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Cesar Billy McNeill - Rest In Peace Cesar.

Discussion in 'The Lisbon Lions' started by HoopswithPride, Feb 25, 2017.

Discuss Billy McNeill - Rest In Peace Cesar. in the The Lisbon Lions area at TalkCeltic.net.

  1. JML67 Gold Member Gold Member

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    This is true. The only good thing about today is it ends his struggle with such a debilitating disease.

    A horrible thing to witness as a family member, almost like losing them before they've gone. I'm glad that Billy is now at peace, it's a huge loss to Celtic fans and his family, but the big man didn't deserve that suffering.
     
  2. Mr. Slippyfist

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    Very nicely put mate.

    I've seen it first hand, it's * heartbreaking for someone who you've known your full life, someone who's cared for you and helped rare you not to recognize you and think you're a stranger.
     
  3. An Madadh Rua

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    I met Billy in 1970 in Roche's department store, Dublin. My parents had brought me from south Derry down to Landsdowne Road for my first Celtic game, a European Cup tie against Waterford. Anytime we went to Dublin for a GAA game, we always stopped in Roche's as it was mammy's favourite shop in the world. I spotted Billy with Willie Wallace and Bobby Lennox doing a bit of pre-match shopping. As a shy 5 year old kid, I didn't have the courage to approach these heroes so mammy quickly bought a small autograph book and made the approach. I was hiding at a safe distance but Billy came over and spoke to me. He was then what we all know him to be - a gentleman, full of dignity and presence...the epitome of our great club. It remains one of my greatest memories, almost 50 years later.

    Mammy died a few months ago and had suffered from dementia in the last year or so of her life. We cared for her in the family home. It brought us immense joy but her passing hurt deeply. Billy's family will be similarly heartbroken and so my thoughts and prayers are very much with them today.
     
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  4. Henrik 07 Gold Member Gold Member

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  5. Blochairnbhoy

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    Lisbon lions Documentary from 2 years ago about to start on BBC Scotland channel!
     
  6. Slater67

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    My first ever Celtic game my old man took me to as a wee bhoy was big billly s last match 1975 Scottish cup final, was glad just to have seen the big man lift a trophy live
     
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  7. Taz Blind Justice Gold Member News Writer

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    My poppa (who actually played for Belfast Celtic way back when and the man who introduced me to Celtic) had Alzheimers in the last few years of his life. They call that the 'long goodbye' - moments of clarity shrouded by so much confusion - so have seen first hand what these struggles are like. Always so sad to see those that you idolize and admire so much reduced like this.

    On a related note, there are studies continuing that do show the links between football, head injuries and the long term effects it has on players in old age, such as what Cesar had. Not looking to derail this memorial thread but it is important to note this, as the proud, determined image of Billy in his prime, counterpoints with the shuffling steps in the shadow of former glories.
     
  8. Drakhan Nac Mac Feegle Gold Member

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    Thought he was coming out in handcuffs there.
     
  9. Henrik 07 Gold Member Gold Member

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  10. centenary88

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    Hail Hail Caeser , one of our finest sons. Rest well sir.
     
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  11. Drakhan Nac Mac Feegle Gold Member

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  12. The Prof Administrator Administrator

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    Never seen that pic before, brillant. :50:
     
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  13. JML67 Gold Member Gold Member

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    Yep, horrible to see. Same with my wee gran. She was always the loudest in the house and my favourite relative up the road. As you've said, heartbreaking when they can't even recognise their nearest and dearest anymore.
     
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  14. Henrik 07 Gold Member Gold Member

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  15. Captain Brown Gold Member Gold Member

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    I don't even know what to say. So sad.

    Hope his family can find peace now he's not suffering.

    Legend.
     
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  16. Scotia Gold Member Gold Member

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  17. The Prof Administrator Administrator

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  18. Clint Eastwood The Good Bad and Ugly of TC

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    Rest in peace Cesar. He may be gone now but he's pretty much immortal. :shamrock:
     
  19. ddub11

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    As sad as today is,i feel a real sense of pride in knowing he was our leader.
     
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  20. moravcik1888

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    I liked Charlie Nicholas' tribute to him. He may not be everyone's cup of tea but it was obvious his tears were sincere and genuine.