Letter: Historic record of Hibernian is on the move

PAUL Forsyth’s excellent piece “Derby Pioneers” (Sport, 13 May) doesn’t tell the whole story of the origins of Hibs.

The definitive historical record only appeared when the former parish priest of St Patrick’s Church in the Cowgate died in a nursing home. Under his bed were some of his most cherished possessions, and something else. Carefully preserved was the first minute book of the St Patrick’s Young Men’s Society.

It records the establishment of the organisation on 8 October, 1865, by Dean O’Brien of Limerick and Father Edward J Hannan, chaplain. This first meeting was held in Horse Wynd, where 178 members were admitted.

Hibernian Football Club was formed on 6 August, 1875, but it was to be 18 months before the Young Men’s Society officially became aware of its existence.

On 2 January, 1877, the minutes record: “The Chaplain referred to the Hibernian Football Club, asking information as to its connection with the Society and, as it appeared it was outside our direction, he promised to see the members either individually or collectively with a view to bringing them within our influence.”

Then it was noted on 27 February, 1877, that officers of the football club were willing to come under the control and patronage of the council.

Hibernian FC, an existing loose affiliation which played nearby on the Meadows, agreed to come under the umbrella of the Society and be guided by Father Hannan, who would provide facilities for the players. From being a casual grouping of young men who enjoyed a kickabout, Father (later Canon) Hannan gave Hibernian FC a formal structure and financial security.

There is a sting in the tail. The Scottish Catholic Heritage Commission has agreed that the Scottish Catholic Archives at 16 Drummond Place in Edinburgh, a building which preserves the minutes of St Patrick’s Young Men’s Society, should be closed and the pre-1878 material transferred to a Church administrative centre in Pollokshields, Glasgow, currently under construction.

The Catholic bishops of Scotland have accepted the Commission’s recommendations and so, unfortunately, we can expect the earliest substantial written record of Hibernian FC to be leaving the city in the very near future.

Michael T R B Turnbull, via email