Heartfelt tributes have been paid following the news that a dedicated Celtic fan who drove from Glasgow to Lisbon for the legendary 1967 European Cup final has died aged 81.
Former Daily Express journalist Jim McGuire was amongst those who joined Evening Times reporter John Quinn for an epic road trip in a green-and-white Hillman Imp as he led the ‘Celticade’ of 15,000 fans heading for Lisbon decades ago.
The Glasgow Times previously reported that Mr McGuire, from Helensburgh, had marked the 50th anniversary of the trip by making his way to Alexandra Parade in 2017 to wave off Barry Sweeney and Martin Coyle who were retracing their journey for a documentary film project titled The Lions Road.
At the time, Mr McGuire remembered: "We were just good Celtic supporters and we had just witnessed for us, a world-shattering event.
“This great team from Glasgow beat Inter Milan 2-1, who were all tanned with beautiful teeth, and they were against 11 boys who stayed within a circle of 30 miles from Parkhead.”
Following the news of Mr McGuire's death, a tribute posted on the Lions Road Film Facebook account on Thursday, April 30 read: "A sad day for everyone connected to the Lions Road Film.
"We heard today that Jim ‘the Tim’ McGuire has passed away.
"Jim was central to our story, as he, along with fellow reporters John Quinn and George Docherty drove the original Hillman Imp to Lisbon in 1967 at the head of the famous ‘Celticade’.
"Truly, wee Jim was an absolute gentleman and a joy to work with on the project.
"He also brought stories and anecdotes around the trip to the final to life, and it’s fair to say we couldn’t have made the film without his input and knowledge.
"It’s fair to say we also had a great laugh with him and we consider ourselves very fortunate to have got to know him and spend time with him and his family.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole McGuire clan at this difficult time."
Others were quick to pay their respects with one person commenting: "What an absolute gentleman.
"I spoke to Mr McGuire at Celtic Park on the first day of filming.
"A lovely man."
Another added: "So sorry to hear this.
"Thoughts and prayers to his family."
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