Three more Ireland debuts as Crowley returns at fly-half
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Edinburgh Reporter
38 minutes ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
A new book celebrates Hibs 150th anniversary
The Club was formed at a meeting of the Catholic Young Men's Society (CYMS) on 6 August 1875 at St Mary's Street Hall in the Cowgate. That night Canon Edward Joseph Hannan and fellow-Irishman, Michael Whelahan, announced that a football team was to be created for the benefit of its members. That club was named Hibernian Football Club, its badge the harp and its motto Erin go Bragh (Ireland Forever). A number of events are taking place to mark the occasion, including the release of a new book, Edinburgh's First Hibernian,published by Thirsty Books and written by history graduate and lifelong Hibs fan Mike Hennessy. (Edinburgh's First Hibernian – The Mission of Edward Joseph Hannan by Mike Hennessy) Edinburgh's First Hibernian is a meticulously researched account of the life of the Edward Hannan, a Catholic priest who rose from poverty in rural Ireland to become one of the most influential figures in 19th-century Edinburgh. In Augst 2019, on a whim, a group of friends decided to visit Ballingarry, the home of Hannan, one of two recognised founders of Hibernian FC. The self-titled 'Unfamous Five' (They did not want to be known as the Infamous Five and the Famous Five had already been taken) who made the trip to County Limerick were Mike Hennessy, John Hennessy, Martin Donaghy, Paul Reilly and Ian Mckenzie. Surprisingly there appeared to be scant knowledge of Hannan in his hometown and the idea to research his life took shape. Mike said: 'I had just retired and had time on my hands and thought why not? Initially it was meant to be an essay or thesis to uncover as much as possible about the man for future generations of Hibs supporters but suddenly I had 100,000 words and a friend advised me that I had enough for a book. 'It seemed appropriate timing given the approach of the 150thanniversary. 'Then the hunt for a publisher began and I had to kiss a few frogs until Thirsty Books agreed. 'Six years of painstaking research and writing later and here we are.' The book is divided into four parts Part One – Ireland covers the Great Famine, the Catholic Resurgence and the Hannan family including Edward's education. Part Two – Scotland describes the Revival of Scottish Catholicism, Life in the Capital, the Catholic Young Men's Society, Hibernian Football Club, Personal Relationships and James Connolly. Part Three – The Final Years deals with the Diocesan Strife and the End of an Era. Part Four – The Lasting Memories Scotland, The Final Years and The Lasting Legacy deals with unanswered questions and The Man and the Legacy. The biography illustrates the significant contribution that Hannan made to his adopted city at a time of rapid social change and urban renewal. It is richly illustrated in full colour throughout with 120 images and contains footnotes referencing to an extensive range of sources. Mike continued: 'I wanted the book to be more than just the Hibs story. The Club is obviously part of his legacy but there are lots more. It's a social, economic and political history.' Edward Joseph Hannan was born in 1836 at a farm in the Glen, Ballygrennan ,Co Limerick where would have witnessed the worst excesses of the Great Famine. This experience may well have convinced him to dedicate his life to the championing of the poor. He was ordained in 1860 and the following year moved to Edinburgh where he became a junior curate at St Patrick's Church in the Cowgate at the age of 25. Hannan embarked upon a mission to educate the poor and to encourage temperance, clean living and improve the physical and moral state of his parishioners who were mostly poor first-and second-generation Irish living in the most appalling slum conditions. One vehicle was the Catholic Young Men's Society (CYMS), and he opened a branch in 1865 which became the most successful in Scotland providing a savings bank, funeral and benefits society, a library, reading rooms, a drama society, a ball courtand a large hall for major events such as concerts and, later, political meetings. In his foreword, Hibernian legend Pat Stanton says: 'Without this Irish priest's work with the Irish poor of the Old Town all those years ago, there would not be a Hibernian Football Club.' Mike Hennessy is a native of Edinburgh, born in 1952, missing by a month the moment Hibs last won the Scottish League. He was first taken to Easter Road by his grandfather Bernard McQueen to whom he dedicates the book. After graduating in History from Stirling University, Mike left Scotland in the hope of fame and fortune, neither of which materialised, living and working in London, Paris and Barcelona before settling in his current abode in East Cheshire. In retirement, he has kept himself fully occupied with various good causes such as the Princes Trust, and most recently writing this, his first book, about the man whose former residence he passed every week in his youth without realising it. Author proceeds from the book will be donated to the Hibernian Historical Trust. Mike will be signing copies of the book on Wednesday 6 August at St Patrick's Church. At the same time the Club will be hosting an exhibition at St Mary's Halls nearby featuring a unique collection of items from the Club's rich and storied past. and the people who've shaped the journey. Copies of the book are also available at St Paul's bookshop at St Mary's Catholic Cathedral 2B Little King St, and other major bookshops in the city. It can also be purchased online at Thirsty Books. On Sunday 10 August he will be at Easter Road for Hibs first home game of the season before another book signing from 5pm at the Hibernian Supporters Club in Sunnyside. Former Scotland international and current Hibs supporter Pat Nevin said: 'This is a stunningly researched piece of work that gives an intimate insight into an era as well as the genesis of a great football club. Through the deep back story of a founding father, it is a serious historical piece but also a very readable one. You don't have to be a Hibernian fan to enjoy it, but it might help.' Malcolm McPherson Non Executive Chairman of Hibernian FC said: 'The life and times of a cleric working in 19th century Edinburgh is an unlikely topic to hold my interest but as a lifelong fan of Hibernian I was fascinated to read of the origins of our Club and the circumstances of its creation. 'Much has been written before but never with the diligent research into original documents as Mike Hennessy has put in. The book gives a fascinating insight to the life of those who created this amazing football institution. It is a good read and I enjoyed learning more of the history of both the Club and my City.' Proclaimer Charlie Reid said: 'I cannot imagine a world without Hibernian FC. The triumphs and disasters of the Club run so fiercely through my life that – at times – it felt like Hibs WAS my life. 'This book is a moving and meticulously researched tribute to the club's founder, Edward J Hannan. Canon Hannan's lifetime's work among the impoverished people of Edinburgh's 'Little Ireland' is as good a case of a life well lived as anything I know of. 'Every Hibs goal is in memory of Hannan and all those troublesome immigrants of the Cowgate. 'Glory Glory to the Hibees.' Like this: Like Related
The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
Jorge Costa, Champions League-winning Porto captain, dies aged 53
The former Porto captain Jorge Costa has died at the age of 53 after suffering a cardiac arrest at the club's training centre. The former defender, who was serving as Porto's director of professional football in his second season in the role, was rushed to hospital but could not be saved. 'Throughout his life, both on and off the pitch, Jorge Costa embodied the values that define FC Porto: dedication, leadership, passion and an unshakeable spirit of conquest,' the club said in a statement. 'He left his mark on generations of fans and became a symbol of Portismo.' Over his career, Costa played 530 games in all competitions – 383 for Porto and 50 for Portugal's national team. He earned the nickname Animal from teammate Fernando Couto during their partnership in central defence. As captain, he led Porto to Uefa Cup glory in 2003 and a Champions League triumph in 2004 under manager José Mourinho. The defender was one of six players to win five consecutive Portuguese league championships with Porto, alongside Aloísio, Ljubinko Drulović, Paulinho Santos, Rui Barros and Folha. Costa returned to the club in April 2024 as director under their new president André Villas-Boas. 'Jorge Costa's legacy will always remain alive in the memory of all Porto fans. You will never be forgotten, Captain,' the club added. Charlton Athletic, the London club where Costa spent half the 2001-02 season on loan to play Premier League football, making 24 appearances, released a short social media statement, saying: 'We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Jorge Costa at the age of 53. The thoughts of everyone at Charlton Athletic are with Jorge's family and friends at this difficult time.'
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Jose Mourinho fights back tears during tribute to his Champions League winning Porto captain Jorge Costa
A tearful Jose Mourinho declared 'it's a part of my history that goes' as he paid tribute to his former Porto captain Jorge Costa, who has died at the age of 53. Mourinho offered a tribute during a press conference before Fenerbahce's Champions League qualifier on Wednesday, which fell just hours after the news of Costa's passing. Costa had been the captain and linchpin of Mourinho's Porto side, which famously lifted the Champions League in 2004. The defender, who won 50 caps for Portugal, won 24 trophies during his time at Porto including the Uefa Cup and eight Primeira Liga titles. Costa had returned to Porto last year as a director of football after a managerial career that spanned 16 different teams. He passed away at Porto's training centre on Tuesday following a cardiac arrest. 'It's part of my history that goes,' a tearful Mourinho said, before being asked about his previous reflection that Costa was not a captain but a leader in his dressing room. 'You have captains and you have leaders. It's not always about the armband but what you represent,' Mourinho added. 'And Jorge was one of these guys who cleaned the garbage and let the coach do his job as a coach. 'That's perfection for a coach when his captain does this work. Of course, I'm very sad it's part of my history that goes. 'But let's forget football, let's focus on him, on Jorge, on his kids, who I met when they were really kids, but now are grown men. 'And I'm here now because if he could speak with me now he would tell me, come on, do your press conference. And he would say tomorrow play the game Mister, win the game and forget about me. That would be Jorge. 'So that's what I'm going to try and do, do my job today, do my job tomorrow and then cry after. But today and tomorrow I have a job to do and I know Jorge would tell me to do my job.' Mourinho in 2022 had hailed Costa as a 'leader' of his team, recalling a story where the centre back had done the 'dirty work' in expressing his fury at half-time in a match they had trailed 2-0. He stated that Costa had then asked him 'coach us', before the defender scored a rare two goals to help secure a 3-2 victory. According to reports in Portgual, Costa had suffered a cardiac arrest while at Porto's training centre. Costa, who had previously had a heart attack in 2022, had reportedly complained of intense heat several times after giving a television interview to SportTV. A Bola reported that Porto's medical team provided first aid and used a defibrillator, before Costa was taken to the Sao Joao Hospital. Costa was admitted into intensive care, but died in the early afternoon. The former central defender played for Porto between 1990 and 2005, making 324 appearances in all competitions for the club. He is best remembered for serving as Mourinho's captain as Porto famously won the Champions League in 2004. Porto had beaten Manchester United, Lyon and Deportivo La Coruna in the knock-out stage of the competition, before easing to a 3-0 win over Monaco in the final. Costa had also lifted the UEFA Cup the previous season and won the Portuguese title on eight occasions with the club. He also won the Intercontinental Cup, five Taca de Portugal trophies and eight Super Cups during his time at Porto. Costa returned to the Porto last year to serve as a director of football. 'Jorge Costa, the legendary FC Porto captain and current Director of Professional Football, passed away this Tuesday from cardiac arrest,' a Porto statement read. 'Fútbol Clube do Porto expresses its deepest sadness and consternation at the passing of an inescapable figure in the Club's history. 'Throughout his life, both on and off the field, Jorge Costa embodied the values that define FC Porto: dedication, leadership, passion, and an unwavering spirit of achievement. He touched generations of fans and became a major symbol of Porto. 'In this time of immense grief, Futebol Clube do Porto extends its deepest condolences to Jorge Costa's family, his friends, and all who shared unforgettable moments with him. 'As this is a time of grief for his entire family and for the Porto Alegre family, we ask everyone to exercise the required discretion and respect during this time of farewell. More information will be released in due course. 'Jorge Costa's legacy will forever live on in the memories of all Porto fans. 'You will never be forgotten, Captain.' The defender made 50 international appearances for Portugal, including representing his nation at the 2002 World Cup. Costa had a brief spell in the Premier League, making 24 appearances in a loan spell with Charlton in the 2001-02 season. He finished his playing career in Belgium with Standard Liege, before embarking on a managerial career with saw him take charge of 17 different teams. This included coaching eight different Portuguese teams, including Braga, as well as spells in Cyprus, Romania, France, Tunisia, India and as head coach of Gabon's national team. A Braga tribute read: 'SC Braga received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Jorge Costa, a historic figure in national football who, throughout his extensive sporting career, also represented the colors of our club, both as head coach and assistant coach. 'The terrible news of his passing shakes the entire national sports community, and SC Braga cannot help but join in the immense pain shared by his family, his friends, and the entire FC Porto structure.' Charlton also paid tribute writing in a statement: 'We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Jorge Costa at the age of 53. 'The thoughts of everyone at Charlton Athletic are with Jorge's family and friends at this difficult time.' It is with profound sadness that we have learned of the sudden passing of Portuguese legend Jorge Costa. "Jorge was more than a football player," said Aleksander Čeferin. "He was a leader and a true warrior who inspired generations. He embodied grit, resilience and loyalty. " — UEFA (@UEFA) August 5, 2025 Cristiano Ronaldo also shared a message on Instagram, writing 'Goodbye, Jorge Costa' A tribute from UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin read: 'It is with profound sadness that we have learned of the sudden passing of Portuguese legend Jorge Costa.
