Celtic’s Iron Man Sean Fallon’s Celtic story began on this day in 1950

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The Celtic Star

·15 April 2025

Celtic’s Iron Man Sean Fallon’s Celtic story began on this day in 1950

75 years ago today – on 15 April 1950 – Sean Fallon’s Celtic story began. Fallon is a major figure in the Bhoys’ history, serving as captain and assistant manager to Jock Stein, including when the Celts reached the pinnacle of Europe in 1967…

Back: Charley Tully, John McGrory, John McPhail, Joe Bailey, Jimmy Mallan, Jock Weir Bobby Evans, Roy Milne, Alec Rollo, Bertie Peacock. Front: Bobby Collins, Sean Fallon, John Milsopp, Willie Fernie. Photo The Celtic Wiki

This is the story of Celtic’s Iron Man, Sean Fallon…

Fallon was born in County Sligo on 31 July 1922. From early in his life, he had an interesting Celtic link.

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Joe McMenemy – son of Celtic legend Jimmy McMenemy – once saved Fallon’s sister from drowning. By way of thanks, Sean invited Joe back to his home, and Fallon was sent a Celtic shirt and Willie Maley’s book ‘The story of the Celtic’.

Willie Maley’s book The Story of Celtic. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Sean was an outstanding sportsman, accomplished in various sports. He was captain of a local swimming team and also played Gaelic football.

However, his life would be dominated by another game – football. He played as a defender and attacker and turned out for various Irish teams, including Longford Town, Sligo Distillery and Sligo Rovers. In 1949, he signed for Glenavon and turned professional.

Sean was selected to play at youth level for the Republic of Ireland

His abilities were recognised beyond his club teams. Sean was selected to play at youth level for the Republic of Ireland, and was also chosen for an Irish League XI against a League of Ireland XI. This fixture had a profound impact on his future direction.

Sean Fallon representing Republic of Ireland. Photo The Celtic Wiki

After impressing in this match, he was offered the chance to come to Scotland and sign for Celtic. He jumped at the chance of doing this. Glenavon received a £5000 transfer fee, and Sean Fallon started his Celtic experience.

He made his Celtic debut on 15 April 1950

He made his Celtic debut on 15 April 1950 in an away game against Clyde in a match that ended 2-2. This match was more notable for Willie Fernie’s first goal for Celtic – although unfortunately he then added an own-goal to his record!

Fallon played once more that season, although it would be September 1950 before he first appeared at Celtic Park, in a 3-2 win versus Rangers.

During his time at Parkhead, he would play in different positions, including defence and attack. Within a year of his debut, he had cause to celebrate as Celtic clinched the 1951 Scottish Cup, beating Motherwell 1-0 to bring the trophy back to Celtic Park.

Fallon won all three of Scotland’s major trophies in the 1950s

Although the 1950s were not Celtic’s most successful decade, Fallon won all three of Scotland’s major trophies; the League in 1954, the Scottish Cup in 1951 and 1954 and the League Cup in 1956 and 1957, the latter being the famous 7-1 victory over Rangers.

Fallon was also part of other Celtic victories including the St Mungo Cup in 1951 – when he scored two goals – as well as winning the Glasgow Cup and Charity Cup.

As a player, the 1954 Scottish Cup Final was surely his greatest moment

However, as a player, the 1954 Scottish Cup Final was surely his greatest moment. His second half strike proved to be the winning goal as the Celts beat Aberdeen 2-1. In doing this, he joined a small list of players that have scored winning cup final goals whilst wearing the Hoops.

As well as being a first team regular, Sean was widely respected within the club. In 1952, he became Celtic’s captain, doing this until the following year when the position passed to a man with whom he would be closely associated: Jock Stein.

As well as Celtic’s green-and-white, Fallon also pulled on the green shirt of the Republic of Ireland on various occasions, including captaining this team too.

Sean Fallon as a Celtic player. Photo The Celtic Wiki

His ‘Iron Man’ nickname

As his Celtic career progressed, Sean was often affected by injury, including breaking bones on different occasions. One time, before substitutes were allowed, he came back on for Celtic despite his arm being in a sling, which helped give him his ‘Iron Man’ nickname.

By 1958, it was clear that Fallon could no longer continue playing, but this was far from the end of his time at Celtic. Instead, he was appointed as a coach, working under Celtic’s then manager, Jimmy McGrory. But a bigger role awaited him, under a different Celtic boss.

Celtic management team at Broomfield in 1965. From left: Neil Mochan, Bob Rooney, Jock Stein and Sean Fallon. Photo The Celtic Wiki

1965 – Sean played his part in what David Potter called ‘The Celtic Rising ‘

In 1965, Jimmy McGrory was removed as manager, and Jock Stein was appointed to the top job. In doing so, he renewed his acquaintance with Sean Fallon, who was asked to become assistant manager. He would hold this position for most of Stein’s time at the club.

Sean Fallon is on the right of the photo with a suit on. Photo IMAGO

In doing this job, Sean Fallon was at the heart of all Celtic’s achievements of the era, including two European Cup Finals, nine-in-a-row league titles and multiple cup wins. But arguably his most significant contribution came in the 1975-76 season.

The summer of 1975

In the summer of 1975, Jock Stein was in a near fatal car crash, which kept him out of the dugout for the entire season whilst he recovered. As such, Fallon became the acting manager. It was a difficult year as the Bhoys failed to win anything.

3 August 1974. Celtic vs Rangers Jock Stein,Celtic Manager and Assistant manager Sean Fallon. Photo IMAGO.

When Stein returned, there was only a small amount of time left for Fallon as his assistant. In the 1976-77 season, he was removed as assistant manager and instead appointed to lead Celtic’s scouting network. This caused him a great deal of upset and he later said that this action “hurt deep in the heart.”

In 1978, Fallon’s official time connected with Celtic came to an end

And then in 1978, Fallon’s official time connected with Celtic came to an end. Jock Stein left the club and numerous other changes were made, including Fallon being sacked. It was a sad end for a man who had given almost thirty years of his life to Celtic.

Fallon tried to tempt Dutch legend Johann Cryuff to move to Dumbarton

However, this did not mark the end of Fallon’s football life. Within two years, he was appointed as manager of Dumbarton, where he worked for a year. This time involved one very notable moment when Fallon tried to tempt Dutch legend Johann Cryuff to move to Boghead!

He also later acted as a director for Dumbarton and then Clyde. The latter was fitting as it was against Clyde that he had first played in Scotland.

Sean Fallon at flag day, 2012

Flag Day honour at Paradise and the Freedom of Sligo

At various times, Sean Fallon’s contribution to Celtic and his native Ireland has been recognised. In 2002, he was given the Freedom of Sligo, and in 2012 – at the start of Celtic’s second nine-in-a-row league run – he unfurled the League flag to kick off the season.

This flag event came to just months before his death in January 2013. His funeral was held in Glasgow’s southside, and a memorial event took place at Celtic Park.

Sean Fallon played in the Hoops more than 250 times, as well as scoring on 14 occasions, including cup final winners. Early in his Celtic career, he once remarked: “I can never hope to find words to express my feelings at becoming a member of the Celtic Football Club.”

Sean Fallon. Photo The Celtic Wiki

A Celtic legend – and the club’s Iron Man

He would surely be proud to know that his place in Celtic folklore is assured, given his involvement in so many of the club’s greatest moments. A Celtic legend – and the club’s Iron Man – are the simplest descriptions that can be given to Sean Fallon.

Matthew Marr

If you want to learn more about Celtic history, follow Hail Hail History on Twitter/X. You can also take part in a FREE Celtic history walking tour. Visit celticwalkingtours.wordpress.com for more information.

Click on cover to order a hardback copy

Matthew’s debut Celtic book titled ‘The Bould Bhoys – Glory to their name’ was published by Celtic Star Books last year and is available to order HERE. This brilliant book is also available on Amazon Kindle for just £3.49 and includes all photo sections that appear in the hardback edition.

Matthew Marr with his debut Celtic book, Glory to their name, which tells the story of Celtic’s first ever title win. Photo The Celtic Star

Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books.