It is with real sadness that Celtic Football Club today confirmed the passing of former Director and Honorary Chairman, John Keane.

John will forever be regarded as one of the Club’s saviours and, for that reason, all Celtic supporters will always owe John an eternal debt.

In the 1990s, an immediate £1million was needed to save Celtic from the ignominy of administration. To avoid such a catastrophe, John pledged this amount to the Club. John then went on to back Fergus McCann’s takeover with further crucial investment.

A man of absolute humility and dignity, and a lifelong Celtic supporter, John played a hugely significant role in preserving the Club’s history, success and, above all, continuity. John played a pivotal role in saving Celtic for us all and his contribution can never be overestimated.

John served as a non-executive director of Celtic Football and Athletic Club for well over 20 years, and in 2013 was confirmed as the Honorary Chairman of Celtic Football and Athletic Club.

The Club was delighted in August 2013 to give John the highly-deserved honour of unfurling the League Championship Flag, a moment we know was so dear to John and his family.

John gave so much to Celtic, making such a crucial contribution and putting the club before anything else. He should be remembered, always as one of the most important figures in the Club’s long history.

An unassuming man of such knowledge, warmth and character, John will be so sadly missed by so many. The sincere thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with John’s family at this very difficult time.

Celtic Chairman, Peter Lawwell said: “Today we have lost a true Celtic great and a wonderful friend, someone who will always mean so much to Celtic and a man who gave his heart and soul to the Club.

"His contribution to Celtic was phenomenal over many years but above all, the way he was, his humility and compassion and love for his family shone from him every day and made him the man he was.

"All our thoughts and condolences go to John’s wife, Kathleen, son Mark, daughter-in-law Karisma and grandchildren, John-Henry, Norah and Fiádh and his wider family. John will always be in our hearts."

Dermot Desmond, Celtic’s principal shareholder, said: "The Celtic family will be forever indebted to John Keane, for in our darkest days he alone delivered funding.

"He was a humble man of few words, but when he did speak they were pearls of wisdom. We are fortunate that he has passed on these virtues to Mark, his son, one of our shareholders. May he sit at the right hand of our Lord."

Fergus McCann commented: "John Keane was a staunch and key partner in the takeover, refinancing and rebuilding of Celtic.

"I continue to be thankful and honoured for his commitment to me and to the Club, and for his friendship. 'Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth'."

Former Celtic Chairman, Brian Quinn also held Mr Keane in great admiration and high esteem, and added: “John Keane was a silent giant of the Celtic community.

“He was modest and understated, but there was absolutely no doubt where his loyalties lay. I was privileged to deal with him on a number of occasions, and the experiences were always rewarding.

“I will always remember him.”

Celtic pays tribute to former Director and Honorary Chairman, John Keane