Hundreds of readers have enjoyed reading Mike Hennessy’s biography of Canon Hannan since it was published on August 6, the 150th anniversary of the founding of Hibernian FC.
But there’s more to the Hannan story than football.
What’s less well known is Edward Hannan’s wider contribution to his adopted home city.
Mike Hennessy will speak about Hannan’s work in Edinburgh Old Town (1861-1891) at what was St Mary’s Street Hall on Tuesday 2nd December at 6.30pm.
Former Scotland international 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.”
Alan Forrest Emeritus Professor of History at University of York said: “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, where he worked tirelessly 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.
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 and Hibs fan 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. 2
Councillor Margaret Graham said: “As a current Edinburgh City Centre Councillor, I found this book a fascinating insight into our history. It is a meticulously researched account of the life of the main founder of Hibernian Football Club. A fascinating read charting Edward Hannan’s life as it intertwined with the Catholic Community in Edinburgh. A must have for any Hibernian Supporter. “
This event is free.
