Scottish Cup Stories

[Scotty D]

Thanks very much for the replies and emails so far. Many of the stories have spoken of special family bonds and incomparable joy, at the same time some have been very difficult but touching to read. In a sense this is why I wanted to do this project. To show that football (one game even) can mean so much to us personally, in so many different ways, that others wouldn't or couldn't understand. So thanks to everybody that has shared something so far.

I have replied by either private message or email to everyone that has responded so please look out for it. And if you could spread the word and tell anyone you might think would be interested it would be much appreciated.

Thanks again everyone

[h18eeynick]

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Hi Scott, my Cup Final story is completely ridiculous and has absolutely everything in it, so thought I would share!

A break up, a world record, a surprise visit, a dust up with airport security, an embarrassing misunderstanding and a fairytale ending. Here we go:

It’s 1am in Auckland, NZ. The TV is on full blast and we’ve just gone to penalties with Dundee United in the semi. I’d been travelling the world for 3 years, living out of a suitcase and sleeping in bed bug infested bunkbeds for months at a time, but for the last few weeks I’d finally settled into the real world, and even got myself a Kiwi girlfriend. No way was I missing the final though, so I decided to put an end to that if Hibs were victorious. “If we win, I’m going home for it” I said to my new girlfriend. She knew that wasn’t an invitation, and she knew I probably wouldn’t be coming back. Personally, I blame Conrad Logan for the breakup. Having slept through my alarm and missed the Ross County final months earlier, no way was I missing this one.

I hadn’t seen my parents since 2014, so I kept my return home a secret. In the days leading up to the final, I had already booked some adventurous travel plans in New Zealand, so by the time it came to fly home for the Scottish Cup Final, it meant my route to Hampden turned into a world record away day. No man or woman has EVER travelled as far for one match as I did, of that I have no doubt. I hitchhiked from Southern New Zealand, I took buses, flew to Auckland, flew to Australia, flew to the Middle East, flew to Manchester, got the train to Preston, got the train to Carlisle, and eventually up to Glasgow by car. My relationship officially ended in the airport terminal in Auckland.

I should mention I didn’t even have a ticket when I was on my way back. Hibs changed the date of the public sale, which meant I was going to be flying somewhere over the Pacific Ocean when the scramble began. I didn’t know WiFi on planes even existed, so Emirates saved my bacon. I had just made it past the queue for online tickets by the time we landed. The whole plane had cleared and the cleaners were doing their rounds as I desperately tried to type in my credit card details. Airport security were alerted, and I was escorted off the plane nearly crying as the page kept buffering. An anxious hour wait through customs and next thing I know I get a confirmation email just as my phone connected to the airport WiFi. I’m going to the match!

Keeping my visit from my parents was the hardest part. The plan was to just show up at the stadium and completely surprise them, but in order to keep it a secret, I was unable to get a ticket next to my dad, despite the help of a family friend. By the time I got home the night before the match, I was so knackered I just wanted to see my family and have my own bed instead of hiding in another hotel for the night. I knocked on the door, much to their disbelief. I was glad I was able to share the pre match excitement with them. The look on their faces was priceless.

The day of the game was a blur. I was sat by myself behind the goals, which they were in the South Stand. All I remember is the ridiculous fairytale ending. And in a ridiculous twist of fate - the pitch invasion meant I was able to find my Dad and celebrate our glorious cup win with him, just in time for Sunshine on Leith to belt over the tannoy.

I got a bit carried away the night of the cup parade, missed my last train home, was going to have to sleep on the street until my ex girlfriend came to the rescue. Weird, but nice to catch up even though I embarrassed myself from a day of drinking whisky from a hip and muddied from sliding down the hill in Leith Links. The morning after the parade, I was walking past Easter Road looking very worse for wear, when a Scouse man approached me and asked if I enjoyed the match. I ecstatically recited the whole above story, before asking if he’d “watched the match on TV”. It was John Doolan, the bloody assistant manager I later discovered when I saw footage of him lifting the trophy. My time as a traveller had obviously kept me out of the loop.

Soon after, I moved back to Sydney, Australia, but not before taking in a trip to Copenhagen to watch us in Europe. If they are the last two Hibs games I ever get to see in the flesh, then what a way to go out.

I am the Dad in question and was at home when son arrived home out of the blue as i was on crutches after an ankle operation. Son had managed to get me a couple of tickets and i passed the surplus ones at face value. First thing i said to him was i have sold your ticket ! Thankfully he had secured another one ! He also met Fraser Fyfie on the Sunday at the train station who was rough as heck !

[Stantons Angel]

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what a roller coaster of emotions your family has been through and wee Cam is a true fighter and an inspiratiion to all Hibee kids to NEVER GIVE UP!

Id always brought my son up to believe in the Hibs and even though they are getting beat we must never give up on them as each game lasts 90 minutes!

I can never walk out on Hibs and even on that fateful day at Hampden when we were being gubbed 5-1 by Hearts and Thomson the referee, i sat there till the end in tears.

My friend always says that her two boys are Hibs daft because of me and are always telling her they will never give up on the Hibs.....

Cameron my friend you are some laddie and a wee fighter too. TImes may be bad for you sometime pal but the Hibernian family will NEVER give up on you!!!!

[JimBHibees]

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Like so many others that weekend was the best of my life but now due to adversity it holds much more importance for me.

It was an early start for me, my son Cammy who was 10 at the time and my mates as we went through to Burntisland to get the bus. The atmosphere on the bus was great with lots of singing and joking, we made our way through to Busby bowling club.

After a few drinks and filled rolls it was off to the match.

I’ve been taking Cam to matches since he was about 4, he had seen a lot of poor Hibs displays, been through relegation, that final and the LC final in March ‘16. He has been brought up to always support your team and never give up. About 70 minutes into the final I saw Cam sitting down with his head in his hands. ‘We’re not going to win Dad’. I gave him a hug and told him ‘on your feet, never give up’.

We all know what happened. We celebrated in the stand, for the first time Cam saw his Dad cry. We all ended up on the pitch. A larger older lady scooped Cam up in her arms and held him up. It was an amazing time, a bit of a blur and I wish I could remember it more clearly.

The bus journey back was so sweet. We dropped the kids off at home in Dunfermline and got the train back into Edinburgh. We ended up in the Mousetrap down Leith Walk, what a night.

I can’t really recall when or how I got home but after a sleep we all headed back to Edinburgh on the train for the parade. Another magical day, standing at the foot of the walk with Cam on my shoulders and onto the Links.

Two months to the day after the final Cam fell ill. He was a fit, strong boy and from nowhere he started getting severe pain in his lower back and thighs. I took him to hospital in Kirkcaldy where he deteriorated rapidly. His last game before he fell ill was the home match v Brondby. He was deeply unimpressed by our keeper and mesmerised by the Brondby fan who stood with his back to the game for the entire match to orchestrate their fans.

It became clear that something was very wrong, Cam was in a lot of pain and he was given morphine. It was the night of the away game v Brondby, Cam asked me the score. I told him SDG had scored, he smiled and went to sleep.

Matters got worse. Cam stopped breathing later that night, the medical staff saved him and he was blue lighted to the sick kids. Cam was in a coma for almost two weeks in intensive care. Cammy had encephalitis, a brain infection and the doctors gave a bleak outlook.

I sat with Cam day after day. I held his hand, I told him to fight with everything he had, ‘never give up’. I would play you tube clips to him of the final and sing SOL in his ear. I knew he would know I was with him.

Cam did come out of his coma and started a very long road to recovery which he is still on. He couldn’t walk or talk, the pressure in his brain cut off the blood supply to his optic nerves and he has been left with no sight.

I am of course heart broken but he is an inspiration. Now he has learned to talk, is in mainstream school, he has learned to play drums.
He works out everyday, is muscle bound and has taken up athletics and runs 100m with a sighted guide in 15 seconds and is getting faster and faster.

We talk about the SC final weekend often, reminiscing and laughing. He is back at ER for some matches and enjoys the new commentary service for blind/visually impaired fans.

He never gives up!

Wow that is heart breaking and hugely inspirational at the same time. What a hero your son is.

[Scotty D]

Hi everyone,

Thanks again for all the input so far, I currently have 60 of the 114 stories down which means we still have a long way to go. So if anyone else would like to send me a few words about what the Final meant to you personally that would be great.

It can be happy, sombre, surreal or drunken tale, anything that made it special to you like:

• Who you were with

• What you did in the lead up to the game

• What you did after

• Anything that you keep as a personal momento

• What memory stays with you now

The more varied the responses the better so don't feel that you have to tailor it to fit the project - it's all about you

Feel free to either post your story on this thread, send me a private message or email me on scott.dawson@leith.co.uk. I'll be at the Dundee game next Saturday so if anyone is more comfortable talking about it in person I'm happy to buy you a pint before/after the game, let me know

Cheers
Scott

[LustForLeith]

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Hi everyone,

Thanks again for all the input so far, I currently have 60 of the 114 stories down which means we still have a long way to go. So if anyone else would like to send me a few words about what the Final meant to you personally that would be great.

It can be happy, sombre, surreal or drunken tale, anything that made it special to you like:

• Who you were with

• What you did in the lead up to the game

• What you did after

• Anything that you keep as a personal momento

• What memory stays with you now

The more varied the responses the better so don't feel that you have to tailor it to fit the project - it's all about you

Feel free to either post your story on this thread, send me a private message or email me on scott.dawson@leith.co.uk. I'll be at the Dundee game next Saturday so if anyone is more comfortable talking about it in person I'm happy to buy you a pint before/after the game, let me know

Cheers
Scott

How many words are you like looking for?

Cheers!

[The 90+2]

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Hi everyone,

Thanks again for all the input so far, I currently have 60 of the 114 stories down which means we still have a long way to go. So if anyone else would like to send me a few words about what the Final meant to you personally that would be great.

It can be happy, sombre, surreal or drunken tale, anything that made it special to you like:

• Who you were with

• What you did in the lead up to the game

• What you did after

• Anything that you keep as a personal momento

• What memory stays with you now

The more varied the responses the better so don't feel that you have to tailor it to fit the project - it's all about you

Feel free to either post your story on this thread, send me a private message or email me on scott.dawson@leith.co.uk. I'll be at the Dundee game next Saturday so if anyone is more comfortable talking about it in person I'm happy to buy you a pint before/after the game, let me know

Cheers
Scott

Happy to meet after the match next week mate 👍 I’ll fire you a pm.

[Scotty D]

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How many words are you like looking for?

Cheers!

Aiming for around 200 max but the best thing to do is send me as much as you want. What I've been finding is the little gems that make for great individual tales are often hidden in the bigger story.

If you're happy for me to do so I'll have a look and cut it down to around 200 and send it back to see if you're happy with it.

[Scotty D]

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Happy to meet after the match next week mate 👍 I’ll fire you a pm.

It would be much appreciated, let me know where would suit you best

[The 90+2]

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It would be much appreciated, let me know where would suit you best

No problem at all. PM sent, I’ll be the one in the hearts kit 😆😆🤢😉

[Seekyit]

It's ma Auld Man's birthday today. He's 93. He saw Hibs lose five cup finals - 1947, 1958, 1972, 1979 and 2001.

By the time 2012 came round, his health had deteriorated and he was losing his memory. Even so, I got him a ticket but he didn't want to go because in his own words he wasn't "fit enough, physically or mentally".

Perhaps it was for the best, because what transpired might have killed him off.... ultimately I'm not sure he was aware of what happened that day anyhow.

2013 came and went then 2016 happened. The next day, walking down Leith Walk, following the parade, there was a tinge of sadness that he hadn't been there to see it. He lives in a care home near Leith Links, and I got myself into a right dither about getting him out to see Hibs with the Scottish Cup. In the end I thought he might not understand what was going on or that he might get fed up with the crowds and that would've upset me a bit. So I decided against it and I don't regret that.

The next day I went to see him I told him that Hibs had won the Scottish Cup, but I don't think the significance of it sank in.

Still, he did see Hibs win the league three times, witnessed some great European nights, and was at Tynecastle on 01.01.73.

Not bad.

The day itself; prior to kick off, from my position behind the goals, I looked around the stadium and behind me there was a huge flag, green, white and black, union jack style, with the words "Spirits In The Sky" written on it. I think there were some names on there as well. I thought about the Fathers, Grandfathers, Uncles, Aunties, cousins etc who hadn't lived to see Hibs win the Scottish Cup (neither had any of us at that point).

My memory of the game is a blur, like it wasn't real or some sort of outer body experience. Strangely - and I know I'm not alone here - when we went 3-2 up I didn't feel nervous. Was it sheer confidence that the match was won, or was it after 40 years of watching Hibs I was mentally prepared for anything so I was actually quite relaxed? Deep down though, it was like, Jeez, we've done it.

One wee thing that sticks in my mind - Henderson, celebrating half a second before the ref blew the final whistle.

It really was a beautiful thing.

D.

[BILLYHIBS]

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It's ma Auld Man's birthday today. He's 93. He saw Hibs lose five cup finals - 1947, 1958, 1972, 1979 and 2001.

By the time 2012 came round, his health had deteriorated and he was losing his memory. Even so, I got him a ticket but he didn't want to go because in his own words he wasn't "fit enough, physically or mentally".

Perhaps it was for the best, because what transpired might have killed him off.... ultimately I'm not sure he was aware of what happened that day anyhow.

2013 came and went then 2016 happened. The next day, walking down Leith Walk, following the parade, there was a tinge of sadness that he hadn't been there to see it. He lives in a care home near Leith Links, and I got myself into a right dither about getting him out to see Hibs with the Scottish Cup. In the end I thought he might not understand what was going on or that he might get fed up with the crowds and that would've upset me a bit. So I decided against it and I don't regret that.

The next day I went to see him I told him that Hibs had won the Scottish Cup, but I don't think the significance of it sank in.

Still, he did see Hibs win the league three times, witnessed some great European nights, and was at Tynecastle on 01.01.73.

Not bad.

The day itself; prior to kick off, from my position behind the goals, I looked around the stadium and behind me there was a huge flag, green, white and black, union jack style, with the words "Spirits In The Sky" written on it. I think there were some names on there as well. I thought about the Fathers, Grandfathers, Uncles, Aunties, cousins etc who hadn't lived to see Hibs win the Scottish Cup (neither had any of us at that point).

My memory of the game is a blur, like it wasn't real or some sort of outer body experience. Strangely - and I know I'm not alone here - when we went 3-2 up I didn't feel nervous. Was it sheer confidence that the match was won, or was it after 40 years of watching Hibs I was mentally prepared for anything so I was actually quite relaxed? Deep down though, it was like, Jeez, we've done it.

One wee thing that sticks in my mind - Henderson, celebrating half a second before the ref blew the final whistle.

It really was a beautiful thing.

D.

[Scotty D]

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It's ma Auld Man's birthday today. He's 93. He saw Hibs lose five cup finals - 1947, 1958, 1972, 1979 and 2001.

By the time 2012 came round, his health had deteriorated and he was losing his memory. Even so, I got him a ticket but he didn't want to go because in his own words he wasn't "fit enough, physically or mentally".

Perhaps it was for the best, because what transpired might have killed him off.... ultimately I'm not sure he was aware of what happened that day anyhow.

2013 came and went then 2016 happened. The next day, walking down Leith Walk, following the parade, there was a tinge of sadness that he hadn't been there to see it. He lives in a care home near Leith Links, and I got myself into a right dither about getting him out to see Hibs with the Scottish Cup. In the end I thought he might not understand what was going on or that he might get fed up with the crowds and that would've upset me a bit. So I decided against it and I don't regret that.

The next day I went to see him I told him that Hibs had won the Scottish Cup, but I don't think the significance of it sank in.

Still, he did see Hibs win the league three times, witnessed some great European nights, and was at Tynecastle on 01.01.73.

Not bad.

The day itself; prior to kick off, from my position behind the goals, I looked around the stadium and behind me there was a huge flag, green, white and black, union jack style, with the words "Spirits In The Sky" written on it. I think there were some names on there as well. I thought about the Fathers, Grandfathers, Uncles, Aunties, cousins etc who hadn't lived to see Hibs win the Scottish Cup (neither had any of us at that point).

My memory of the game is a blur, like it wasn't real or some sort of outer body experience. Strangely - and I know I'm not alone here - when we went 3-2 up I didn't feel nervous. Was it sheer confidence that the match was won, or was it after 40 years of watching Hibs I was mentally prepared for anything so I was actually quite relaxed? Deep down though, it was like, Jeez, we've done it.

One wee thing that sticks in my mind - Henderson, celebrating half a second before the ref blew the final whistle.

It really was a beautiful thing.

D.

Cheers Seekyit, I've sent you a PM

[AK86]

Many months before the final, myself (48) and my young lad (14) at the time , had purchased tickets for the manic st preachers, in Galsgow on cup final day. So once we qualified for the final , we decided to book a hotel that night as we didn't want to miss either.
Travelled to the hotel on morning of game with son, sister and bro in law. Had a few drinks in the hotel room , a couple more in the bar then a taxi to the game , where we met up with our usual football mates .
The roller coaster of a day , ended as we all know in the most euphoric climax. I never seen goals 2 or 3 at the time , as I chose not to look at the second , hoping to change our luck , and when it worked , I done it again at the third. There was not a dry in the stadium at full time . Only Hibs fans that were there could appreciate just what the following minutes were like . It is like time stood still for a while , a dream . It was simply amazing .
On leaving the stadium , I amazingly bumped back into my sis and bro who had been in another stand , more dancing and cuddling !!. We started the long walk back to,the hotel , when some Celtic fan stopped and gave us a lift !! He was as happy us ( almost)
I somehow made it to the concert, and mid gig when the lead singer was retuning his guitar and things went quiet, from the balcony in the Hydro I let rip with a bellowing , " the Hibs have won the cup" the lead singer looked up towards my direction wondering what this madman was on about . A few ( I'm assuming ) rangers fans took exception to my chant , but fortunately , a larger group of ( I'm assuming) Celtic fans behind me , put them in their place and order was restored .
The following day I went to the parade , but after the bus passed me on North Bridge , I had to get the train home. I was physically and emotionally shattered .
The manic st preachers tracks , are now the sound track to my day , and what a day it was .

[Scotty D]

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Many months before the final, myself (48) and my young lad (14) at the time , had purchased tickets for the manic st preachers, in Galsgow on cup final day. So once we qualified for the final , we decided to book a hotel that night as we didn't want to miss either.
Travelled to the hotel on morning of game with son, sister and bro in law. Had a few drinks in the hotel room , a couple more in the bar then a taxi to the game , where we met up with our usual football mates .
The roller coaster of a day , ended as we all know in the most euphoric climax. I never seen goals 2 or 3 at the time , as I chose not to look at the second , hoping to change our luck , and when it worked , I done it again at the third. There was not a dry in the stadium at full time . Only Hibs fans that were there could appreciate just what the following minutes were like . It is like time stood still for a while , a dream . It was simply amazing .
On leaving the stadium , I amazingly bumped back into my sis and bro who had been in another stand , more dancing and cuddling !!. We started the long walk back to,the hotel , when some Celtic fan stopped and gave us a lift !! He was as happy us ( almost)
I somehow made it to the concert, and mid gig when the lead singer was retuning his guitar and things went quiet, from the balcony in the Hydro I let rip with a bellowing , " the Hibs have won the cup" the lead singer looked up towards my direction wondering what this madman was on about . A few ( I'm assuming ) rangers fans took exception to my chant , but fortunately , a larger group of ( I'm assuming) Celtic fans behind me , put them in their place and order was restored .
The following day I went to the parade , but after the bus passed me on North Bridge , I had to get the train home. I was physically and emotionally shattered .
The manic st preachers tracks , are now the sound track to my day , and what a day it was .

Cheers AK86, I've sent you a PM

[Mick O'Rourke]

I had posted the following on another thread re the FINAL!!





The only game i have attended Hampden that i was totally sober !

It was a long evening.
Even longer day for me.
Our bus got through to The Columba Club in Blantyre mid morning., as it had done in previous trips to Hampden.

I had been battling what i thought was flu symptoms for a few days (more on that later)
Nearly did not go to Hampden,the way i was feeling.
Hindsight is wonderful,of course.
However,i had a feeling about this game being the one.
We had no recent fear of that team from Govan.


Bought lunch for grandsons and soaked up the atmosphere in a packed Columba Club.

Struggled with the pub lunch and lucky if i had a mouthful or two of lager.
So off to Hampden.....


Had an aisle seat behind the goals
Good view.
.
Still felt pretty lousy and even more so when they went ahead.

I got to my feet for the first time when Anthony got the equaliser .only to be knocked flying by a middle aged fatty,twice my size, who decided to run down to the front of the terrace.

Just what i needed !

The minutes after the 2nd goal seem like a life time expecting the game would go inio extra time
Then it happened
David Gray gets the 3rd and deciding goal
Hampden and the Green side of Edinburgh and elsewhere erupts in ecstasy



AT LAST!!!


The tears flowed down my face, thinking as others did ,of those family members who are no longer with us.





.


So fast forward to the evening of that great day.

Kinda perked up a wee bit, as you would after that, and decided to go to The Clermiston Inn with my daughter and 3 grandsons for a sing song.

Stayed till shutting time and did manage a vodka or two.

Celebration/toasting purposes
We toasted all those family members no longer with us.

Did not make the Sunday Parade.

However,i did make the Royal Infirmary a couple of days later ,after having to call 999 with an acute loss of breathing attack.

So it was not the flu after all.
It was 2 lung infections and pneumonia.
Spent 12 days in hospital.


Thats the Hibernian fur ye !!

I made the final though.

As the old song goes...


When will we see their likes again !!

[Viva_Palmeiras]

Did anyone not​ cry?

[Viva_Palmeiras]

Did anyone not​ cry?

[David_D]

I very nearly never went to the game. My son had been born 3 days previous. Woke up morning of the game planning on staying at home, thankfully my partner and my mum persuaded me to go. I ended up having to sprint from my house to the Tor bar to catch the bus. Thankfully my dad and brother made sure I didn’t miss it. Few drinks before hand. Found out I was also going to be an uncle. Then on to the game. Unfortunately my dad and brother never had a ticket so was at the game alone. 90+ minutes later as the tears were flowing I couldn’t help but think I wish my family was with me as they got to share the experience together. After got back to Edinburgh my only thought was getting home to my new son. Lay on couch with him and watched the highlights, tears flowing again. Happiest few days of my life. And I keep thanking my partner for persuading me to go.

[Scotty D]

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I very nearly never went to the game. My son had been born 3 days previous. Woke up morning of the game planning on staying at home, thankfully my partner and my mum persuaded me to go. I ended up having to sprint from my house to the Tor bar to catch the bus. Thankfully my dad and brother made sure I didn’t miss it. Few drinks before hand. Found out I was also going to be an uncle. Then on to the game. Unfortunately my dad and brother never had a ticket so was at the game alone. 90+ minutes later as the tears were flowing I couldn’t help but think I wish my family was with me as they got to share the experience together. After got back to Edinburgh my only thought was getting home to my new son. Lay on couch with him and watched the highlights, tears flowing again. Happiest few days of my life. And I keep thanking my partner for persuading me to go.

Cheers David, I've sent you a PM

[FilipinoHibs]

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Did anyone not​ cry?

I still cry. Especially reading these stories.

[dangermouse]

I went with my son (season ticket holder), my daughter (die hard Hibee) and my wife (only goes to the big games ).

We went on the Four in Hand bus to a bowling club pre-match. While chatting with friends over a beer, someone asked where are you sitting? I went to take the tickets out my pocket and to my horror realised I'd left them in the house. What followed was a series of frantic phone calls firstly to the SFA and Hampden who couldn't give a toss. Luckily a friend of a friend agreed to bring them through and I met him in the car park at ASDA across from the stadium about 15 minutes before kick off.

Was a bag of nerves throughout the game and at one point my son told me he was worried that Ranges would score a second goal. I told him, "Don't worry, they've had loads of possession as normal and don't look like scoring" just as Andy Halliday let fly. When Stokes equalised I thought only one team would win and when Gray scored the winner I couldn't wait for the final whistle.

Post game was hugs and tears with friends, family and strangers. After meeting up with friends in Sighthill we headed into Leith. Only bar we could get into was the Alhambra where we watched Sportscene and strangely the pub closed after that! Ended up in Woodland Creatures where a solo artist was playing guitar and singing. His set was taken over by delirious Hibees (I spoke to him afterwards and he said it was the most surreal gig he ever played) and he obliged by playing Sunshine on Leith a few times.

Went to the parade on the Sunday following the bus all the way down Leith Walk to the Links, a magical day.

My overriding memory? Probably being asked if I've got my tickets every time I went on the Four in Hand bus the following season.

[Superfurry72]

Four years ago, in June 2014, I was taken into hospital, spending a week in intensive care where apparently it was touch and go, and another three weeks in a high dependency unit. While I lay there basically fighting for my life it upset me greatly to think that if things got worse I’d never have known what it was like to get married, have children – or see Hibs lift the Scottish Cup.

On to 2015, and I was recovering well, and in February that year my beautiful girlfriend and I got engaged. The only downer was Hibs’ failure to get promoted and their defeat by Falkirk in the semis of the Scottish Cup. It was especially irritating as I thought we’d have had a great chance in the final against Caley Thistle.

Anyway, we set our wedding date initially for May 21, 2016, until my best friend and best man helpfully (and semi jokingly) pointed out this may clash with the Scottish Cup final. So we moved it to June 4, just to be on the safe side.

Moving on to 2016, things started well when my fiancée revealed in early March that she was pregnant, and we were even able to work out it was conceived on the same day as the 2-2 cup game at Tynie!!!

When the big day came at Hampden, my best man reminded me in the morning (after I had put some money on a 3-2 win for Hibs!) that this had nearly been my wedding day. Bloody hell, WHAT an escape. As for the game, well, I’ll be honest, I can’t actually remember much about it, it’s a bit of a blur. I wish I could recall more, but I’ll never forget when David Gray’s header hit the net. All our dreams had come true, and after everything that had happened in the last couple of years I just couldn’t believe it. I still can’t believe it. I was there with all my pals watching a dream unfold in front of my eyes. It was only in the pub afterwards that the enormity what I had witnessed, and all my emotions over everything that had led us all to this point, spilled over and I burst spontaneously into floods of tears.

My wedding took place in London (where I have lived for 19 years) two weeks later, and was incredible. The two best days of my life, two weeks apart. Myself, my family and close friends all wore Flower of Scotland tartan with white shirts and green ties, and we had green and white confetti, as well as my old Hibs scarf (bought the day before the 1991 Skol Cup final) tied to the stage where the ceilidh band played later. The Proclaimers went down well that night!

In November 2016, my wife gave birth to our baby girl, giving me the ultimate hat trick. I still find it hard to take this all in, and after everything that’s happened I realise how privileged I am to have seen it. Some weren’t so lucky – my friend’s dad passed away aged 70 in 2012 and never got to see Hibs win the cup (we toasted him at the Foot Of The Walk on the Saturday evening).

I am so, so proud of my team – I always have been, but I still feel energised by the cup win, like a weight has been lifted from me and all of us. And now I feel I can look forward, rather than back. It’s not how you fall, it’s how you get back up – I think that can apply to both Hibs and my life over the past couple of years. Plus, my wee girl, now 2, loves me singing Hibs songs to her. GGTTH!!

[nonshinyfinish]

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Did anyone not​ cry?

As I was leaving Hampden I passed an large skinheaded gentleman who was still in tears and was getting ripped by his mates. His response, and I swear this is verbatim, was:

"Emdy that never cried's a poof!"

[Scotty D]

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As I was leaving Hampden I passed an large skinheaded gentleman who was still in tears and was getting ripped by his mates. His response, and I swear this is verbatim, was:

"Emdy that never cried's a poof!"

That's a cracker!

nonshinyfish, dangermouse and Superfurry I've sent you all PMs

Thanks again everyone, keep them coming

[Scotty D]

I'm picking this back up again after time out working on another project.

We've got 75 of 114 stories as it stands so if anyone has anything they'd like to contribute please let me know - either on here or drop me an email via scott.dawson@leith.co.uk

Thanks again

[hibsboy69]

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I'm picking this back up again after time out working on another project.

We've got 75 of 114 stories as it stands so if anyone has anything they'd like to contribute please let me know - either on here or drop me an email via scott.dawson@leith.co.uk

Thanks again

Here you go Scott :-

• Who you were with - my youngest son (9 at the time), my mate and his youngest son (also 9)

• What did you do in the lead up to the game - went for a lovely Italian meal in Glasgow

• What you did after the game - invaded the pitch ! Once back in Edinburgh a party at my mates house

• What memory stays with you - being able to watch history happen....with my youngest child

A picture speaks a thousand words Scott......so here is my video of the last 90 seconds of the game (so glad I took it!)

In Youtube search for "hibs last 90"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOUa4bT1O1w


GGTTH

[Hermit Crab]

Thought I'd post this British Pathe film on here as its Hibs in the Scottish cup.

https://youtu.be/Yrr1fV5V-dk

[BILLYHIBS]

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Thought I'd post this British Pathe film on here as its Hibs in the Scottish cup.

https://youtu.be/Yrr1fV5V-dk

Brilliant!

Great to see Lawrie Reilly in full flow

Shame about the result typical HIBS :greengrin

[FilipinoHibs]

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Brilliant!

Great to see Lawrie Reilly in full flow

Shame about the result typical HIBS

Tinycastle pitch not improved much.