Scottish Cup Stories

[Scotty D]

Hello,

I'm getting in touch regarding a project I'm working on with the club at the moment. I don't want to divulge too much at this stage (best kept for the big reveal) but ultimately I am looking for 114 different stories about what the cup final win meant to supporters on a personal level. This could be anything from:

• Who you were with
• How you got there
• What you did before the game
• How you celebrated afterwards
• What you reflect on now
• Anything unusual about any aspect of the day

I'm looking for anything at all really that made it special to you personally, it's all about the little things that other people might not have gone through, felt or experienced.

A couple of people have put me on to the sticky thread started by HibsMax on the day. I've since been in touch and he was happy to forward me on all emails he'd received. There's some cracking stories in both the thread and emails so I'll be in touch with people to make sure they are happy for their story to be included.

If anyone would like to get involved either leave your tale (and your name) on the thread below or drop me an email on scott.dawson@leith.co.uk if you'd like to know more about the project before committing - or would be happy to meet for a pint after a game. As this project is all about the supporters I'd love to have names displayed by each story so please leave your full name with your message or, alternatively, let me know if you'd rather remain anonymous

It might be worth noting that the production side of this project will take a while so we're looking at some time next year before all is revealed. Some of the stories received so far though have been incredible, this could be a good way to immortalise the famous day from a fans perspective

Give me a shout if you have any questions

Cheers
Scott

[.Sean.]

One thing I always remember is myself and a few mates having a drink in my back garden morning of the game before heading for the supporters bus, my mate goes to put music on and the first thing that comes on shuffle was Heroes by David Bowie. Could say that set the tone for the day!

[JimBHibees]

This thread has loads of cup final stories

http://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?311619-Your-Scottish-Cup-story

[Scotty D]

Cheers guys,

Sean I've sent you a pm.

Cheers for the shout Jim, I've got a few from that but still looking for quite a few more at the moment

[Stantons Angel]

Memories of the 21st May 2016 will live with me forever! The game the feelings and the unbelievable emotion of the day will never be forgotten.

My day started with me waiting on my son arriving to take me for lunch before the game. He had flown up from his home down south but as usual he was late!

He has had many a disappointment in cup finals with Hibs over the years and i hoped he wouldnt feel the same today.

On entering the stadium the first thing that struck me was that banner " A TIME FOR HEROES" i felt my blood run cold! Could this be the day they do it, is this going to happen?

Hibs proceeded to play like they were on fire my heart was in my mouth when that Halliday scored and i thought "not again" but i kept the faith. My son who had been shaking in his seat all game kept assuring me that "we can do this mum" "yes Kevin just lets wait and see" says me trying to stop shaking too!

I can still see that ball floating from the corner flag on to Stoke's head and with a flick into the back of the net. Pandemonium let loose around me. My Ususally quite and reserved son was no where to be seen. Dancing with a stranger hugging each other away down some steps. running back to me with a big hug and sayingn "mum, mum we can still do this, we can mum" it was all so surreal and i didnt know what to think or do. Just tried to keep this lad calm or hed have a heart attack!!

The clock goes to 90mins and im dreading extra time when another magnificent corner from Liam lands on the head of our captian David Gray and it was bulleted into the net and the pandemonium starts again around me and my son and his new found friend are off celebrating again!

im just sitting there trying not to cry and looking around for my son who eventually surfaces from a pile of bodies on the ground to grab a hold of me. He planks a big kiss on
me and hugs me so tightly saying " im so proud to have been able to have shared this with you mum" By now im crying my eyes out, thinking such a nice thing for him to say.

Then he finishes off with "i never thought you'd see it in your lifetime"

Talk about deflation, knowing my son as i do i didnt know whether to laugh or just keep on crying.

The final whistle went and bedlam takes over!

I remember watchin the invasion of the pitch but I was thinking of those who had gone and never seen the day. Hibs did their memory proud.

I saw that banner again that night in Easter Road and it made me smile to think it had been the focal point of my day. A day of extreme emotion, of tears of joy and love for my football team Hibernian fc.

BTW my lunch that day was in the car park of McDonalds, he was too late to take me anywhere else....... ah well!

Janette Campbell

[Sammy7nil]

Nice story Janette:aok:

[hfc rd]

Memories of the 21st May 2016 will live with me forever! The game the feelings and the unbelievable emotion of the day will never be forgotten.

My day started with me waiting on my son arriving to take me for lunch before the game. He had flown up from his home down south but as usual he was late!

He has had many a disappointment in cup finals with Hibs over the years and i hoped he wouldnt feel the same today.

On entering the stadium the first thing that struck me was that banner " A TIME FOR HEROES" i felt my blood run cold! Could this be the day they do it, is this going to happen?

Hibs proceeded to play like they were on fire my heart was in my mouth when that Halliday scored and i thought "not again" but i kept the faith. My son who had been shaking in his seat all game kept assuring me that "we can do this mum" "yes Kevin just lets wait and see" says me trying to stop shaking too!

I can still see that ball floating from the corner flag on to Stoke's head and with a flick into the back of the net. Pandemonium let loose around me. My Ususally quite and reserved son was no where to be seen. Dancing with a stranger hugging each other away down some steps. running back to me with a big hug and sayingn "mum, mum we can still do this, we can mum" it was all so surreal and i didnt know what to think or do. Just tried to keep this lad calm or hed have a heart attack!!

The clock goes to 90mins and im dreading extra time when another magnificent corner from Liam lands on the head of our captian David Gray and it was bulleted into the net and the pandemonium starts again around me and my son and his new found friend are off celebrating again!

im just sitting there trying not to cry and looking around for my son who eventually surfaces from a pile of bodies on the ground to grab a hold of me. He planks a big kiss on
me and hugs me so tightly saying " im so proud to have been able to have shared this with you mum" By now im crying my eyes out, thinking such a nice thing for him to say.

Then he finishes off with "i never thought you'd see it in your lifetime"

Talk about deflation, knowing my son as i do i didnt know whether to laugh or just keep on crying.

The final whistle went and bedlam takes over!

I remember watchin the invasion of the pitch but I was thinking of those who had gone and never seen the day. Hibs did their memory proud.

I saw that banner again that night in Easter Road and it made me smile to think it had been the focal point of my day. A day of extreme emotion, of tears of joy and love for my football team Hibernian fc.

BTW my lunch that day was in the car park of McDonalds, he was too late to take me anywhere else....... ah well!

Janette Campbell



What a beautiful story Janette 👍🏾

Definitely one of the best days of my life! GGTTH

[Stantons Angel]

What a beautiful story Janette 👍🏾

Definitely one of the best days of my life! GGTTH

Thanks for that.

It was one of my better days too!

[lyonhibs]

It will always be a bittersweet day for me personally, simply because I wasn't there. Had a wedding and honeymoon to pay for, had dropped a shedload to fly back for the LC Final heartbreak. To my eternal regret, I didn't just throw caution to the wind and book the flights.

I managed, through this very site, to get my best mate a ticket who I always attend games with so for that I'm at least grateful.

So I ended up watching the game in my local pub here in Zürich. We all know how the game went, and I watched it with a Leicester and Man U fan and a bunch of plastic Man U fans waiting for the subsequent (and utterly dull) FA Cup final.

Memories include saying "I bet they score a screamer" not long before they did just that and the feeling of absolute bewilderment and tension for the last couple of minutes

At the final whistle I was in an absolute world of my own and completely lost the plot. Unbeknownst to me, the last 30 seconds were being filmed and the subsequent clip achieved very temporary YouTube fame :greengrin

I hope it'll happen again sometime in my lifetime so I can say I've seen Hibs win something in the flesh (was also living abroad in 2007 and got let down for tickets). Hampden is a place of abject misery in finals for me, only ever seen as win there once vs. Aberdeen.

[superfurryhibby]

My story has adult content with a loved up emphasis. Mibbie not family content oriented, but it was some day with the superfurryhibbies

[Austinho]

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.

[Lancs Harp]

It will always be a bittersweet day for me personally, simply because I wasn't there. Had a wedding and honeymoon to pay for, had dropped a shedload to fly back for the LC Final heartbreak. To my eternal regret, I didn't just throw caution to the wind and book the flights.

I managed, through this very site, to get my best mate a ticket who I always attend games with so for that I'm at least grateful.

So I ended up watching the game in my local pub here in Zürich. We all know how the game went, and I watched it with a Leicester and Man U fan and a bunch of plastic Man U fans waiting for the subsequent (and utterly dull) FA Cup final.

Memories include saying "I bet they score a screamer" not long before they did just that and the feeling of absolute bewilderment and tension for the last couple of minutes

At the final whistle I was in an absolute world of my own and completely lost the plot. Unbeknownst to me, the last 30 seconds were being filmed and the subsequent clip achieved very temporary YouTube fame :greengrin

I hope it'll happen again sometime in my lifetime so I can say I've seen Hibs win something in the flesh (was also living abroad in 2007 and got let down for tickets). Hampden is a place of abject misery in finals for me, only ever seen as win there once vs. Aberdeen.

Lyon, I've watched your video on youtube many times, always makes me chuckle. Those Unted fans in the bar will never be able to understand that emotion you expressed so well in that clip :greengrin. Class.

[Lancs Harp]

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.

Just brilliant fella, just brilliant :thumbsup:

[WoreTheGreen]

Hello,

I'm getting in touch regarding a project I'm working on with the club at the moment. I don't want to divulge too much at this stage (best kept for the big reveal) but ultimately I am looking for 114 different stories about what the cup final win meant to supporters on a personal level. This could be anything from:

• Who you were with
• How you got there
• What you did before the game
• How you celebrated afterwards
• What you reflect on now
• Anything unusual about any aspect of the day

I'm looking for anything at all really that made it special to you personally, it's all about the little things that other people might not have gone through, felt or experienced.

A couple of people have put me on to the sticky thread started by HibsMax on the day. I've since been in touch and he was happy to forward me on all emails he'd received. There's some cracking stories in both the thread and emails so I'll be in touch with people to make sure they are happy for their story to be included.

If anyone would like to get involved either leave your tale (and your name) on the thread below or drop me an email on scott.dawson@leith.co.uk if you'd like to know more about the project before committing - or would be happy to meet for a pint after a game. As this project is all about the supporters I'd love to have names displayed by each story so please leave your full name with your message or, alternatively, let me know if you'd rather remain anonymous

It might be worth noting that the production side of this project will take a while so we're looking at some time next year before all is revealed. Some of the stories received so far though have been incredible, this could be a good way to immortalise the famous day from a fans perspective

Give me a shout if you have any questions

Cheers
Scott

Read all the posts. Can i make a small suggestion make the pages waterproof 😭

[Famous Fiver]

Much more humble story for me.

I was there with my two sons and my only grandson. If I live to a hundred the emotion of that day and especially after the final whistle, will never be beaten. To share such an occasion with my nearest and dearest was something money could not buy.

Approaching the turnstile before the match I spotted a shiny penny on the ground. I picked it up, gave it a kiss and said 'this is my lucky penny'. Little did I know....

It's now framed with my ticket in pride of place in my living room.

[hibbydog]

I couldn’t really bring myself to go to the game. We’d lost the league cup in the last minute and just lost out on promotion for the second season in a row. And it was another last minute goal that denied us, despite being by far the better team over two legs. We were finding new ways of building up expectations only to short ourselves in the foot.

I was also in the Prestonpans British Legion pipe band at the time and we were playing in the British Championships that day. So I opted for that, and to watch the game in the nearest pub we could find.

Watching Hibs from a pub in Paisley with 3 Rangers fans wasn’t a mouth watering prospect. But given recent disappointments I’d convinced myself that I didn’t care and I was just out for a few beers and see what happens.

We found a fairly basic working mans pub. I vowed not to jump up if we scored - a low profile was probably essential if I wanted to keep my knees in the middle of my legs.

As soon as I walked up to the bar, Stokesy slotted us 1 ahead. There wasn’t much reaction from around the bar and I kept my trap firmly shut.

We bossed the entire game and should have been out of sight. But we were 2-1 down with ten minutes to go and staring into the abyss. Cup final defeats are nothing new to Hibs fans but this was a new low. 3 straight seasons in the championship, 2 cup final defeats in one season on the cards and we were finding new ways of putting our fans through the ringer.

Here we go again. Hibsed it. Properly Hibsed it.

Even when Stokesy pulled us level, I sat on my hands and didn’t allow myself to think we would do it. I was preparing myself for losing it on penalties.

When Sir David connected with the best corner ever, to score the most important goal in the history of our great club, I knew that was it. The beers were flowing by this point and I jumped up, nearly hit my head off the light and screamed ‘WE’RE GOING TO ****ING DO IT!!!’

I was shaking and sweating uncontrollably. Tears were streaming down my face and all I could say was ‘please let this be it’. After the longest couple of minutes the ref blew the final whistle and I was in a mess.

A few of the locals didn’t appreciate my outburst, but to their credit many could see what it meant to the long suffering Hibs fans and few could begrudge us our moment after 10 cup final defeats in a row and 114 years of torment.

In the heat of the moment I tried calling my best pal who was sadly taken too soon the year before. How I wished he could have seen this. I can’t wait to tell him about it when we all meet up in the big gig in the sky.

My 3 rangers supporting chums are all great lads (yes I know) and they were magnanimous and happy for me in the most non Rangers like fashion.

After I’d pulled myself together we staggered back to the pipe band competition where we were announced as British Champions.

A Carlsberg day indeed. I was particularly chuffed for my brother who came back from Stockholm for the game, and we enjoyed a few scoops together at the parade the next day.

It was the most exciting day of my life. I can’t compare it with my wedding day, or the birth of my kids. Those were great days, but I pretty much knew they were going to be great long in advance. I was in no way prepared for such a day on 21/05/16 and I was caught off guard by how much it affected me in the most fantastic way.

GGTTH

[BILLYHIBS]

I couldn’t really bring myself to go to the game. We’d lost the league cup in the last minute and just lost out on promotion for the second season in a row. And it was another last minute goal that denied us, despite being by far the better team over two legs. We were finding new ways of building up expectations only to short ourselves in the foot.

I was also in the Prestonpans British Legion pipe band at the time and we were playing in the British Championships that day. So I opted for that, and to watch the game in the nearest pub we could find.

Watching Hibs from a pub in Paisley with 3 Rangers fans wasn’t a mouth watering prospect. But given recent disappointments I’d convinced myself that I didn’t care and I was just out for a few beers and see what happens.

We found a fairly basic working mans pub. I vowed not to jump up if we scored - a low profile was probably essential if I wanted to keep my knees in the middle of my legs.

As soon as I walked up to the bar, Stokesy slotted us 1 ahead. There wasn’t much reaction from around the bar and I kept my trap firmly shut.

We bossed the entire game and should have been out of sight. But we were 2-1 down with ten minutes to go and staring into the abyss. Cup final defeats are nothing new to Hibs fans but this was a new low. 3 straight seasons in the championship, 2 cup final defeats in one season on the cards and we were finding new ways of putting our fans through the ringer.

Here we go again. Hibsed it. Properly Hibsed it.

Even when Stokesy pulled us level, I sat on my hands and didn’t allow myself to think we would do it. I was preparing myself for losing it on penalties.

When Sir David connected with the best corner ever, to score the most important goal in the history of our great club, I knew that was it. The beers were flowing by this point and I jumped up, nearly hit my head off the light and screamed ‘WE’RE GOING TO ****ING DO IT!!!’

I was shaking and sweating uncontrollably. Tears were streaming down my face and all I could say was ‘please let this be it’. After the longest couple of minutes the ref blew the final whistle and I was in a mess.

A few of the locals didn’t appreciate my outburst, but to their credit many could see what it meant to the long suffering Hibs fans and few could begrudge us our moment after 10 cup final defeats in a row and 114 years of torment.

In the heat of the moment I tried calling my best pal who was sadly taken too soon the year before. How I wished he could have seen this. I can’t wait to tell him about it when we all meet up in the big gig in the sky.

My 3 rangers supporting chums are all great lads (yes I know) and they were magnanimous and happy for me in the most non Rangers like fashion.

After I’d pulled myself together we staggered back to the pipe band competition where we were announced as British Champions.

A Carlsberg day indeed. I was particularly chuffed for my brother who came back from Stockholm for the game, and we enjoyed a few scoops together at the parade the next day.

It was the most exciting day of my life. I can’t compare it with my wedding day, or the birth of my kids. Those were great days, but I pretty much knew they were going to be great long in advance. I was in no way prepared for such a day on 21/05/16 and I was caught off guard by how much it affected me in the most fantastic way.

GGTTH

:top marks

[ano hibby]

Some amazing stories above. Will be a great compilation, good luck Scott.

[Northernhibee]

Read all the posts. Can i make a small suggestion make the pages waterproof 😭

Daffy.gif

[Hibee Mac]

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.

What a beaut of a story. Love it!

[Green Fish]

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!

[Lancs Harp]

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!

I have a tear in my eye after reading that. God bless and I hope Cam makes his recovery, as you say never give up.

Football is more than a game sometimes.

[tartanhibee]

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!

I have genuinely just cried at that story. I hope Cam makes a full recovery.

What a fighter you have and an inspiration to us all.

[oneone73]

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!

My heart goes out to you and Cam, sir. Shed a wee tear myself reading that. God bless

[zitelli62]

After reading the stories no other club in the world can have stories like that you can't read them without tears some good some sad but by God I am so proud to be part of this great family because that is what we are one big familyyand I thank God every day that my father made me part of this family with the greatest supporters in the world.

GGTTH

[Galahibby]

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!

This thread needs to come with a warning! All great stories, but Cam's has finished me off. What an amazing kid you have there. You must be very proud of him 💚🇳🇬

[wookie70]

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!

Never give up Cam, that was a roller coaster of emotions for me. Goodness knows what your family has been through and hopefully that fighting spirit will make everything possible.

[brog]

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!

At times like this any reply is totally inadequate. I almost wish I was religious in that i could offer you the usual prayers etc. (Im not knocking that). All I can say is you & your boy & family are an inspiration & i wish everything good for you in the future.

[WoreTheGreen]

This you and your son are inspirational

[BILLYHIBS]

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!

:top marks:cup:

[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]

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]

:top marks:cup:


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]

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. :flag:

[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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

:top marks

[Scotty D]

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]

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]

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]

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 :greengrin).

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]

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]

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]

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!) :thumbsup:

In Youtube search for "hibs last 90"

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


GGTTH

:flag:

[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]

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]

Brilliant!

Great to see Lawrie Reilly in full flow

Shame about the result typical HIBS :greengrin

Tinycastle pitch not improved much.

[JimBHibees]

Brilliant!

Great to see Lawrie Reilly in full flow

Shame about the result typical HIBS :greengrin

Obviously didn't help with the Hibs full back breaking his leg in first half in the days of no subs.

[BILLYHIBS]

Obviously didn't help with the Hibs full back breaking his leg in first half in the days of no subs.
True

[brog]

Obviously didn't help with the Hibs full back breaking his leg in first half in the days of no subs.

My Dad always talked about our games against Motherwell that season. Not only did we lose the semi (with 10 men) 3-2 but we also lost the LC final 3-0, the game after winning 6-2 at Well in the League! We scored 9 in 2 league games against Well that season but lost both cup ties!! Apparently in the final Turnbull was injured before kick off & we ended up with 9 fit men on the park. (shades of 1958). We still dominated but Well scored all 3 goals in last 15 minutes, helped by some unusual errors from Tommy Younger. No wonder we thought we were jinxed in Scottish & LC cups until 1972 & of course, that day!!

[leith lynx]

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.
What a great post, on that great day in May that's exactly how I would describe my experience GGTTH

[FilipinoHibs]

What a great post, on that great day in May that's exactly how I would describe my experience GGTTH

Was in the Philippines during the final but I know what you mean about the outer body experience. Had it at Hampden for the league cup final wins or when we beat Hearts or the old firm. It is almost like the whole game including the build up and afterwards is in slow motion or you are watching a film of it.

[lyonhibs]

Was in the Philippines during the final but I know what you mean about the outer body experience. Had it at Hampden for the league cup final wins or when we beat Hearts or the old firm. It is almost like the whole game including the build up and afterwards is in slow motion or you are watching a film of it.

I was the exact same sat in a pub in Zurich, rocking back and forth like a man possessed for the last 2 minutes.

It was like I was watching it happen to someone else from a few feet up in the air. My own tale and memories of the final are now tinged with more than a bit of sadness and regret as my best mate for whom I managed to source a ticket through this very website passed away earlier this year far, far too soon.

I don't think I'm more thankful for any single thing I've done for someone else than getting him the ticket as he'll obviously never get that chance again now whilst I, hopefully, will :flag:

[green with envy]

My Scottish Cup story is one that I'm very proud of and that is I haven't missed a SC tie, home or away since my very first one away to Arbroath in 1976.

[oneone73]

My Scottish Cup story is one that I'm very proud of and that is I haven't missed a SC tie, home or away since my very first one away to Arbroath in 1976.

You have seen us lose 42 Scottish Cup ties. Jonah.









😏

[Cabbage East]

My Scottish Cup story is one that I'm very proud of and that is I haven't missed a SC tie, home or away since my very first one away to Arbroath in 1976.

That is some record mate!

[green with envy]

You have seen us lose 42 Scottish Cup ties. Jonah.









😏

Haha, It's what my mates used to say, or more to the point it was my fault, before that glorious day back in May.

[Northernhibee]

I don't think we'd have won the cup if we scored earlier, even n the 89th minute. Any longer than the minute and a half or so to play and the pressure would have gotten immense.

After that length of time it was always going to take an injury time winner to get us over the line. We didn't have enough time after we stopped celebrating to fall apart.

[Scotty D]

Was in the Philippines during the final but I know what you mean about the outer body experience. Had it at Hampden for the league cup final wins or when we beat Hearts or the old firm. It is almost like the whole game including the build up and afterwards is in slow motion or you are watching a film of it.

Did you catch the game in the Philippines by any chance? It would be good to hear about your experience of it from that perspective if so

[Scotty D]

I was the exact same sat in a pub in Zurich, rocking back and forth like a man possessed for the last 2 minutes.

It was like I was watching it happen to someone else from a few feet up in the air. My own tale and memories of the final are now tinged with more than a bit of sadness and regret as my best mate for whom I managed to source a ticket through this very website passed away earlier this year far, far too soon.

I don't think I'm more thankful for any single thing I've done for someone else than getting him the ticket as he'll obviously never get that chance again now whilst I, hopefully, will :flag:


Sorry to hear it man. That's the joy of football though it gives you those memories to hold on to

Would you be happy for me to include your story in the project?

Thanks

[FilipinoHibs]

Did you catch the game in the Philippines by any chance? It would be good to hear about your experience of it from that perspective if so

It is the long Scottish Cup post. I was SingHibs then. Move to Philippines permanently now.

[BILLYHIBS]

Stumbled upon this on Youtube

Well worth waiting for game 3

I wonder what it could be?

https://youtu.be/52ZtEG32Q74

[lyonhibs]

Sorry to hear it man. That's the joy of football though it gives you those memories to hold on to

Would you be happy for me to include your story in the project?

Thanks

Yes, very happy for it to be included. PM me if further details required

[Scotty D]

Cheers Lyonhibs, I've sent you a PM

[Scotty D]

I'm picking this up again now I have a bit more time. Does anyone else have a story they'd like to contribute?

200-300 words on why the Cup Final day was so special to you personally. What happened on the day that made it all the sweeter to you, or what was the significance of the win on the wider context of your life? Anything at all, no matter how big or small - so long as it is personal to you

You can either post up on here or contact me directly on scott.dawson@leith.co.uk

Cheers

[Scouse Hibee]

As we travelled on the bus through a built up area can’t recall exactly where but as we got closer to Hampden my laddie pointed out an old building with a date stone near the top of the building it said 1902. He said look at that it’s an omen we’re going to win the cup today 😀

[Scotty D]

Cheers Scouse Hibee

How about anyone else, has today brought back any more memories?

[Scouse Hibee]

Cheers Scouse Hibee

How about anyone else, has today brought back any more memories?

Have replied to your PM 👍

[Scotty D]

Thanks again mate