former Celtic chairman, Jack McGinn dies aged 92

Everyone at Celtic Football Club is extremely saddened at the death of former Celtic chairman, Jack McGinn, who has passed away at the age of 92.

Jack first joined Celtic back in 1965, having previously been a newspaper executive, in order to help the club establish its own newspaper, an idea he had brought to the board.

That was the Celtic View, which was first published on August 11, 1965, and it remains the oldest club publication in football some 40 years later.

Jack was the first editor of the Celtic View, a position he would hold for a number of years, and he always remained a strong supporter and avid reader of the publication.

Appointed the club’s Commercial Manager in 1981, he was given a seat on the board, becoming vice-chairman in 1985 and Celtic chairman a year later.

Jack would remain as chairman for five years, and his tenure included the unforgettable Centenary season, when Celtic, then managed by Billy McNeill who had returned to the club at the start of the campaign, won a league and cup double.

He remained as a non-executive director after stepping down as chairman, eventually standing down in August 1994.

Jack also occupied a number of roles within the SFA, which culminated in him becoming SFA chairman in 1997, a position he held for almost six years.

He always remained a dedicated Celtic supporter and he was a regular presence at Celtic Park over the past few years.

Celtic chairman, Peter Lawwell, said: "I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Jack's family following his sad passing.

"I first met Jack 35 years ago, and he was a fine, humble, unassuming man, a true Celtic man who always did his very best for the club he loved.

"He gave his full energy and commitment to Celtic across a number of roles, often in difficult times for the club but always working in the best interests of Celtic.

"I know he will be sadly missed by his family, friends and so many people at the club. We send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers."

The Celtic players will wear black armbands at tonight's Premiership game against Aberdeen at Pittodrie as a mark of respect.

The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic Football Club are with Jack’s family at this extremely sad time.

 

He was a family friend, My Grandad and Granny knew him well, I was at his wifes funeral a long time ago as I was off school and my grandparents were looking after me and seen Paul Mc Stay and a few other Celtic players there. Seemed a very good man. RIP

 

* rest his soul.

 

RIP

 

Rip a sad day for the McGinn family

 

RIP

 

Clearly a man who had a big impact on the club but honestly I didn't know about him. I can only really tell you the chairmen from my lifetime. Good that he's being recognised by the club at least.