The Boy Who Started Celtic
A Children's Book Illustrated by Paul Francis Wilkie and Written by Alison Healy (Brother Walfrid's closest living relative!)
Discover the inspiring story of Andrew Kerins, the boy who emigrated from Sligo at just 15 and grew up to found Glasgow Celtic FC. This beautifully illustrated children’s book, The Boy Who Started Celtic, tells how a humble boy, later known as Brother Walfrid, changed the lives of countless people through his vision and compassion.
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Release Date: 26 May 2023
Price: £10
Details: 72 pages, hardback, full-color illustrations
Reading Age: 6+
ISBN: 978 1 7399922 8 6
Publisher: Argyll Publishing
A Story of Hope and Resilience
Glasgow Celtic’s young fans now have the chance to learn about the club’s founder. Andrew Kerins left his home near Ballymote, Co Sligo, in 1855 to seek a better life in Scotland. From his experiences during the Famine to selling a calf with his friend to pay for their passage, the book highlights his journey to becoming Brother Walfrid—a Marist Brother who established Celtic to support those in need.
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Written by Alison Healy, a descendant of Brother Walfrid, this book introduces children to powerful themes like emigration, the Famine, and charitable work, showing the incredible impact one person can have.
The book also connects the story of Brother Walfrid to today’s world, drawing parallels with modern sports figures like Marcus Rashford, who use their platforms to make a difference.
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"It’s important to share stories of hope when there are so many worrying things in the world," says Alison Healy. "More than 100 years after his death, Brother Walfrid continues to bring joy through Celtic, and that’s worth celebrating."
About the Book
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The Boy Who Started Celtic is more than a story—it's a tool for nurturing young minds and inspiring the values that create great individuals. Through its engaging narrative and stunning visuals, the book provides life lessons that resonate beyond the story itself.
​How This Book Helps Young Readers Grow
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Cultivates Empathy: By exploring Andrew Kerins’ challenges during the Famine and his dedication to helping others, children are encouraged to develop compassion for those in need.
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Inspires Resilience: The story shows how Andrew overcame adversity and used his struggles as fuel to achieve meaningful change, teaching children the importance of perseverance.
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Encourages Altruism: Brother Walfrid’s mission to support the less fortunate illustrates the value of giving back to the community and using personal talents to help others.
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Fosters Curiosity About History: Through the lens of Andrew’s journey, young readers are introduced to important historical events like the Great Famine and Irish emigration, sparking interest in learning more about the past.
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Promotes Critical Thinking: The book connects historical actions to modern examples, encouraging children to reflect on how they, too, can use their strengths to make the world a better place.
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Builds Confidence in the Power of One: Andrew’s transformation into Brother Walfrid reminds readers that even one person can leave a lasting impact on the world.
With its beautiful illustrations by Paul Francis Wilkie and its focus on universal values like hope, perseverance, and kindness, The Boy Who Started Celtic is a story that stays with readers long after they’ve turned the last page.
Whether you're gifting it to a young Celtic fan, sharing it as an educational resource, or simply reading it together at bedtime, this book offers invaluable lessons for readers of all ages.
About the Creators
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The Author
Alison Healy is an author and journalist from Ballymote, Co Sligo, now living in Kildare. Her first book, How Billy Brown Saved the Queen, was published by Little Island Books.
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The Illustrator
Paul Francis Wilkie is a graduate of the Glasgow School of Art and a proud Celtic supporter. His vibrant, full-color illustrations bring Andrew Kerins’ story to life.
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The Publisher
Argyll Publishing, known for their biography Walfrid: A Life of Faith, Community and Football by Dr. Michael Connolly, brings this heartfelt story to young readers.
PERFECT FOR CELTIC FANS
