Jay proves to be a lucky mascot for Celtic FC

The Lurgan school boy has been an ardent fan all his life and has been taken to the hearts of Celtic supporters world-wide.

A charming little boy with Downs Syndrome, Jay, aged 12, has proved to be a popular supporter and shot to fame two years ago after striker Georgios Samaras plucked him from the crowd to help celebrate winning the league title then.

The little lad surged onto the pitch after Celtic won the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership title at the weekend after a 3-2 victory against Aberdeen at Celtic Park.

With his bestie club mascot Hoopy the Huddle Hound, Jay enjoyed the excitement of Celtic winning their fifth successive championship.

Jay’s dad Martin revealed that his son was so excited the night before the match he couldn’t sleep, revealing a 5am conversation about invading the pitch if their side wins, and joking said: “anybody know a good lawyer?”.

The Tannaghmore PS lad found further fame when he netted a penalty in a half time competition during Celtic’s 2-0 win against Hamilton in January 2015 after being invited to the game as a guest of the club.

Prior to the game, Jay and his father went to Celtic Park that morning with the Celtic Graves Society to pay tribute to those who helped build the stadium and those who died during the Hillsborough disaster.

Recently while staying at a Glasgow hotel Jay and his father were feted by a crowd of Rangers fans. The Rangers supporters magazine featured a spread with photos of Jay and many of the Rangers’ supporters. The feature entitled - Jay - a Bhoy and The Bears - building bridges, he is pictured with the Nith Valley Loyal Rangers Supporters Club who were attending a special dinner. Jay was also pictured with Fernando Ricksen who played for Rangers. Fernando is now terminally ill having been stricken with Motor Neurone Disease.