Celtic Graves Society will remember former Celtic stars Dan Doyle and John Kelly

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The Celtic Star

·5 novembre 2025

Celtic Graves Society will remember former Celtic stars Dan Doyle and John Kelly

News of another event from the wonderful Celtic Graves Society that might be of interest to supporters with a strong interest in the club’s unbroken history and all Celtic supporters are invited to attend…

Dan Doyle, Celtic FC. Photo The Celtic Wiki

On Saturday 15 November at 12pm at St Peter’s Cemetery Dalbeth, Celtic Graves Society will remember former Celtic stars Dan Doyle and and John Kelly, and recount how they were never forgotten, in life and in death, by their legendary Celtic manager Willie Maley.

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Dan Doyle played for Celtic for eight years from 1891 through to 1899 and was the Celtic captain in his final to seasons at the club.

“In Dan Doyle the Celtic Faithful had a man who was the embodiment their own hopes of the time, in rising above the mundane whilst remaining independent of soul,” is the quote used by Celtic Graves Society as they post details of this event on their social media channels.

John Kelly played in goals for Celtic for the first year of the club’s existence, from 1888 through to 1889 and was our goalkeeper in Celtic’s first ever Scottish Cup final in 1889, which is known by Celtic historians as “The Snow Final of 1889.

“John was one of the grand old veterans of the game.”

Celtic Graves Society also provided this update:

Dan Doyle, Celtic FC. Photo The Celtic Wiki

‘We return to Dan Doyle this month, 15 years after our first commemoration at his grave, with a newly erected headstone to mark his role as Celtic captain. We will also commemorate another Celt, John Kelly and tell the unique story of how both were never forgotten by Willie Maley.

Our second ever captain, Dan Doyle was one of the greatest ever Celts and known as Celtic’s Wild Rover reflection his personality and outlook. In our entire history Dan was one of our most loved players and also one of the most talented of his generation.

Celtic FC. Photo The Celtic Wiki

John Kelly was one of Celtic’s earliest goalies and our keeper in Celtic’s first ever Scottish Cup final, the Snow Final of 1889. John was also a lifelong friend of Tom and Willie Maley and a significant figure in the Glasgow Irish sporting community.’

A reminder that this event takes place at St Peter’s Cemetery, Dalkeith, 1900 London Road, Glasgow G32 8TX on Saturday 15 November at 12pm. Please note that there is no Celtic game that weekend as it’s the international break.

So why not make it along and show your respects to two Celtic Bould Bhoys as they are remembered and honoured by Celtic Graves Society who will celebrate both Celts and tell their unique Celtic stories.

John Kelly, Celtic FC 1888-89. Photo The Celtic Wiki

The late, great David Potter was a huge supporter of the Celtic Graves Society and was a regular speaker at their events over the years. David has certainly written about Dan Doyle many times on The Celtic Star and we’ll have a look to see what he had to say about John Kelly too.

On Saturday November 15th at 12pm at St Peter's Cemetery Dalbeth, we will remember both Dan and John, and recount how they were never forgotten, in life & in death, by Willie Maley. We are honoured to be able to celebrate both Celts and to tell a unique Celtic story.
– martedì 4 novembre 2025

Find out more about Celtic’s unbroken history by reading Celtic Star books…

Click on cover to order a hardback copy

Matthew Marr’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.