A father who sadly lost his 24-year-old football-loving son in a horrifying auto accident has talked about how difficult

it has been for him to go to Celtic Park ever since.

Gerard McQinlay was involved in the collision in 2010. He died in October 2015 from cardiomyopathy, a condition

where the heart’s walls thicken, stretch, or grow rigid, even though the automobile crash itself did not kill him.

According to Glasgow Live, Gerry, Gerard’s father, stated that five years before his death, the shock and trauma of

the incident are thought to have contributed to Gerard’s illness.

Growing up, Gerard had always been a huge Glasgow Giants supporter and frequently visited Celtic Park alongside

his father. In addition to his passion for cars, Gerard was a joiner and a huge Hoops fan.

Priesthill resident Gerry,59, said: “He was a big gentleman and loved the Celtic games.” Ever since he was a small

boy, I have accompanied him to every game. Like me, he had a Celtic tattoo on his leg.

“You remember things every day and we are still in shock. My favourite memories of him are of us watching football

together and taking vacations to Florida and other states.

“I saw him develop from a young boy into a handsome young man. He adored his football and cars, that was his life.

Since Gerard died away, I have been less interested in it even though I was a huge admirer because we did it

together. It was our time spent together.

“I haven’t attended much since he passed away, but I still have my season tickets. I no longer have my right hand guy

by my side, therefore it’s not the same for me.”

Gerry contacted South Side painter Jodie Anderson to commission a painting honouring his son’s passion for Celtic

FC.

He pitched the Nitshill artist an idea, and in less than 30 hours, she realised it over the space of a few months.

“It was unbelievable,” he continued. I played the video for everyone, and some of them started crying.

According to Jodie, 28, it was the most “emotional” task she had ever finished. On TikTok, she detailed the creation

process.

“Once I made the reveal, it was pretty emotional,” she continued. He was ecstatic and loved it. Giving it to him was

wonderful since it allows him to keep it and brings back memories.”