| As one of the most
historic clubs in British football Hibernian FC is a club who's on and off pitch activities have made
them one of Scotland’s most memorable.
The club is universally known as Hibs, or as the Hi-bees
to their fans but their name encapsulates something of
their religious roots - Hibernian being the Roman name
for Ireland.
As the first major club to be formed out of the Irish
Catholic population, Hibernian FC could almost be seen
as Celtic’s older brother. And although the club
now has been far surpassed by its younger, financially
fitter sibling, Hibernian have established themselves
as worthy opponents to their Scottish capital rivals.
Formed in 1875, Hibernian began as a team for the immigrant
Irish Catholic population in Edinburgh and were at first
refused entry into the local football league.
However once in, they soon established themselves a force.
In 1955 they were the first British club to play in Europe
and they won the league three times between 1947 and 1952.
These were the golden years for the club with the “Famous
Five” international players, namely Gordon Smith,
Bobby Johnstone, Lawrie Reilly, Eddie Turnbull and Willie
Ormond, helping Hibs to a healthy looking trophy cabinet.
The club’s Easter Road stadium [map] has recently
been refurbished and extended to become a 16,000 seat
stadium, which honours its past heroes who proudly wore
the green and white kit with their own stand.
Once voted European Player of the Year, George Best is another top player who worked his magic at the club.
Recently Hibs' success has not afforded them many trophies
but the club are still one of Scotland’s top teams
and always have the memory of a 7-0 drubbing of their
Edinburgh rivals (the biggest goal difference in the competitive
history of the two clubs) to keep them going while the
silverware proves elusive.
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