It was an emotional day as the Celtic Family bid farewell to Bertie Auld today (Friday).

Over 1,000 people packed into St Mary’s Church in the Calton for the Requiem Mass, while many more watched online or at Celtic Park.

And when the funeral cortege stopped at Paradise, many thousands of Celtic fans were there to pay tribute to a true Celtic legend and to say goodbye to a man they loved.

It was fitting that, for a man who had given so much to Celtic over so many years, during and after his playing career, the funeral should take place in the parish where Celtic Football Club was born.

Parish priest, Canon Tom White, welcomed everyone to the church, passing on the condolences of everyone to Bertie’s wife, Liz, his children, Susan and Robert, his grandchildren and all Bertie’s family and friends.

And then, before the beginning Mass, Canon White invited a number of speakers up to talk about Bertie as the family man, the friend and the footballer.

His nephew, Ian Cairns, spoke movingly about his Uncle Bert, explaining that the Bertie Auld fans knew and loved was the same character that his family knew and loved too.

Lord Willie Haughey explained that his friendship with Bertie and the rest of the Lisbon Lions was one that had lasted over 30 years. He also noted that both Bertie and Tommy Burns were the two finest ambassadors that Celtic have ever had and that the funerals for both of these great Celts took place at St Mary’s.

And Lord Haughey also spoke of Bertie’s generosity of spirit and devoted friendship to his fellow Lions, especially when Jimmy Johnstone and Tommy Gemmell were fighting their own health battles.

It was clear that, to be Bertie’s friend, was something to treasure.

Bertie’s friend and fellow Lisbon Lion, Jim Craig, spoke about his early memories of meeting Bertie when they were both players, and of how Bertie’s support – forthright and always forthcoming – was a constant boost throughout his playing career.

And he recalled that legendary moment ahead of the 1967 European Cup final, when Bertie settled team-mates’ nerves by starting a rendition of The Celtic Song

Jim also spoke of the great bond that Bertie enjoyed with the Celtic supporters, something both of the other speakers referred to. That bond saw Bertie travel near and far to attends supporters’ functions, while his support for numerous charities, including Celtic FC Foundation, was something he happily did over many years.

The Requiem Mass itself was both a celebration of Bertie’s life and also an affirmation of faith that he is going to a better place.

It was Celtic’s legendary manager, Willie Maley, who said following the tragic death of goalkeeper, John Thomson, ‘They never die who live in the hearts they leave behind’.

Those words are so apt for Bertie Auld, whose character and contribution to his beloved Celtic Football Club will continue to live on.

Rest in Peace, Bertie. You’ll Never Walk Alone.

The Celtic Family say goodbye to Bertie