John Glass

The name of John Glass repeats itself throughout research into the creation of Celtic. Undoubtedly, Brother Walfrid was the architect, the instigator, the motivator and the conduit to all the facets that would come together. John Glass, however, was the master builder and the catalyst for it all to happen.

His importance should be recognised. John Glass was a joiner, a man with many contacts in the building trade and a son of Donegal. He was also, we are told, a man that could 'charm the birds down from the trees' such was his charisma. This charm and persuasiveness would be a highly useful tool in Celtic's formation, as Glass is widely acknowledged to be the man who persuaded a number of famous football players of the time to join the fledgling Club. A humanitarian and a meticulous organiser, Glass was also a leader of men, and specifically a dignified and highly respected leader of the Irish Catholic community. John Glass was THE politician sitting at the round table deliberating the creation of Celtic. Glass was later described by Willie Maley as the man 'to whom the Club owes its existence.'

Glass organised several political rallies at which Michael Davitt addressed the Highland crofters. The question must therefore be asked: did the name 'Celtic' originate from this popular political influence of the day, and did Brother Walfrid and John Glass see in this name a method to celebrate Irish-ness, symbolise Irish-ness, yet simultaneously join hands with Scottish Celts? After all, historically speaking, the peoples of Ireland and Scotland were one and the same - Celts!

He was the first President of Celtic, it was his personality which persuaded many lads to join the Celts.

He was a great Irishman, ever ready to stand up for his rights and later did much politically for the cause so dear to him.

Those were not the days of written agreement and John Glass's word was always as good as any bond.

November 1st 1902

"Mr Glass was born in Glasgow of Irish parents fifty-one years ago.His father came from
Donegal.Though he has not served on any public board,there is not a better known figure in Irish
and catholic circles in the city.He is a familiar figure at th H.G.B. meetings and at national
conventions.He has taken a prominent part in the promotion of Irish Foristry,and has filled the
position of president and secretary of St.Mary's league of the cross.He is a great favourite in athletic circles and was for eleven years president of the Celtic F.C. On its formation as a limited company,he was unanimously re-elected,but declined the honour.He is still one of the directors.

J.P. through Lord Provost Chisholm.

January 4th 1899

Mr John Glass,vice-president of the Camlachie Liberal Association,thought that to make themselves worthy of the name Irishmen,they should be members of Liberal Associations.He believed that if Irishmen had stuck to the Liberal Association they would have forced candidates to be chosen who were sincere "home rulers".It was on account of Irishmen leaving Liberal Associations that there was talk of shelving home rule.He wasproud of his connection with the Liberals and he thought that if they clung to the Liberals,they cou'd yet make them legislate for Ireland.

Irish National League meeting.