Celtic fans were treated to a rare appearance by the club’s elusive billionaire majority shareholder, Dermot Desmond, at a New York Gala on Thursday evening. The event, held in Manhattan, was organised by the Celtic Foundation to raise funds for various causes the organisation supports both domestically and internationally.
Desmond, known for his infrequent attendance at games and preference to delegate his presence at the Annual General Meeting to his son Ross, has often been a figure of controversy among the fanbase. His sporadic appearances are typically timed with significant managerial appointments at Celtic, leaving fans questioning his level of interest in the club’s day-to-day affairs.
Despite these perceptions, Desmond’s presence at the gala underscores his continuing involvement in the club’s broader philanthropic efforts. However, his limited engagement has not gone unnoticed, sparking frustration among supporters who feel detached from the decision-making processes despite Desmond’s critical role in them.
In response to this growing disconnect, the Celtic Trust has initiated a “Drive for Five” campaign aimed at consolidating the power of average fans with shareholdings in the club. By rallying 5% of the shareholding under a unified banner, the trust seeks to establish a significant influence within the club. This move comes amid revelations that up to 20% of the club’s shares are currently unaccounted for, highlighting the potential for a substantial shift in shareholder dynamics if these efforts succeed. You can find out more about that here.
Amidst calls for a change at board level, Desmond has remained steadfast in his commitment to keeping Celtic within his family. Comments made both publicly and privately affirm his reluctance to sell his shares.
