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Farewell to a Celtic legend

The funeral of Tommy Burns, the former Celtic player and manager, united Glasgow yesterday as he was carried aloft by friends and – at least when on the pitch and touchline – former enemies, writes Stephen McGinty.

Ally McCoist, the Rangers coach and pall-bearer, then turned to weep on the shoulder of Paddy Bonner, the former Celtic goalkeeper, while 40 priests and two bishops looked on at the ecumenical reward for a life well lived.

He described him as "a dignified man of principle, his generosity of spirit knew no bounds. He showed great compassion for those less fortunate than himself".

The presence of McCoist and Walter Smith, the Rangers manager, among the pall-bearers was described by Bishop Joseph Devine as a sight "that will not be as pleasing to others as it was to me", a comment that was greeted with applause from the congregation that included Alex Salmond, the First Minister, who packed into St Mary's Church in Glasgow's East End, where Celtic FC was founded by Brother Walfrid in 1888.

As one mourner at Celtic Park, Paul Farrell, 37, explained, Burns's values in life set him apart.

"I think he epitomised everything that a Celtic fan should be. His family was always his first priority. After that you have his faith, which was very important to him, and I think that gave him a lot of strength, especially with his illness. He was a great man, and that's why he had the respect of all fans.

"I think he brought a lot of people together, and I think it shows today with the crowds here."

Full story at The Scotsman.