Martin O’Neill led Celtic into six major cup finals during his first spell as manager, winning four and losing two across the Scottish League Cup, Scottish Cup and UEFA Cup.
His run spanned from 2001 to 2005, a period that included a domestic treble, a European final in Seville and another Scottish Cup title to end his first stint in charge.
Although O’Neill later guided Celtic through the semi-final stage of the 2025 Scottish League Cup, Wilfried Nancy was in the dugout for the final, so that match is not included in O’Neill’s final record.
He now has a chance to add to that tally this weekend when the Hoops face Dunfermline at Hampden Park. For now, 67 Hail Hail looks back at his excellent record.
Should Celtic build a statue of Martin O’Neill outside of Parkhead?
2001 Scottish League Cup final: Celtic 3-0 Kilmarnock
O’Neill’s first Celtic final came at Hampden Park on 18 March 2001, when Celtic beat Kilmarnock 3-0 to win the Scottish League Cup.
Henrik Larsson scored all three goals in the second half, even after Chris Sutton had been sent off, giving O’Neill his first trophy as Celtic manager.
2001 Scottish Cup final: Celtic 3-0 Hibernian
Celtic returned to Hampden on 26 May 2001 and beat Hibernian 3-0 in the Scottish Cup final.
Jackie McNamara opened the scoring before Larsson added two more, sealing the domestic treble in O’Neill’s first season.
2002 Scottish Cup final: Celtic 2-3 Rangers
O’Neill’s first cup final defeat as Celtic manager came against Rangers at Hampden on 4 May 2002, when Celtic lost 3-2 in the Scottish Cup final.
The Bhoys twice came from behind through John Hartson and Bobo Balde, but Peter Lovenkrands scored in stoppage time to win it for Rangers.
2003 UEFA Cup final: Celtic 2-3 Porto
Celtic’s biggest final under O’Neill came in Seville on 21 May 2003, when Porto won 3-2 after extra time in the UEFA Cup final.
Larsson twice equalised for Celtic, but Derlei scored the decisive goal after Bobo Balde had been sent off.
2004 Scottish Cup final: Celtic 3-1 Dunfermline Athletic
O’Neill lifted the Scottish Cup again on 22 May 2004, when Celtic beat Dunfermline Athletic 3-1 at Hampden.
Dunfermline led through Andrius Skerla, but Larsson scored twice in his final Celtic appearance before Stiliyan Petrov secured the win late on.
It is fitting that his last cup final will come against a team he has faced before.
2005 Scottish Cup final: Celtic 1-0 Dundee United
O’Neill’s final competitive game of his first Celtic spell came at Hampden on 28 May 2005, when Celtic beat Dundee United 1-0 in the Scottish Cup final. Alan Thompson scored the only goal after 11 minutes, giving O’Neill one last trophy before he stepped down as manager.
The Hoops legend finished with four wins from six major cup finals as Celtic manager. His record included three Scottish Cup triumphs from four attempts, while the UEFA Cup defeat in Seville remains the one that got away.
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