Wednesday 22nd February, 2023 at 4:20pm
A special World Gaelic Week gathering was held at Firhill today as the latest tribute to the legendary Johnny Mackenzie, the only native Gaelic-speaker to have played for Scotland, was celebrated.
In support of The Jags Foundation’s unveiling of their latest Thistle Pin, the club welcomed a number of special guests to the Jackie Husband Stand’s 71 Club for a launch reception and photo call.
Timed to coincide with World Gaelic Week, the selection of The Firhill Flyer, John-Archie Mackenzie – Iain Eàirdsidh MacCoinnich – champions one of the greatest ever to have worn red and yellow, with 259 appearances, 34 goals, three League Cup Finals and nine Scotland caps to the outside right’s name.
Indeed his Scotland exploits were highlighted by The Jags Foundation Director Ian McKinnon who shared the glowing comments offered by Ferenc Puskas after Mackenzie starred versus a world-class Hungary side in 1954.
Mackenzie is, of course, in the Partick Thistle FC Hall of Fame – as are club CEO Gerry Britton and honorary president Robert Reid, the latter speaking next with a moving appreciation of the player he idolised, with the added pleasure of getting to know Johnny personally away from the football field.
Club historian Robert Reid alongside Johnny Mackenzie’s grandson Andrew
The final word prior to photos being taken came from Johnny’s grandson, Jags season ticket holder Andrew Mackenzie, who expressed the pride of his family and told all in attendance of his three main passions in life: Thistle, Tiree and his papa, Johnny Mackenzie.
Thanks to Partick Thistle Gaelic Language project lead Fiona McConachie for all her work during World Gaelic Week, to club photographer Tommy Taylor for today’s pictures and to Robert’s fellow Thistle historians, Graham Nisbet and Billy Thomson, for their attendance and support today.
For more information about World Gaelic Week visit: seachdainnagaidhlig.scot/
#GàidhligIsOurGoal #CleachdI #TogetherNess #WeAreThistle
