Celtic WW1 – The Holy Trinity

Celtic – The Holy Trinity of the First World War Era

This striking period composition brings together Alec McNair, Charlie Shaw, and Joe Dodds — the three players collectively known as “The Holy Trinity”, a term used to describe Celtic’s outstanding and much-admired defensive unit of the First World War era. Together, they formed the backbone of Celtic at a time when defensive strength, continuity, and mutual understanding were central to success.

Alec McNair was a long-serving and highly respected defender, Charlie Shaw provided calm authority as the club’s goalkeeper, and Joe Dodds completed the unit, contributing intelligence and reliability to a back line renowned for its cohesion and resilience. Their partnership exemplified an era when football teams were built around settled combinations rather than frequent change, and when reputations were earned through years of service rather than fleeting moments.

All three featured during a period when football continued under the shadow of the Great War, and when clubs faced enormous challenges both on and off the pitch. Their collective legacy reflects a defining chapter in Celtic’s history, when defensive excellence became as celebrated as attacking flair.

The design draws on early twentieth-century football aesthetics, combining portraiture, stadium backdrops, and period typography to create a piece that feels authentic to its time. It is intended as a respectful visual homage to one of the most famous defensive trios in Celtic history.

Produced as part of a limited historical print series, this piece is intended for collectors who value heritage, longevity, and the foundations on which great clubs were built.