On the 40th anniversary of the club’s permanent withdrawal from the Irish League, Return To Paradise tells the remarkable story of Belfast Celtic. Featuring interviews with fans, historians and former players, the documentary examines the profound impact that the legendary club would have both on and off the football pitch.
Formed in 1891, just three years after their Glasgow cousins, Belfast Celtic would enjoy phenomenal success in the first half of the Twentieth Century. They hit their peak in the inter-war years, when they won 10 of 15 league titles before the outbreak of the Second World War. In this golden era, the team boasted such footballing luminaries as Elisha Scott, the goalkeeper who would star for, and remains, Liverpool longest-serving player, prolific striker Sammy Curran and Jimmy McAlinden, considered one of the finest footballers Belfast ever produced.
However, despite their sporting success, the club was not immune to the societal turmoil that simmered and occasionally erupted in Belfast during this period. Having already withdrawn from the Irish League between 1920 and 1924 due to sectarian violence, the end for Belfast Celtic began with a fixture on Boxing Day 1948 against Linfield.
Celtic had led for the majority of the game, however, when Linfield equalised the crowd invaded the pitch. Several Celtic players were attacked during the ensuing melee, with Jimmy Jones not only kicked unconscious, but having his leg broken. Perturbed by the failure to protect their players, Belfast Celtic swiftly withdrew from the league. This time there would be no return.