Fans in Glasgow: Irish blood, at home in Munich

FC Bayern fans travel from all over the world to support their team at away matches – even if it takes them hundreds of kilometres through snow and cold. From now, we want to get to know those who spare no effort or expense to see their beloved Bayern away from the Allianz Arena a little better: our away fans with their special stories, their love and their passion for FC Bayern.

Sometimes you're not only born with good genes, but also a love for a club. Take the example of Ciaran, born and raised in Munich, who came into the world on 25 May 2001. At this time, the German football capital of Munich was in a state of exception as Bayern had won the long-awaited Champions League title in Milan against Valencia just two days earlier. Ciaran should have been born on the day of the San Siro final but he took his time, so to speak, so that his heavily pregnant mum could still watch the final. "She believes that I already sensed it in the womb and that it was clear from that moment on which club I should support," the 23-year-old recalls with a smile on matchday in Glasgow.

Irish roots

Talking of Glasgow, a dream came true for Ciaran with the away leg at Celtic Park. His parents both have Irish roots, which is why he and his siblings were influenced by the Celtic culture from birth. This includes, of course, Celtic Football Club. The club from Glasgow openly represents the colours of the Republic of Ireland and does not wear the thistle, the Scottish national symbol, as its club badge but rather the Irish shamrock with pride. So too Ciaran, who has the symbol with Celtic knots tattooed on his chest. "Not just because of Celtic, mind, but because of Ireland," says the Munich resident. "Scots and Irish are both Celts, so you certainly feel an association. That's why this away trip is obviously very special for me."

In addition to the Reds from Munich, Ciaran's family is also connected to the Reds from Liverpool. "My grandad worked in Dublin harbour as a young man and always saw boats from Liverpool, which is how he developed a love for English football and LFC, with which we as a whole family are still strongly connected today," describes Ciaran, for whom the legendary football anthem “You'll Never Walk Alone” therefore has a special meaning. On Wednesday evening, it was also sung fervently by the 57,000-plus spectators at Celtic Park, creating a moment that Ciaran and his friend and travel companion Fabian will certainly never forget. "YNWA is always very emotional for us. I'll have a tear or two rolling down my face," said an excited Ciaran before the game.

Although he also wore Irish football and rugby jerseys as a child, shirts from his beloved Bayern always had a special place in his heart. On his fourth birthday, he was given his first FCB jersey – the golden away kit from the 2004/05 season with Lúcio on the back. The Bavarian has since swapped this shirt for newer versions, which accompany him on his travels with the German record champions. "I also went to the Champions League match at Schalke against Donetsk this season, but the most amazing experience with Bayern so far was the UCL semi-final in Madrid against Real with my brother last season," he says. "The emotions were unbeatable, even though I was still smarting from the Champions League exit for several days."

Less than 24 hours in Glasgow

Fans like Ciaran are the bedrock of a club like FC Bayern, following their favourite club whether in other European countries or at home. "I also go to at least 85 percent of all home games at the Allianz Arena," says Ciaran. He gets tickets through various contacts and acquaintances and is also a member of the Bayern fan club Holzhacker Buam in Munich. "I'm proud that FC Bayern is an important part of my life and that I can be at so many games," he adds. The costs are of course a challenge, as is planning such trips at short notice in the middle of a working week. This is where Ciaran's mix of self-employment and a part-time job comes in handy, also because his employer is very flexible. So on Thursday morning, he was already travelling back to the Bavarian capital at five o'clock - less than 24 hours after arriving in Glasgow. But it was worth the effort, he says. Celtic Park is too special, the connection with his FC Bayern too strong. 

And then there's the connection to his buddy Fabian, who accompanied Ciaran quite spontaneously and for whom the trip to 'Paradise' was of course also a unique experience. "It was my first away game with Bayern in the stadium," says Fabian, who also comes from a Bayern-mad family. "I couldn't miss it with Ciaran! Of course, I've learnt a lot about his Irish roots over the past 10 years. This trip is a privilege and I would do it again and again – because of this cracker of a game and our friendship.’

🍀 A round-up of the away win in Glasgow: