Friday, June 02, 2023

Jay Baruchel: the BlackBerry star is a proud member of the Celtic family and will be cheering us on in the Scottish Cup Final

For Celtic supporters, it's always a buzz to see our club getting recognition from unexpected quarters. 
Right now, it's none long-standing Celtic man, Jay Baruchel, the star of the critically acclaimed film "BlackBerry," who's been proudly waving the green and white flag.

Actor and comedian Baruchel, has been a Celtic supporter for many years, a fact that he is celebrates with pride. 

His passion for the Hoops is so profound that he even starred in a documentary titled "Celtic Soul," where he embarked on a journey to explore his Celtic roots alongside US-based  Irish sports journalist, Eoin O'Callaghan.

Celtic Soul is a touching and often very funny tribute to our club and our Irish heritage as O'Callaghan takes the proudly Jewish-Irish-Canadian Baruchel on a geographical, historical and emotional pilgrimage, showcasing the deep connection and camaraderie that binds supporters across the globe as the Celtic family, however they find their way to paradise.

Baruchel is very much a heart-on-sleeve Celtic fan and was visibly moved when presented with a Hoops shirt by Canon White on a visit to St Mary's in the Calton.

Jay and Eoin also get to go behind the scenes at  Lennoxtown (in the Ronny Deila era), evening taking part in a cross-bar challenge with Scott Brown and Charlie Mulgrew.

If anything took the gloss off the feelgood factor of the film, it's Baruchel's disconcerting habit of encouraging our players with cries of "AttaBhoy!" (O'Callaghan fails to correct him on this.)
Presumably in the seven years since Celtic Soul was released Baruchel has learned the more acceptable, "Gaun yirsel, big man!"

The BlackBerry film, in which Baruchel stars, has been receiving rave reviews - currently Rotten Tomatoes has a 92%-positive viewers rating with 98% of critics giving it a positive reception.
Baruchel's own performance has been widely acclaimed and looks set to propel Jay to new heights in his career.

As we gear up for the Scottish Cup final against Inverness Caledonian Thistle and a possible record-breaking eighth domestic treble - which would be our fifth in seven years - no doubt Baruchel will be chanting, "Come on you Bhoys in Green," in unison with Celtic fans across the world.

Speaking of "BlackBerry," it's worth noting that Baruchel's co-star in the film, best known for his role in the hit comedy series "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia". (UK and Ireland viewers will know the Sunny star, Danny De Vito better.)

Howerton's "It's Always Sunny" co-star, Rob McElhenney, along with Ryan Reynolds are, of course, the owners of Wrexham FC.

We don't know if Baruchel has been evangelising the Good Word of Celtic to Howerton or if they may some day decide to follow McIlhenny and Reynolds into the world of football.

But maybe an appeal from Hollywood's most happening Celtic fan might persuade Ange Postecoglou to stay for another season?

Baruchel and BlackBerry look destined for next year's Oscars ceremony in Hollywood.

It's not in quite the same league as collecting a treble-winning Scottish Cup at Hampden - but it's not bad!