Happy Birthday Hibernian FC

HIBERNIAN FC celebrated its 150th anniversary in fantastic fashion at the start of last month with a number of events to mark the milestone.

The club marked a truly historic day, on August 6, by returning to its birthplace for a very special exhibition that celebrated the club's proud history.

In partnership with the Hibernian Historical Trust, a unique one-day exhibition was hosted at St Mary’s Street Hall that—through a remarkable collection of memorabilia and one-of-a-kind artefacts—brought Hibs’ storied past to life.

From historic shirts and silverware to personal keepsakes and distinctive pennants, each item told part of the story of how Hibernian FC came to be what it is today.

Those in attendance were piped in by Lou Marshall, Hibernian FC’s official Piper since 2007—as well as the Piper to the Lord Provost of Edinburgh since 2006—and she fittingly played the Hibs anthem written by The Proclaimers, Sunshine on Leith along with another of their hits 500 Miles.

“I was completely honoured to perform at the event welcoming the Lord Provost, members of the Hibernian FC Board, footballers and, of course, the fabulous Hibs supporters, to the special exhibition at St Mary's Street Hall here in Edinburgh, the birthplace of Hibernian Football Club in 1875,” she said.

Also in attendance was Irish Consul General of Ireland in Scotland, Jerry O’Donovan, who added his words of congratulations on the day.

“We were delighted to join Hibernian Football Club to mark the 150th anniversary of the club by Limerick man Canon Edward Hannan in 1875,” he said. “It was fantastic to see so many jerseys, memorabilia and the new plaque to mark this important milestone as well as to explore more Irish-Scottish sporting links.”

Meanwhile, Archbishop Leo Cushley of St Andrews and Edinburgh not only met with Hibs legend Pat Stanton and Mike Hennessy (above), author of the Canon Hannan biography Edinburgh’s First Hibernian: The Mission of Edward Joseph Hannan as he launched the book at St Patrick’s Church in the Cowgate, but he also took to the airwaves as part of BBC Radio Scotland’s Thought for the Day to talk about Canon Hannan.

“This new biography by Mike Hennessy, telling the story of Canon Edward Joseph Hannan—a man of deep faith and profound social commitment,” he said. “In the late 19th century, Father Hannan arrived at St Patrick’s and found himself at the centre of one of the poorest areas of the city.

“The Cowgate was home to many Irish Catholic immigrants, families living in overcrowded tenements, facing prejudice, poverty, and instability. Rather than turning inward, Hannan looked outward—to the needs of his people.

“His legacy includes not only the spiritual care he gave to his parishioners, but a bold step into the world of sport: helping found Hibernian Football Club in 1875. He saw the club not as a diversion, but as a way to uplift a struggling community, foster pride, and promote unity and dignity at a time when they were in short supply.”

The archbishop added: “In the rush of August, Canon Hannan’s example reminds us that true leadership often begins with listening, serving, and walking alongside those who are struggling.

“And sometimes, in the quiet of a church or the story of a life well lived, we find exactly what we didn’t know we needed.”

On the evening of August 6, Easter Road Stadium played host to a truly special evening as the club marked its 150th anniversary with a celebration dinner alongside its dedicated supporters.

Hosted by Grant Stott in the fitting Famous Five Stand, the evening brought together a host of Hibernian heroes to reflect on the Club’s rich and storied past.

From 1991 Skol Cup winners and 2007 CIS Cup champions to trailblazing Women’s Team Hall of Famers and Hibs’ legendary 2016 Scottish Cup victors, guests were treated to a number of unforgettable stories that spanned generations throughout the club’s history.

In addition to these events, a number of historical Edinburgh landmarks were lit up green to mark Hibs turning 150!