After close consultation with the family, friends and Glasgow City Council, it has been agreed that a commemorative bench be placed in Victoria Park, Whiteinch, in memory of our absent friend Robert Mulholland.
Victoria Park is appropriate as it's halfway between the two parts of the city which featured in Robert's life - Partick where he was born and Drumchapel where he moved to with his family.
Born in 1954, Robert Colquhoun Mulholland was the youngest of three sons to Willie and Minnie Mulholland.
After spending his infant life in Beith Street, Partick, the late 1950’s was to see the Mulholland family, full of hope and anticipation for the future, move to the new housing estate that was named, Drumchapel. 73, Jedworth Avenue, was to become their family home.
Robert quickly settled into his new surroundings. He attended Broadholm primary, prior to the construction of the new Pinewood primary.
It was during these early years of primary school that Robert would develop his own personality and character that would see him grow in to the typical boy from the urban jungles as we know them today.
Robert went on to become a member of 142 Boys Brigade company that would meet on a weekly basis in Pinewood Primary.
It was whilst at primary school Robert developed the art of kicking around the round object stitched with a leather lace that would weigh a ton when wet, known as a football. Honing his skills on the red ash parks dotted around Drumchapel. Robert would later go on to play for the local team, Jedworth Gunners.
Robert then went onto Waverley Secondary. Not much is known of his time spent there other than his continued love of football. I think it is safe to say though, that many of us reading this can hazard a guess, that Robert went on to discover all the things we did at that age.
After Robert left school he continued to play football and also managed to pick up an apprenticeship in plumbing with a company in Bearsden.
Robert is remembered well, as always being that out-going young lad with a cheeky smile, who enjoyed playing the practical joke on family and friends and never one to be afraid to give the young boys a clip round the ear when on the football field.
Although Robert played the game of football he was not a regular visitor to Ibrox and only visited on special occasions. The 2nd January 1971 was one of those special occasions.
Robert borrowed a scarf from one of his friend’s brothers and, like many thousands, with his friends made his way to Ibrox, from Drumchapel to cheer on his beloved Rangers, unaware of the tragic fate that awaited him and so many others.
Many of you reading this will know of the joy and excitement that going to a game against your fiercest rivals can bring. What we can only imagine is the heartache of sitting waiting on news from a loved one, knowing that disaster had struck.
Willie and Minnie Mulholland, with their family, were faced with this very situation. One can only comprehend the sheer devastation when the reality hit. Robert would not be returning home.
It is known that Robert, and one of Robert’s friends locked hands during the crush but someone landed on their arms and they got separated.
Robert was cremated in Glasgow, crematorium on the 06 January 1971. In attendance to pay their respects were, Mr Hope, Mr McLaren. All players with the exception of, Conn, Penman, Stein, W. Johnston and Mathieson.
On Sunday he will be remembered by friends, family and fellow fans when a bench is erected in his memory in Victoria Park - a public park halfway between Partick and Drumchapel and a venue he knew well as a footballer.
Those desirous of taking part in a short service and the unveiling should assemble on Sunday 3 July 2011, at 12 noon in Victoria Park, Glasgow.
The closest entrance to where the service will take place is directly across from Orleans Ave. There is plenty of parking on Victoria Park Drive North, G14 9NN.
When you come into the park turn slightly left but don’t go up the small hill instead follow it’s base around to the large area of flower beds and displays this is where the bench will be positioned.
Afterwards you are invited to share some refreshments after the service in the nearby Victoria Park Bowling Club. Please note the club has a no football colours policy.
