Letter: Hibs' home win

Celtic are a wonderful football club, but some of Michael Kelly's points (11 November) need refuting.

The origins of Celtic are not unique - far from it. The club was founded, primarily by businessmen inspired by the original Irish charitable team in Scotland, Hibernian FC. Nor was Hibs and Celtic's work unique. Most clubs in Scotland raised money for charity - including (whisper it) Hearts and Rangers.

Similarly, the tradition of political radicalism has its origins at Hibs, rather than Celtic. The Irish Patriot and Union organiser James Connolly was a life-long Hibs supporter.

The right to protest the wearing of the poppy is a noble one. I wear my poppy with sorrow rather than pride.

If Mr Kelly wants to see a club of Irish origin, secure in its identity and its place in modern Scotland, then drive along the M8 and watch the Hibs, the club with the Irish name fully integrated into Scottish society.

CHARLIE REID

Fountainhall Road

Edinburgh