IT was a great day on Wednesday for the winners of the 2023 John Thomson tournament, who enjoyed a special visit to Celtic Park with was treasured by them.

The 2023 Thomson tournament, in memory of the Cardenden goalkeeper who died from injuries sustained in an Old Firm derby at Ibrox, marked the 40th anniversary of the event and was won by Cardenden Cosmos.

The winners, along with the individual prize winners, headed for Glasgow, leaving the Corrie Centre mid-morning. On arrival the youngsters were given some pocket money by the John Thomson Memorial Committee members who accompanied them, to spend in the Celtic Club Shop if they wished.

Central Fife Times: The Cardenden Cosmos outside Celtic Park.The Cardenden Cosmos outside Celtic Park. (Image: Cheryl Gilfillan)

The group were piped in to Celtic Park by piper Jim Forbes to begin their tour of the stadium.

They were able to have a close-up look at the pitch, the dug-outs, the boardroom and the trophy room at Celtic Park, which saw a host of photographs taken.

As this was the 40th anniversary of the popular John Thomson tournament, held annually in Cardenden, special plaques were presented to the Celtic guides who took the youngsters around the stadium.

Central Fife Times: The John Thomson memorial display at Celtic Park.The John Thomson memorial display at Celtic Park. (Image: Cheryl Gilfillan)

Alex Burns, chairman of the John Thomson Committee, said: “I would like to forward sincere thanks to all at Celtic FC for welcoming us to visit the stadium, and in particular Ian Jamieson, and the club’s public relations staff, for all their assistance on the day.

“It was also excellent to be able to welcome along Sean Burns, who kindly refurbished the John Thomson Mural, which was discovered in the Auld Hoose Public House, in Cardenden, last year.

"It was an amazing gesture by him and the mural is now the main feature in the John Thomson Hall of Fame, in the Bowhill Centre.”