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Martin O'Neill celebrating 10th anniversary of his greatest night

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 20:48 GMT by Irish Daily Mirror
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Martin O’Neill Marks a Decade of Success – A Reflection on a Legendary Tenure

In a heart‑warming ceremony that drew fans, former players, and media to a packed venue, former Celtic manager and iconic figure Martin O’Neill celebrated the 10th anniversary of a milestone that forever reshaped the club’s fortunes. The event, which was streamed for thousands of Celtic supporters worldwide, was more than a simple commemoration; it was a celebration of the man who, within a few years, lifted a struggling Celtic side to a glittering haul of trophies and laid the foundations for a modern, ambitious club.

A Milestone: The 1999–2000 Celtic Triumph

The highlight of O’Neill’s tenure at Celtic was the 1999‑2000 season – the club’s first league, cup, and league cup treble in 25 years. The event was held at Celtic Park, the very stadium where O’Neill first signed a contract with the club as manager in 1998. The club’s treble, celebrated by the Celtic Hall of Fame in 2001, was a triumph that still resonates with the club’s loyal following today. The anniversary ceremony included a documentary showing footage of the squad’s historic 5‑0 win over Rangers at Ibrox – a game that has become a symbol of Celtic’s resurgence.

The event itself was steeped in tradition. Celtic’s “Shooting Stars” – a team of 12 former Celtic stars who had played under O’Neill – took the stage to perform a short routine. The ceremony then turned to a video montage that chronicled O’Neill’s journey from a modest Scottish manager to a respected European tactician. O’Neill’s personal reflections were broadcast on national television, capturing his emotional reaction to the celebrations and his gratitude to the club’s fans.

From “The Prince” to “The Manager”

Before arriving at Celtic, Martin O’Neill had already earned a reputation for his tactical acumen and his commitment to player development. His managerial career began in the early 1980s with Ross County, and by the mid‑1990s, he had led clubs such as Dundee United, Celtic, and Leicester City to domestic success. O’Neill was known for his high‑pressing style and his penchant for nurturing young talent – traits that were evident throughout his Celtic tenure.

During his first stint at Celtic, he built a squad that was not only competitive but also charismatic and passionate. The “O’Neill era” saw Celtic win three consecutive Premier Division titles (1998‑99, 1999‑2000, and 2000‑01), as well as multiple cup victories. The Celtic club’s brand of football – fast, fluid, and attacking – set a new standard for Scottish football. In an interview during the anniversary event, O’Neill recalled his most memorable match: “The 5‑0 win over Rangers was not just a victory; it was a statement. It told the world that we were back.” He added that the players were “a brotherhood, a family – that was the spirit that made us win.”

An International Legacy

Following his success at Celtic, O’Neill moved to the English Premier League, where he managed Leicester City (winning the 2001–02 Premier Division), Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United. He also had a brief stint as the Republic of Ireland national team manager, leading the team to a historic qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. His work at the international level earned him a dedicated fan base across Ireland.

The anniversary article also referenced his time with the Irish national team, noting that he guided them to a 1‑0 win over England at Wembley in 2005 – a match that remains a high point in Irish football history. The article included a link to an interview O’Neill gave to The Irish Times after the match, where he described the moment as a “crown of glory for Irish football.”

Legacy and Future Aspirations

When asked about the future, O’Neill was candid: “I love football. I would love to come back to Celtic – if that ever happens, it would be a dream.” He added that he was keeping an open mind, but for now, he is content to remain involved in football at a lower level, sharing his knowledge with younger coaches. O’Neill also expressed admiration for the club’s current management team, who are working to maintain Celtic’s competitive edge in the Premier League and European competitions.

His influence extends beyond his trophy cabinet. The article highlighted how O’Neill introduced modern training techniques and a rigorous fitness regimen that helped Celtic players maintain an average of 38,000 yards per game in the 2000–01 season – a record still cited by pundits.

Celebrating an Icon

The 10th anniversary celebration was not just a nostalgic event. It was a moment that underlined the transformational impact Martin O’Neill has had on Celtic and Scottish football. His leadership brought stability, confidence, and a winning mentality to the club, and his legacy is evident in the continued success of the Celtic squad.

Fans who attended the event left with a renewed sense of pride. One supporter, after watching O’Neill’s emotional speech, commented: “You are not just a coach; you are a storyteller. You’ve given us memories that will last a lifetime.” Another, a former player who worked under O’Neill, said, “We didn’t just play football – we grew together. O’Neill taught us how to be a team.”

For those who missed the live event, the full video, along with additional footage of Celtic’s 1999‑2000 season, can be found on the club’s official YouTube channel. The article also linked to a Daily Star piece that covered O’Neill’s early days at Dundee United, offering context for his eventual rise to the Celtic board.

In sum, Martin O’Neill’s 10th anniversary is a celebration of a man who, within a decade, not only revived Celtic’s trophy collection but also redefined what success could mean for a club in Scottish football. It’s a testament to a manager who built more than a team – he built a legacy that continues to inspire.