky type player. But he was incredibly determined, he won the ball and worked as hard as possible to ensure the opposition didn’t cause the team too much damage.

Sean joined Celtic in 1950 and it actually cost him money.

As I understand it, back in Ireland he was earning £13 combining money for playing for Glenavon plus his job with a confectioner.

Sean also got a pretty tidy bonus whenever he baked a cake…and that was regular.

Celtic’s first offer was short of that.

Sean told me he that eventually agreed a deal of £10-a-week during the playing season and £8 for the off-season.

He still felt it left him out of pocket, but it wasn’t going to put him off joining Celtic.

We all later learned Sean’s dad was a lover of the club and he’d taken that from him.

From the first day he joined Celtic he gave everything he had and that carried through into his coaching work and later assistant manager’s work alongside big Jock.

Sean never tolerated anyone shirking. Always demanded everything from the players.

He had a good eye for a player and was a shrewd reader of games as well.

I remember a trip with him back home to Ireland and it was wonderful.

His stories of old were fabulous and all we seemed to do was laugh.

It also seemed to me that Sean knew EVERYONE.

He was forever referring to people by their first name and wherever we went he was greeted like a hero.

Sean was a very handsome man, always well turned out for the occasions.

And he always, always, wanted the very best for the club. Everything he did was for the good of the club.

Kenny Dalglish signed for Celtic because of Sean. So did Danny McGrain and several other leading players.

Now, if doing that had been all that he did for Celtic then it would have been more than good enough.

Dalglish, of course, later became King Kenny and established himself as one of the club’s greatest ever players.

The story behind Sean persuading him to join still makes me laugh. He was heading out with his lovely wife Myra and three daughters for a trip down the coast for an anniversary dinner.

But before they had got very far at all, Sean stopped the car outside Kenny’s parents home across the road from Ibrox.

He told Myra he’d only be a minute.

TWO HOURS later Sean finally reappeared once more — content with the fact he’d got Kenny’s signature for Celtic.

He would go to some lengths.

On another signing mission Sean famously tried to sign no less than Johan Cruyff for Dumbarton in 1980.

We were all astounded and laughing as he explained: ‘I’ve had a word with the boy and I think he’s keen.’

But Sean was deadly serious and his attempt to bring one of the greatest players ever to humble Boghead summed up the positive element of his personality. Last year the club held a fabulous lunch inside Celtic Park to mark his 90th birthday.

It was a great family occasion for everyone but most of the Lions were present, too, and other former players.

We were all delighted to be there to congratulate Sean who was absolutely in his element alongside all the people who who loved him most.

I was proud of the club once again for doing what they did for Sean that day.

It was a really marvellous gesture by the board of directors.

As was inviting Sean to unfurl the league championship flag before the first SPL home game of the season.

I know that meant a lot to him and he fully deserved that privilege.

Sean never sought the limelight. Wasn’t interested in being given headlines.

He was only happy when Celtic were doing well. Sean was completely, totally, utterly devoted to Celtic.

All my thoughts and prayers are with his wife Myra and the rest of his family at this very sad time.

I will miss Sean sorely.

DAVID HAY: My happy memories of Sean Fallon

IT was with great sadness I learned of the death of Sean Fallon at the age of 90 today.

In the first instance, I would like to send my sincere condolences to his wife Myra and all of his family.

Sean was a great family man but, outside of them, Celtic was very much his extended family and he has always commanded a special place in the affections of everyone at the club.

As No.2 to Jock Stein, he played a key part in bringing about the European Cup success of 1967 and all of these other golden years.

Of course, along with Joe Connor, Sean played a key part in my discovery and development as a Celtic player and those of so many other great Celts like Danny McGrain and Kenny Dalglish, to name but two.

We all became known as the Quality Street Gang, but we were all members of the Celtic reserve side Sean nurtured and developed – and every one of us owes him a huge debt of gratitude.

My favourite little story about Sean revolves around an Old Firm reserve game at Ibrox.

It was 0-0 and I was up against Alex Miller,who was playing centre-forward back then. We were giving it laldy and, after one exchange, I retaliated with a poor attempt at a Glasgow kiss and received my marching orders, quite rightly, for my trouble.

It had been 0-0 at the time and, of course, we went on to lose. Afterwards Sean tore strips off me in the dressing room and told me I had let my team-mates, the club and myself down and to make sure it never happened again.

Then, as he walked out the dressing room, he turned to me and grinned: "The next time make sure you take him with you."

I was never sent off again though and that was down to Sean. He will be sadly missed.

Sean Fallon: Tributes paid after Celtic great dies aged 90

BBC
Former Celtic defender and assistant manager Sean Fallon has died at the age of 90, the club have announced.

Fallon made more than 250 Celtic appearances in the 1950s and assisted Jock Stein in the next two decades.

He also won eight caps for Republic of Ireland and had a brief spell as Dumbarton manager.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell described the news as "very, very sad" and said the club's thoughts were with Fallon's family.

"Sean Fallon was a Celtic legend who devoted much of his life to the club he loved," he added.

Fallon played an important role as Celtic assistant

"He was, of course, a supporter, first and foremost, and he was proud to have worn the green and white Hoops that he loved.

"He did so with fearless distinction over eight years in the 1950s, and Sean was at the heart of all of our triumphs, including that famous 7-1 League Cup victory in 1957.

"Ten years later, he was part of our greatest ever success, winning the European Cup in Lisbon. Working alongside Jock Stein, Sean helped to deliver that trophy, along with nine consecutive league titles and numerous other trophies.

"He was an integral part of the club's success, and also played a vital role in identifying talented young players who would go on to become great Celts."

Fallon was influential in bringing players like Tommy Gemmell, Danny McGrain and Kenny Dalglish to Celtic and manager Neil Lennon said meeting him was "a privilege".

"He was always a very humble man when you met him, even though his achievements in the game were extraordinary," added Lennon.

"It was a fitting tribute that Sean unveiled the championship flag back in August and the welcome he received from the supporters spoke volumes. We will all miss him."

Sean Fallon – Farewell To The Iron Man

Written by St Anthony
Saturday, 19 January 2013 11:30

source: http://celticunderground.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=985:sean-fallon-farewell-to-the-iron-man&catid=49:season-2012-2013&Itemid=85

If ever a man was destined to play for Celtic it was Sean. In the 1940’s Sean’s sister Lily almost drowned in Lough Gill (a freshwater lake in County Sligo) and she was only saved by the intervention of Joe McMenemy who was the son of the Celtic legend Jimmy McMenemy.

Fate had it that Joe was over in Sligo on holiday and the Fallon family gave Joe a warm welcome after his fine deed. Joe in turn sent the Fallon’s a Celtic jersey and Willie Maley’s book by return and Sean was then destined to be a Celt for life.

Sean became a footballer with Glenavon and the call came from Celtic in 1950. Principally a left back, Sean was a versatile player who could play up front when required and had a ferocious will to win. So much so that he became famous for his hard, but fair, tackling style.

Many years ago I recall my Father and his friends discussing Sean and they spoke of the day he collided with another tough player, Sammy Baird of Rangers. It is said that when the two of them collided going for a ball it was akin to an explosion on the field of play. Sean came out first in this battle of the hard men and I put this to the back of my mind. Then earlier this year there was a thread on Kerrydale Street and several old timers recalled this tale in the same fashion. Sean Fallon seldom came out second best in any tussle.

Sean had many highlights in his playing days. In 1954 he had the privilege of scoring the winning goal against Aberdeen in the Scottish cup final and in 1957 he was part of the legendary Celtic side who annihilated the old Rangers by 7-1 in the League cup final.

Because of his good service to the club Sean was made assistant to manager Jimmy McGrory and then in 1965 chairman Robert Kelly wanted to make Sean manager with Jock Stein as assistant or have both as joint managers. As it happens Sean became Jock’s assistant and was a trusted and loyal lieutenant to the big man for many years.

There was something comforting for Celtic fans during that era when they looked to the bench and saw Stein, Fallon, Bob Rooney, Neilly Mochan and Willie Fernie, every one of them a Celtic man to the core. Never have Celtic had more learned men in charge of their playing affairs.

Sean’s signing of the younger players through the years became the thing of legend. In 1965 he poached young Davie Hay in an Edinburgh hotel under the nose of Chelsea manager Tommy Docherty, a fact that the Doc rues to this very day.

The stories of Kenny Dalglish tearing down his Rangers posters in his house have become grossly exaggerated through the years. Any allegiance to another team would not have concerned Sean but what should have been his concern was the fact he left his wife, Myra, in the car whilst he negotiated the young Dalglish’s signature. And this was on the night of his wedding anniversary when they were on their way out for a meal ! This was another example of Sean’s devotion to Celtic.

Many players have spoken about Stein’s abrasiveness through the years and Sean was the ideal man to mediate and make others see reason and the Celtic players held him in the highest regard. Despite being in the background his importance to Celtic’s greatest ever period of success should not be under estimated.

In 1975 after Stein’s near fatal car crash Sean was made caretaker manager for the 1975/76 season. His first act was a considerable one, to persuade the restless Dalglish stay for the next two seasons. Although Celtic finished the season trophy less they had performed well in spells during a period of great transition where they had lost the services of Stein, McNeill, Johnstone, Brogan and Connelly for various reasons.

As was the way in those days the Celtic did not always treat their great servants with the respect they deserved. In 1976 Sean was demoted to chief scout with Davie McParland appointed as Stein’s assistant manager. He later said that this had ‘hurt deep in the heart.’ In 1978 Stein was replaced by McNeill and Sean moved on. He was not sad at any personal loss but sad that Celtic had lost the ‘Sligo connection’ as Brother Walfrid had been born in Sligo and Sean was enormously proud of the club’s Sligo links.

Over the years Sean was always a popular visitor to Parkhead, none more so than in August of last year when he unfurled the League flag at Celtic Park, always a great Celtic event. Only a matter of a couple of months ago he was in St Mary’s for the celebration mass to commemorate Celtic’s 125th year and looked in fine fettle.

Sean Fallon’s passing leaves Celtic much for the poorer. A fine player, a faithful assistant and a great Celtic man to his very core but more importantly he was total gentleman, a devout family man and a man who no one ever had cause to speak ill of.

All those years ago after his departure from Parkhead, Sean was offered a significant sum of money to serialise his life story in a Sunday newspaper but he declined as he would not criticise Celtic in any way. Such was the measure of the man.

In 1967 the Irish airline Aer Lingus presented Celtic with an Irish wolfhound dog as a gesture for winning the European Cup. Afterwards the club were perplexed with what to do with the dog until Sean volunteered to take it into his care. But only after he had negotiated a small wage rise with the parsimonious Celtic board in order to help feed the dog’s considerable appetite.

God bless you Sean for everything you did for us, from the 7-1 game to Lisbon and all the other great times you helped bring to Celtic Park.

Farewell to the iron man.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord

And let perpetual light shine upon him

May he rest in peace.

Amen.

Sean Fallon

Independent.ie
Obituaries Home

Sunday January 20 2013

A native of Sligo, he became a Celtic legend as a player and later as assistant to Jock Stein, writes Brian Murphy

Roy Keane, Robbie Keane, Mick McCarthy and Packie Bonner are just a few of the big-name Irish internationals who have donned the famous hoops of Celtic Football Club in modern times.

But for all of their accomplishments, none of these great players could claim to be held in the same esteem in the East End of Glasgow as Sligo's Sean Fallon.

The 'Iron Man', as he was affectionately known to a generation of Celtic supporters, died on Friday, aged 90.

Fallon's lifelong love affair with the Scottish club was born out of near-tragedy. His sister Lily was saved from drowning at Lough Gill by the son of a Celtic player, Jimmy McMenemy, who was holidaying in Sligo. McMenemy subsequently befriended the Fallon family and on his return to Scotland he sent young Sean a Celtic jersey and a book on the club's history. From that moment, it was Fallon's ambition to play for the club.

Fallon was a supporter who was lucky enough to live the dream. But his route to Celtic Park was circuitous. He played in the League of Ireland for Longford Town, Sligo Distillery and Sligo Rovers, before crossing the Border to play with Glenavon in Co Armagh.

Fallon was 26 when Celtic finally came calling. Convinced that the Parkhead club would not sign him if they knew his real age, Fallon told the Celtic manager, Jimmy McGrory, that he was only 22! Fallon admitted years later that thereafter "I had two passports – one for football and the real one".

He scored an own goal on his Celtic debut in 1950, but by the following season he had established himself as a first-team regular and won a Scottish Cup medal. He scored the winning goal in the 1954 Scottish Cup Final and he also picked up his only Scottish League Championship medal that season.

He won two League Cups medal and secured his place in Celtic folklore by playing on the team that hammered Rangers 7-1 in the 1957 final. A wholehearted and versatile player, Fallon made 256 appearances for Celtic. He was also capped eight times by the Republic of Ireland.

Fallon's name will forever by indelibly linked with the legendary manager Jock Stein. As a managerial double act, only Brian Clough and Peter Taylor could credibly compete. The Celtic team shaped by Stein and Fallon in the mid-1960s went on to win an incredible nine league titles in a row, but their greatest achievement was their victory in the European Cup Final in 1967. Their opponents, Inter Milan, had won the European Cup in two of the last three seasons, but they were thoroughly outclassed by what was essentially a Glasgow and District XI.

When one considers the hundreds of millions of euroteams pay today to import top international talent, Stein and Fallon's achievement in winning the European Cup with 11 locally nurtured players is a monumental coaching accomplishment which is unlikely to ever be matched.

Fallon lived and breathed football. He spent a considerable amount of time at schoolboy and junior games. He was a talent scout supreme. His ability to spot a potential star and his powers of persuasion were instrumental in a host of brilliant young players signing for Celtic, including Danny McGrain, Davie Hay, Lou Macari and Packie Bonner.

He famously missed his own wedding anniversary celebrations because he had been delayed persuading a promising prospect, who supported Rangers, to put pen to paper for Celtic. The name of this schoolboy footballer was Kenny Dalglish.

In 2002, Fallon was awarded the freedom of his native Sligo. In August 2012, he received the accolade of being asked to unfurl the Scottish Premier League Title flag at Celtic Park that his beloved club had secured the previous season. The 'Iron Man' received a tremendous standing ovation. He will be mourned by football supporters everywhere.

Ar dheis De go raibh a ainm dilis.

Brian Murphy is a life-long Celtic supporter.

Farewell to Sean Fallon

By: Newsroom Staff on 23 Jan, 2013 13:55 THE Requiem Mass for Celtic legend, Sean Fallon, was held this morning at Christ the King in Kings Park where an overspill hall had to be used where those paying their respects could watch on large screens.

A host of Celtic players past and present along with manager Neil Lennon, Peter Lawwell and club directors were there at the service before moving on to Philipshill Cemetery for the funeral.

At the service the Eulogies were read by Sean Fallon junior and Alex Ferguson who both recounted just some of the great moments in Sean’s life and career.

The thoughts and prayers of all at Celtic Park remain with the Fallon family at this sad time.

FIFA President mourns Celtic legend Fallon

(FIFA.com) Wednesday 23 January 2013
FIFA President mourns Celtic legend Fallon

Celtic lost one of its legends last week when Republic of Ireland international passed away on Friday at the age of 90.

Born in Sligo on 31 July 1922, Fallon played for Celtic between 1950 and 1958, making 254 appearances for the club and scoring 14 goals. .

As assistant manager to the legendary Jock Stein between 1965 and 1978, he was instrumental in helping Celtic secure nine league championships in a row and the European Cup in 1967.

Fallon also brought names including Tommy Gemmell, Davie Hay, Danny McGrain, Kenny Dalglish, Lou Macari and Pat Bonner to the club.
Youth development work such as that carried out by Mr Fallon to such good effect continues to be important to this day.
Joseph S. Blatter, FIFA President.

In a letter to Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has expressed his sympathy over the loss of the likeable Fallon.

He wrote: In addition to a successful career as a player for Celtic, Mr Fallon will also be remembered for his great technical knowledge as assistant manager of Celtic during the Jock Stein era, fulfilling a role that is of such vital importance to the game, namely identifying and nurturing young talent.

"Youth development work such as that carried out by Mr Fallon to such good effect continues to be important to this day, and he will have been pleased to note the emergence of several young talents in recent years, who have most certainly played their part in Celtic’s recent success, most notably in the Champions League.”

“On behalf of the members of the international football family, I should be extremely grateful if you could extend our deepest condolences to Mr Fallon’s family, friends and loved ones.”

Sean Fallon obituary

The Guardian
Footballer who with Jock Stein guided Celtic through a glorious era and was associated with the club for seven decades

Brian Wilson
guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 22 January 2013 12.26 GMT
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sean fallon obituary
Sean Fallon leads an attempt on Third Lanark's goal in the Scottish League Cup in August 1951. Photograph: SMG/Press Association

Sean Fallon, who has died aged 90, was assistant to the Celtic manager Jock Stein throughout a glorious era when the Glasgow club became the first in Britain to win the European Cup and achieved a record-breaking nine successive Scottish League titles. Fallon's association with Celtic spanned seven decades, from signing as a player in 1950 to receiving an emotional reception when unfurling the League flag over Celtic Park at the start of the current season. All that time in Scotland never diluted the rich accent of his native Sligo.

Of the team who defeated Inter Milan in Lisbon in 1967 to win the European Cup, 10 had been signed before Stein's return to Celtic as manager two years earlier. While Stein's genius lay in turning a squad of players, all from within 40 miles of Glasgow, into a world-beating side, the role of Fallon in assembling it was crucial.

Like many young Irishmen, Fallon was forced into a choice between Gaelic football, in which he excelled, and the association code. As a rugged defender, he signed for Sligo Rovers in the League of Ireland and then Glenavon in Northern Ireland, quickly attracting attention from across the water.

Fallon had been educated in Sligo by Catholic Marist Brothers and was familiar with the role of Brother Walfrid, a Marist from Ballymote, County Sligo, in the foundation of Celtic for charitable purposes in the East End of Glasgow. There was, he said, no other club he wanted to play for.

This was just as well, since Celtic's signing-on terms were less than generous. The manager, Jimmy McGrory, offered Fallon £10 a week, falling to £8 in the close season. At that time, he was earning £6 with Glenavon and £8 in his trade as a confectioner, but the lure of Celtic was strong enough to seal the move.

While McGrory was nominal manager and a revered former player, it was Celtic's chairman, Bob Kelly, who called the shots in all aspects of the club's affairs. Kelly was a devout Catholic and marked 1950, Holy Year, with a European tour which culminated in an audience with Pope Pius XII.

Fallon recalled that this involved a cross-Channel ferry on which Bing Crosby was a fellow passenger. By the time they reached port, Crosby was singing I Belong to Glasgow at the bar. After a three-day train journey, a solitary game with Lazio was followed by the appointment at St Peter's – the true purpose of the expedition.

This curious close-season tour was indicative of the way Celtic operated and was reflected in an increasingly bleak record of success. However, seeds of future glory were sown with the recruitment of Stein from the obscurity of Welsh non-league football. When Fallon suffered injury in 1953, Stein – whom he had nominated – succeeded him as team captain.

Fallon made 254 Celtic appearances and was known as "the Iron Man" in tribute to his uncompromising style. He won just one League and two Scottish Cup medals, as well as eight Irish caps. The highlight of his playing career was as a member of the team that beat Rangers 7-1 in the League Cup final of 1957-58.

Fallon joined the backroom staff and, along with Stein, developed a youth policy that was to prove highly fruitful, yielding such eventual Lisbon Lions as Billy McNeill, John Clark and Bertie Auld. With Stein's departure in 1960 to manage Dunfermline and then Hibs, Fallon became assistant to McGrory and established his reputation as a spotter of exceptional talent.

He was mooted as McGrory's successor but showed no resentment when Stein was brought back. The two retained a close personal bond and acted as perfect foils – Fallon the quietly spoken conciliator while the harder-edged Stein dealt brusquely with those who merited his ire. Fallon was instrumental in signing another generation of Celtic stars including David Hay, Kenny Dalglish and Paul McStay.

When Stein suffered a serious car accident in 1975, Fallon became temporary manager, but the longer-term appointment fell to Billy McNeill and Fallon departed. He had a brief managerial spell with Dumbarton but maintained ties with Celtic, where he was treasured as a gentleman of the game.

In 2002, Fallon received the freedom of Sligo. He is survived by his wife, Myra, five daughters and a son.

• Sean Fallon, footballer and coach, born 31 July 1922; died 18 January 2013