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It has been a season of highs and lows for Celtic, losing the SPL title on the last day to rivals Rangers to lifting the Scottish Cup after beating Motherwell 3-0 at Hampden Park. But for Niall McGinn he had to watch much of the season from the sidelines through injury.
He talks candidly about his time at Celtic from when he signed for the club, to this season where he was the target of hate, receiving bullets in the mail.
In January, McGinn received a package containing bullets, along with manager Neil Lennon and team-mate Paddy McCourt.
McGinn commented on the threats: “I was completely shocked because I’m a footballer and I’m not involved in politics. I suppose I always believed professional sports people were exempt from these type of threats but evidently not in this case. I went through a lot of emotions from surprise to anger but ultimately I had to put everything out of my head and get on with playing football and doing my best to help Celtic win trophies.”
The Northern Ireland internationalist stated that he was more worried about his family though, in particular his mother.
He added, “To be honest I was worried more for my family who had little information as to the extent or seriousness of the threat and I spent some time reassuring my mother in particular that I’d be fine.”
Asked if he considered quitting Celtic, McGinn was adamant in his answer: “Quitting Celtic? Are you insane? No chance. Once you’re at the club of your dreams then you do everything in your power to stay there. I’m also a determined character and I would not allow myself or my career to be derailed by what happened, if anything I use it as motivation to succeed at Celtic.”
McGinn was not always just a footballer, he was also a member of the GAA, playing Gaelic Football for Donaghmore Celtic and Tyrone Under-21s. But when he signed Professional Football terms with Dungannon Swifts he had to make a decision – Football or Gaelic Football – he chose Football.
McGinn admitted: “It was definitely a difficult decision for me. I was very proud to have spent practically my whole life as a member of the GAA, playing gaelic football and it would have been the biggest honour for me to represent my county at senior level but a career in soccer beckoned and to be honest I can’t have any regrets, just great memories.”
The midfielder spent three years at Dungannon making 42 league appearances for the IFA Premiership side. His performances with Dungannon soon saw him earn a move to Stephen Kenny’s Derry City side in January 2008. Speaking about Kenny and his days at Derry, McGinn said: “I have nothing but admiration for Stephen Kenny, he took a gamble bringing me into the game full-time at Derry City and he definitely is an excellent manager. I really enjoyed my time at Derry. The city, the club and the supporters are all top-notch, and I won young Irish player of the year when I was there, which was a tremendous achievement for me personally and for the club. A lot of the thanks must go to Stephen Kenny for pushing me on and giving me the belief that I was good enough to play at a high level.”
McGinn spent a year at City, before news that Celtic were in for him, at the same time as he was about to sign for Swansea City. He said: “I was actually about to sign for Swansea, the deal was done and I’d already been across and visited the stadium and met the manager. All I needed to do was the medical and I’d become a Swansea player but then I got the news that Celtic were interested and no other club could have tempted me. For a young Irishman to play for Celtic is the ultimate honour and the moment I knew Celtic were showing an interest I knew that’s where I wanted to go.”
And with every player who signs for one of the Old Firm, they are asked the same questions – how are they looking forward to the Old Firm Derby and how will you be able to cope with it?
McGinn said of the derby game: “I suppose growing up a Celtic supporter regardless of coming from Ireland, Scotland or wherever across the world, helps you to realise the magnitude of the tie but nothing can prepare you for the actual game itself. The atmosphere in the build up to the game and then during it is absolutely phenomenal, and of course there is no feeling in the world like beating your fiercest rivals.”
This season McGinn has been sidelined through injury, playing just 11 games scoring three times. Despite not getting a good run in the team he remains optimistic.
“I broke a bone in my foot during the last training session of last year and missed all of pre-season training plus the first five months of this season. Although I’ve played in 11 games and scored three goals this term, I’ve struggled to get a good run and this has probably been the most frustrating season of my career to date. I just need to remain professional and stay prepared in case I get called upon to do a job. Football can be strange, one minute you’re in the wilderness, the next you’re starting games and expected to produce the goods.”
Much has been said about Celtic manager Neil Lennon, his lack of management experience and the style of it also. We posed the question to Niall, and asked for his opinion of his gaffer.
“I think he has been sensational. To come in and do the job he has done without any significant management experience is testament to the character he is. I’ll not be giving any dressing room secrets away but some of his team talks evoke the most incredible passion. I hope he is Celtic manager for a long, long time and that he experiences considerable success during his tenure.”
We asked for a number of Celtic fans to send in a question to ask Niall.
First up was Jacqueline who asked Niall: “Why do you think there is so much made of Celtic’s Irish roots in Scotland. We are pilloried by the media, SFA and other supporters over this, so where do you think it comes from?”
Niall replied: “Obviously there’s a lot of historical baggage and some quarters can’t move with the times. I think Celtic as a club are very proud of our Irish heritage and the fans, both Irish and Scottish, are quick to let everyone know that the club has strong ties with Ireland. It’s evidently what makes our club special and should be celebrated not criticised.”
Michael was another fan who posed a question to the midfielder: “What is your favourite game so far for Celtic?”
Niall said: “I suppose, although I only played a few minutes at the end, beating Rangers 2-0 at Ibrox in January was excellent but from a personal perspective my performance away to Rapid Vienna was very good and even though the game had no bearing on qualification, coming back from 3-0 down gave me great satisfaction.”
The Northern Irish midfielder is part owner of the Failte Restaurant on Falls Road in Belfast. We asked him how he got involved in it and what he would eat from his own kitchen.
“My agent was opening a restaurant and asked if I’d like to be involved. I thought there was no harm and little to lose
and that has proved to be the case. The restaurant has been extremely successful in its first year and its difficult to get a table a times, particularly at weekends. We employ a lot of local people and its nice giving something back, particularly
to such a strong Celtic supporting community. I’m quite a fussy eater but I enjoy most chicken dishes, I also have a soft spot for chocolate fudge cake desserts but don’t tell the gaffer.”
And with every Celtic player, many are asked if they could play in a team of Celtic greats who would they select, and Niall was no exception to that rule as he gave us his Celtic XI:
“I’d go 3-5-2, Bonner, McNeill, Elliott, Balde, Jinky, McStay, Lennon (have to say that one), Collins, McGinn, Henrik and Lennox.”
Although he has many years ahead of him as a footballer, being just 23, he did state that once he hung up his football boots he ‘would like to stay in the game in some capacity’.
With Niall saying, “There is nothing like being involved in football and making a living from it.”
Scotzine would like to thank Niall McGinn and his Agent Gerry Carlile for agreeing to the interview.
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Interesting read, surprised at the Gaelic rules football thing – what i’ve noticed with the Irish is that and hurling (that the right term?) are huge sports over there, along with rugby.
Does anybody else think that it would be good for McGinn to go out on loan next season to give him regular football?
Seems like a nice and fairly articulate young man, but I’d be surprised if he got ahead of Brown, Commons, Forrest or Mulgrew on the team sheet for the wide berths next season.
Agree with you there Chris,get a good season of first team football and come back with all guns blazing to play for his team
“Why do you think there is so much made of Celtic’s Irish roots in Scotland. We are pilloried by the media, SFA and other supporters over this, so where do you think it comes from?”
What? When have Celtic been “pilloried” for having Irish links by the media and the SFA? Nobody really cares about Celtic’s Irish links apart from Celtic themselves, it’s the anti-British chants that bother people and also the songs of support for terrorist groups.
What a daft question!!!!
When? Nobody really cares? “The Famine Song” is one obvious instance of “caring”.
Frank, the question was When have Celtic been “pilloried” for having Irish links by the media and the SFA?
As for the Famine Song – I personally don’t like it and don’t sing it but the impression I get from those who do is that they sing it to wind up Celtic fans – they don’t really care about your Irish links.
I’ll put my hand up. In a quick reading, I didn’t see that you had dropped “other supporters”. However, there has been a lot of spin off from the singing of that song and other singing that has led to both understanding of and also questioning and near-mockery of the “Irish connection” in the media. Whether it could be referred to as “pilloried” is another matter.
Frank, I have seen no media or SFA digs at Celtic’s Irish connection – certainly no more than the recent digs at Rangers show of “Britishness” at the last Old Firm game at Ibrox including a somewhat hefty dig on this site by Andy M .
This comment has ruined a good interview and I am surprised this particular question was put to the player when I am sure there were many others he could have been asked.
Daven bit of sense from you there unlike others.I get the distinct impression that some RFC fans revel in this ditty,and the same can be said for some tunes at Celtic Park,but to mock the 1 million plus who perished is not a wind up.If this was about the holocaust it would be roundly condemned.
I cant see why anyone in Britain would not want to show support for the IRA given the Queen has only recently paid homage to them, laying a wreath for the brave IRA volunteers at the Garden of Remembrance.
Far too many nast bigots and racists in Scotland, that’s the problem. Rangers have a massive issue but so do other clubs.
Patrick, the Queen laid the wreath for all Irishmen who fought and died in the two world wars, irrespective of their background. I think she showed some courage going to Ireland when many were against her visit.
Anyway that’s not what this post is about.
It is about why Andy M decided to throw in that question which ruined the entrie interview.
Daven first of all it was not MY queston. We asked a few Celtic fans if they would like to ask a question and it was one such fan who asked that specific question.
And despite your opinion – the interview was actually a feature piece in yesterday’s Daily Record. Guess your in the minority then.
Secondly Daven your wrong. The Queen not only laid a wreath for those irishmen who fought in the World Wars. But she also laid a wreath for those who fought in the War of Independence against the British. At the memorial to the Boys of the Old Brigade. You failed to mention that Daven.
Andy – the point is that I am sure there were many other questions asked by Celtic fans but you chose this one to lower the tone of an otherwise decent interview.
Since you called this an exclusive to Scotzine interview, it is clear you chose to add this question into the interview. If the Daily Record decided to use your piece then bully for you – doesn’t mean anyone agrees with your choice of question to use.
Also Andy I am not wrong with regards to the wreath the Queen laid – she DID lay a wreath for those who fought in the World War. So how am I wrong?
I know she laid a wreath for those who died in the war of independance – she deserves our respect for making such a gesture.
If you are accusing me of being wrong for failing to mention something then you are one to talk – aren’t you Andy and you know it?
Daven,
I suppose I’m talking about a paragraph here and a paragraph there questioning why Celtic cling to this connection and, without understanding the unique history, dismissing it as irrelevant. I could do it but I would, I admit, be hard pressed to track down what I have read but it is there. However, one journalist I’m sure I recall being dismissive of the links is Kevin McKenna of the Guardian. Like you, I think a differently worded question on Celtic and Ireland might have served the interview better.
dont forget that Gerry McNee stated on Scotsport ‘irish tosh’ comment
Gerry McNee? Andy you are having a laugh?
It was Gerry’s goal in life to offend everyone and that was probably 10 years ago – things have moved on and including this question ruined the interview.
I am sure there were plenty of decent question that fans has asked that you have ignored just to get this in.
Frank, I don’t think anyone questions Celtic’s right to be proud of their Irish roots – I certainly don’t. When Celtic fans sing songs about what people regards as terrorist acts or groups then these people have a right to have a pop same as they do at Rangers fans.
I don’t want to get into talking about that though. All I am saying is that I felt this question was inappropriate for what was otherwise a good interview and I am still wondering why Andy M included it.
And was in the final year of Scotsport mate – so that was what 3 years? When the height of The Famine Song was being sung. And we didn’t ignore any fans questions unless they were ridiculous.
So only two celtic fans asked questions you deemed acceptable -I find that hard to believe with there supposedly being 9 million of you out there?
Daven,
I don’t want to get into it either and wish you hadn’t brought it up.
Your bringing up the songs has soured this discussion. You’re acting disingenuous in trying to answer Andy M about the Queen’s visit to Dublin. She has honoured The Boys of the Old Brigade and you’re right, she deserves our respect. However, by her gesture, she is saying that they, those who fought and died in the Irish War of Independence, also deserve respect. I wouldn’t be too worried to see it dropped from the Parkhead repertoire but is it, whenever sung, to be regarded as support for modern-day terrorists even though it is about those the Queen has honoured? And is The Fields of Athenry to be banned. Some regard even that as a republican terrorist ditty.
Maybe we’ve all done enough wondering about this question.
Frank – there is nowt wrong with the fields of athenry – but like with many songs sung from both sides it’s the add ons that are the problem.
This discussion was always going to go down the songs road because the question that Andy M decided to put include ahead of I’m sure many other decent questions.
Ye know what Frank – none of the songs personally offend me – I enjoyed the atmosphere of the games and when it was over we all went to being mates again.
Tell you what we’ll sing Boys of the Old Brigade at the next Old Firm game and you can sing God save thew Queen:o)
Frank lot’s of sense in the posts,let’s hope there is no repeat of last seasons nonsense,many supporters of both teams travel across the foam every week,it’s just the baggage that can be too much at times.Did you see the documentary last night about the bands on the Shankhill depressing from an ordinary man’s perspective.
Could all bigot’s and haters piss off to the appropriate websites,were i’m sure there are many of the same ilk who would be willing to engage in the sectarian vitriol regardless of creed or other.
Let’s get this straight. The Famine song is not one I particularly like..but I have read an article from the person responsible for penning the thing.
He is articulate..and was shaocked at the failure of people to see through the song as a parody aimed at thaose Celtic fans who are always going on about a country that they weren’t born in..have never lived in..wasn’t responsible for their education..their employment..dosen’t provide state benefit and health care to them..and their football club dosen’t even play there.
The reason the guy wrote the song was to mock the very reason a lot of those Celtic fans give when asked why they are so pro-Irish and why are they still here if everything is so bad..you will get ‘My Grandfather was forced over here with a gun to his head’ I’ve heard that one myself from a mate.
The potato famine is another reason…so what the songwriter was saying is that that no longer is an excuse to stay in a country that you proport to dislike.
It has been taken out of context lioke so many other things when it comes to Rangers football club.
For years Celtic fans have been singing songs calling Rangers fans ‘animals’ or saying ‘Go home ya Huns’..that seems to be acceptable and humourous in their eyes.
Did they ever stop to think it might offend Rangers fans and Protestants?
It wouldn’t have mattered a jot to them
As soon as irish politics is kept away from SCOTTISH football grounds then we as a nation can move on.
Where does it mention Protestants in those songs Davy? And the song has been deemed racist so while the songwriter is proud of his wee ditty it is still racist as deemed by a Scottish Court of Law. Funny how that the singers and those who wrote the song would defend it being used.
I am Scottish born and bred, a Celtic fan. That’s enough for me, as for Irish politics or anything related to that its none of my business and I dont care for it at all and yet I am still tarred with the song likewise called a feenyan b****** because of my allegiances.
Davy you really need to give it a rest with trying to defend the song, you state how you dont particularly like it, and then go out of your way to defend the singing of it.
And again Davy why JUST Irish politics? Why not Politics as a whole? Or is it just the Irish side of things you detest?
Again what relevance does your comment have in regards to this article?
I’ve heard a few times about apparently how Celtic supporters are supposed to hate Scotland. In fact I don’t believe there is one single known incidence of celtic supporters being specifically anti-scottish. Perhaps the writer was projecting these feelings onto us.
The song is actually about the fact that the emotional blackmail of the victorian protestant soup kitchen did not result in the widespread conversions hoped for. The writer seeks to claim credit for the actions of others long dead and call in some imagined debt from an entire people. That makes the writer an historical revisionist “indian giver”. I’ve yet to see how this is humourous or witty.