Hibernian FC celebrate 150th anniversary with special events and release of first biography of their founder

Hibernian FC are celebrating their 150 years on Wednesday, 6th August, with an exhibition in the St Mary's Street Training Centre in Edinburgh and later a special dinner for 300 guests at their Easter Road stadium.

The first biography of the founder, Catholic priest, Fr Edward Hannan goes on sale that day, initially at St Pat's church around the corner from St Mary's Street, but in several other Edinburgh venues too. it is also available online from the publisher's website. There will be a chance to hear the author, Michael Hennessy speaking at at the various events, and he will also be signing books.

Edinburgh's First Hibernian: The Mission of Edward Joseph Hannan does not focus merely on the founding of the club, but on Hannan's contribution to education, welfare, politics, civic life and of course religion in the second half of the 19th century.

Read more about the book here:

Allan Forrest, Emeritus Professor of History, University of York, writes: "Edinburgh's First Hibernian is the first biography of Edward Hannan, a Catholic priest who rose from poverty in rural Ireland to become one of the most influential figures in 19th-century Edinburgh. Hannan worked tirelessly in the medieval Old Town to provide Catholic boys with an education and a sense of fulfilment that could save them from falling into a life of crime.

"It is a tale of charity and commitment in a city still dominated by its Protestant elite, a tale that culminates in the foundation of Hibernian Football Club by members of the city's Irish community in 1875 - surely Hannan's most permanent legacy to his fellow citizens.

"Mike Hennessy should be thanked for rescuing Hannan from obscurity, but for much more, too. He writes with the passion of a lifelong Hibs fan and with a keen feel for the texture of the city streets he knew as a boy, and his book makes a significant contribution to Edinburgh's social, religious and sporting history."

Broadcaster 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."

Charlie Reid from The Proclaimers 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… 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!"

The legendary footballer Pat Stanton said: "Without this Irish priest's work with the Old Town poor all those years ago, there would not be a Hibernian Football Club."

Order copies in advance here: www.thirstybooks.com/bookshop/edinburghs-first-hibernian

Signed copies can be collected at St Patrick's Church, Cowgate, on 6 August - the 150th anniversary of the founding of Hibernian FC (see 'store pick up when purchasing).

Visit Edinburgh's First Hibernian Facebook page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578313319999