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Edinburgh Reporter
7 hours 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
Rhyl Journal
9 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
Allianz UK Official Supporter of Women's Rugby World Cup 2025
The sponsorship highlights Allianz's continued commitment to supporting the women's game and is also marks a special sporting moment as the first international stadium naming rights agreement in the history of the Rugby World Cup. The World Cup, which begins on 22 August, will move across seven host cities in England before the champions of the 16-team tournament are crowned at Allianz Stadium. The winners will lift the newly unveiled Women's Rugby World Cup trophy, marking a new chapter in the tournament's history. With unprecedented interest in Women's Rugby World Cup 2025, the final at Allianz Stadium is on course to become the most attended women's rugby match in history, set to surpass the record-breaking crowd of 66,000 at Stade de France during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Allianz has a longstanding connection with rugby, spanning from elite to grassroots levels. In 2024, the iconic home of England Rugby was renamed Allianz Stadium, following the evolution of a wide-ranging partnership with England Rugby. This partnership includes support for the men's and women's national teams and investment in youth pathways. Allianz also supports grassroots rugby clubs across the UK via the Allianz Future Fund. Aligning with Allianz's strong focus and commitment to invest in fans and grassroots communities, as part of the tournament's wider purpose-led activation strategy, 'The Road to Allianz Stadium', is a partnership with global fan engagement platform Stepathlon. Designed to unite and inspire fans to get active in the build-up to the tournament, participants will be challenged to walk the equivalent distance from Sunderland's Stadium of Light – host of the opening match – to Allianz Stadium, the home of the final. Colm Holmes, CEO, Allianz UK commented: 'I'm thrilled that Allianz UK has been named as an official supporter of the Women's Rugby World Cup, and that the final will be played at Allianz Stadium. This is hugely exciting and also feels like a natural extension of our existing partnerships. We know and understand the power of sport to inspire and unite, so to be part of this journey for the Women's Rugby World Cup is very special. Ticket sales have already exceeded that of the Rugby World Cup in 2021, and I know it is going to be a terrific tournament for existing and new fans alike.' Sarah Massey, Managing Director of Women's Rugby World Cup 2025, commented: 'Allianz's commitment to rugby and to using sport as a force for positive societal change makes them an ideal partner for Women's Rugby World Cup 2025. We're delighted to welcome them on this journey as we work towards delivering the biggest and most impactful women's rugby event in history, set to conclude in spectacular fashion with a record-breaking final at Allianz Stadium on 27 September.'
The Guardian
10 hours ago
- The Guardian
Lions writer awards: man of the series, unsung hero and where tourists should go next
Man of series Finn Russell was at the heart of everything the Lions did well. Calm, assured, skilful and accurate from the tee. Chapeau. Try of series Tom Wright, second Test, Melbourne. What a ripper! Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's midfield break split the Lions wide open and Wright's touchdown put his side 23-5 up. Biggest villain Has to be Australia's now-convicted 'mushroom murderer' Erin Patterson. Her shocking court case pushed the Lions way down the news agenda. Unsung hero Jac Morgan. The brave back-rower never started a Test but Wales's solitary representative did himself – and his country – proud. Favourite moment Everything about the second Test was brilliant. The stroll down to the iconic MCG, the pre-match vibe – excellent use of AC/DC's Hells Bells as intro music – followed by a belting game in front of 90,000 fans. This year's cricket Ashes will be fun. Worst moment Idly looking around for my laptop bag only to realise – agh! – I'd left it in a Sydney taxi which was now 25km away. Fortunately, there was a happy ending. This Lions tour was … A reminder that sport is nothing without an audience. The previous Lions tour in South Africa took place behind closed doors; this one was enhanced by up to 40,000 visiting supporters, many of whom have been saving up to make the trip for years. All hail the sea of red. Next stop for Lions should be … To sit down and reimagine what future Lions tours should look like. Australia in 2037 including games in Japan and Fiji? France? South America? Or maybe an oval-ball Ryder Cup equivalent: Europe v the Rest of the World? Before somebody else launches it instead. Man of series Will Skelton, Australia. The cumulative scoreboard reflects that with the 23st second row on the field, the Wallabies comfortably outscored the Lions. The overarching feeling at full-time in Sydney was just what might have happened had he been fit in Brisbane. Try of series Tomos Williams for Lions v Western Force. Williams's second try of the match was a peach. Mack Hansen made the initial break, offloading inside to James Lowe, who found Williams dashing down the wing. The scrum-half exchanged passes with Lowe again before diving in the corner. Such a shame he injured his hamstring in doing so. Biggest villain Not one individual but the TMO – a role occupied by various officials throughout – did not have a great tour. In Sydney on Saturday, Dan Sheehan's blatant illegal clearout on Tom Lynagh went unpunished before a second-half check for the most innocuous of occurrences. Unsung hero Charlie Gamble, Waratahs and First Nations & Pasifika XV. Maybe not unsung given he was named player of the match for the FNP side and was praised for his performance for the Waratahs, but the beauty of tours such as this is watching players such as Gamble rewarded with an unlikely appearance in the series. Alas it didn't happen. Favourite moment Owen Farrell giving his boots to a child who had run on to the pitch in Sydney, only to be led away by security. These are the sorts of gestures made by Farrell that tend to go unnoticed by those who love to slate the only member of this squad with two series wins to his name. Worst moment Sweet Caroline, or something similarly obnoxious, blaring out while players are receiving treatment for worrying looking injuries. It has happened far too often, most recently when James Ryan was knocked cold for a couple of minutes in Sydney. Tone deaf. This Lions tour was … A slow burner and suddenly over too quickly, leaving a lingering sense of frustration that the Wallabies started the Test series so tamely. It did reach a stunning peak at the MCG and it should also be said it is always a stunning country to travel. Next stop for Lions should be … The couch or beach. It is August, the new football season is almost upon us and most of these players – some clearly running on fumes in Sydney – have been going non-step since last September. There are mandated rest periods at the start of next season and the hope is that they are stuck to. Man of series Will Skelton. The return of the Wallabies' lock flipped the series' momentum and he starred again in the third Test. Try of series Tom Wright, second Test. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii lacerated the Lions' midfield with his left foot and when Wright crossed, for a moment, Australia believed. Biggest villain Dan Sheehan. Tom Curry tackling a mid-air Tom Lynagh was egregious but Dan Sheehan's elbow to Lynagh's head was downright ugly. Unsung hero Ellis Genge. The prop was unlucky to be benched after a dominant first Test but helped to turn the second match in Melbourne to secure the series. Favourite moment The sheer drama of the final minute of the second Test, in front of 90,000, won't quickly be forgotten. The controversy made the Wallabies relevant to Australians again. Worst moment The Wallabies were flying at the MCG but Tom Lynagh's fumble and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's infringement both led to tries that handed the Lions the impetus and ultimately the series. This Lions tour was … A reset for Wallabies fans, who can now look to the home 2027 World Cup with optimism. Wait, here come the Springboks, Pumas and All Blacks again. Next stop for Lions should be … To book a Lions Women tour to Australia in 2031.
