The Celts Belfast Celtic FC
Northern Ireland · Founded: 1891
Belfast Celtic Football Club was founded in 1891 in Belfast and quickly became one of the dominant forces in Irish football during the early 20th century. The club was inspired by Celtic of Glasgow and represented a strong working-class Irish Catholic community in west Belfast. It played its home matches at Celtic Park and built a reputation for attractive football and a passionate supporter base..
During its peak years, Belfast Celtic was one of the most successful clubs in Ireland, winning multiple league titles and Irish Cups. The team was especially strong in the interwar period, often dominating domestic competitions and producing talented players who also represented Ireland internationally. Its success made it a major rival to clubs like Linfield and one of the biggest attractions in the Irish League..
However, the club’s history was heavily affected by political and sectarian tensions in Northern Ireland. After a violent incident involving supporters in 1948, Belfast Celtic withdrew from competitive football and officially left the league soon after. The club briefly continued in friendly matches but ultimately ceased senior competition, leaving a strong legacy as one of the most successful and controversial clubs in Irish football history..
| Tournament | Count | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Championship | 14 | 1899-00 · 1914-15 · 1919-20 · 1925-26 · 1926-27 · 1927-28 · 1928-29 · 1932-33 · 1935-36 · 1936-37 · 1937-38 · 1938-39 · 1939-40 · 1947-48 |
| 4 | 1904-05 · 1909-10 · 1933-34 · 1948-49 | |
| 8 | 1900-01 · 1910-11 · 1911-12 · 1913-14 · 1924-25 · 1930-31 · 1931-32 · 1934-35 | |
| Cup | 8 | 1917-18 · 1925-26 · 1936-37 · 1937-38 · 1940-41 · 1942-43 · 1943-44 · 1946-47 |
| 4 | 1905-06 · 1914-15 · 1916-17 · 1928-29 |