Everyone Knows His………..Birthday!

[Forza Fred]

Hibs Legend Jimmy O’Rourke, 76 today

And……it is also the 57th anniversary of a famous 4-0 victory over Hearts at Tynecastle where Jimmy scored a double before driving off to Blackpool for the rest of the weekend with his mates!

[Crunchie]

Hibs Legend Jimmy O’Rourke, 76 today

And……it is also the 57th anniversary of a famous 4-0 victory over Hearts at Tynecastle where Jimmy scored a double before driving off to Blackpool for the rest of the weekend with his mates!
Happy birthday Jimmy, Hibs legend for sure. One of my all time favourite players from back in the day.

[Bridge hibs]

Happy birthday Jimmy 🇳🇬🇳🇬

[PatHead]

Happy birthday Jimmy. A great player and character

[One Day]

Happy Birthday Jimmy, Hibernian Legend

[Mick O'Rourke]

Hi Fred
Hope you are well:aok:
Link below to Scotsman interview James did a few year ago.
He mentions that 0-4 game at tiny.
I was 13 at the time and at the game.
No comps for me .Grandad got them.
I sneaked in like most of my pals or a "lift over" :greengrin
More money for sweeties !!
Enjoy the article,guys.

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/jimmy-orourke-interview-only-room-one-wee-fat-barrel-hibs-294920

[Roxyhibee]

Always a pleasure to wish one of my top Hibs heroes a happy birthday. What a player and character. Many happy returns Jimmy.

[Mick O'Rourke]

Jimmy just returned from Spain yesterday.
He had his birthday over there at a resort they know well.
George Stewart and Jackie Mac Snr met up with Jimmy and Anne.
San Miguel joined them too
Photo on link
:greengrin

https://twitter.com/Hibs80s

[A Hi-Bee]

Many happy returns, he knew where the goals were for sure, many great tales told when we stopped going and stayed in the pub while A. Millar was manager (Jimmy really didnie like him much)

[brog]

Jimmy just returned from Spain yesterday.
He had his birthday over there at a resort they know well.
George Stewart and Jackie Mac Snr met up with Jimmy and Anne.
San Miguel joined them too
Photo on link
:greengrin

https://twitter.com/Hibs80s

I was going to call him Mick but saw that pic and knew he was away. I'll call him next week. On an unrelated note I'm pretty sure Jimmy was 1st UK player to score back to back hat tricks in Europe. How many, if any have done it since? Does it remain a Scottish record? Over to the researchers!!

[gbhibby]

I was going to call him Mick but saw that pic and knew he was away. I'll call him next week. On an unrelated note I'm pretty sure Jimmy was 1st UK player to score back to back hat tricks in Europe. How many, if any have done it since? Does it remain a Scottish record? Over to the researchers!!
It was also against two different teams. I believe he was only player in Europe to achieved this but I think Messi may have had a back to back hat trick more recently against two different teams.

[brog]

It was also against two different teams. I believe he was only player in Europe to achieved this but I think Messi may have had a back to back hat trick more recently againsttwo different teams.

I think there's 4 in Champions League, Messi, Ronaldo, Benzema and Adriano? Benzema did it last season I think and Celtc/Man C were Messi victims! Really don't know about any UK ones though.

[Mick O'Rourke]

I was going to call him Mick but saw that pic and knew he was away. I'll call him next week. On an unrelated note I'm pretty sure Jimmy was 1st UK player to score back to back hat tricks in Europe. How many, if any have done it since? Does it remain a Scottish record? Over to the researchers!!

I spoke to him earlier today

He was reminding the local amigos that Hibernian were the 1st British side to beat Real Madrid.

I mentioned , Barcelona as well!! The Battle of Easter Road
James took me to that game. I was still at primary ..St Ignatius
I still have the original news reports/cuttings in my loft .
That game was not that long before Jimmy in his Holy Cross uniform would be down to the Holy Ground for training and then sign the "S" Forms

Aye Brian
What a night V Sporting.One of his hat tricks.
Shook Europe that result did.Oh,what might have been !!




When we use to sing
"Barelona, Real Madrid
They will maketheir gallant bid"
Other fans sung it as well.
But we had beat them first!!

[Mick O'Rourke]

I think there's 4 in Champions League, Messi, Ronaldo, Benzema and Adriano? Benzema did it last season I think and Celtc/Man C were Messi victims! Really don't know about any UK ones though.


Well it would have been a first again for Hibernian!
It was near 50 yrs ago...... long before these "Johnny come latelys" like Messi !!
So it was Jimmy's long held record,as was his "youngest to play for Hibs"for many years.

Sporting Club of Portugal (Sporting Lisbon as we called them then)
..and then FC Besa from Albania were the victims at the Holy Ground.
Back to back rounds in the then Cup Winners Cup we should have went on to win.
imo,of course !

[gbhibby]

I think there's 4 in Champions League, Messi, Ronaldo, Benzema and Adriano? Benzema did it last season I think and Celtc/Man C were Messi victims! Really don't know about any UK ones though.
It was Mick's wee brother that told me about Jimmy's record a few years ago,was at both games what memories.

[Mick O'Rourke]

It was Mick's wee brother that told me about Jimmy's record a few years ago,was at both games what memories.

:aok:


As Mary Hopkins would sing

:partyhibb Those were the days my friend
We thought they'd never end

[gbhibby]

:aok:


As Mary Hopkins would sing

:partyhibb Those were the days my friend
We thought they'd never end
Mick was Jimmy not also the youngest British player to play in Europe. I think it was only recently that somebody took that record away from him.

[Mick O'Rourke]

Mick was Jimmy not also the youngest British player to play in Europe. I think it was only recently that somebody took that record away from him.


Aye At ER in a 2-1 win over Utrecht of Holland Dec 1962 Fairs Cup (now Europa)

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibee-history-jimmy-orourke-kicks-his-legendary-career-609958

We would be fighting relegation the next season.
The 60s got better though, with Jock Stein,followed by my favourite Hibs manager,Bob Shankly.


Dunfermline had a great side then as well.
They beat Valencia 6-2 at home that month but lost 4 nil in Spain.
Valencia won play off tie1-0.
Pars beat Everton in previous round.
Scottish fitba was good in the 60s.
Celtic winning EC was a great feat.
Oh how English football hated that.
Scottish fitba' beat them to it !

[Mick O'Rourke]

Many happy returns, he knew where the goals were for sure, many great tales told when we stopped going and stayed in the pub while A. Millar was manager (Jimmy really didnie like him much)

Aye
There are of course mixed opinions on Miller and his time in charge

Miller i remember was presenting awards at a Hutchie Vale night in the Gylemuir Inn when Jimmy had it .
Jimmy said
"Michael you take charge o the function room tonight,Am off to the Roseburn for a brewery meeting !!!!!

Alex is teetotal,or was then .I think he ordered brit vic fresh orange!

[Lago]

Jimmy just returned from Spain yesterday.
He had his birthday over there at a resort they know well.
George Stewart and Jackie Mac Snr met up with Jimmy and Anne.
San Miguel joined them too
Photo on link
:greengrin

https://twitter.com/Hibs80s
Brilliant, those 3 names oh happy days.

[brog]

Well it would have been a first again for Hibernian!
It was near 50 yrs ago...... long before these "Johnny come latelys" like Messi !!
So it was Jimmy's long held record,as was his "youngest to play for Hibs"for many years.

Sporting Club of Portugal (Sporting Lisbon as we called them then)
..and then FC Besa from Albania were the victims at the Holy Ground.
Back to back rounds in the then Cup Winners Cup we should have went on to win.
imo,of course !

Funny thing is Mick I really only have 2 distinct memories of Sporting Game and neither involved Jimmy! IIRC SCP had an Argentinian striker , Yazalde who equalised after Tosh, Alan G, put us ahead. TBF SCP seemed to be in control after that until a few minutes into the 2nd half. Then Arthur D gathered a loose ball and charged forward, he seemed to hurdle about a dozen tackles and earned a corner. After that the crowd and the team were unstoppable. I stood at the Dunbar end in those days and I really had no idea what was happening down the slope. Just seemed every time the ball went in the box the crowd erupted and Jimmy emerged punching the air and with his trademark wee hop, step and jump! What a night, what a team!

[Mick O'Rourke]

Funny thing is Mick I really only have 2 distinct memories of Sporting Game and neither involved Jimmy! IIRC SCP had an Argentinian striker , Yazalde who equalised after Tosh, Alan G, put us ahead. TBF SCP seemed to be in control after that until a few minutes into the 2nd half. Then Arthur D gathered a loose ball and charged forward, he seemed to hurdle about a dozen tackles and earned a corner. After that the crowd and the team were unstoppable. I stood at the Dunbar end in those days and I really had no idea what was happening down the slope. Just seemed every time the ball went in the box the crowd erupted and Jimmy emerged punching the air and with his trademark wee hop, step and jump! What a night, what a team!


Yes,the second half was explosive.
My memory is even less than yours !
At that time,after graduating from the Cave,i would usually stand around 18yrd box in old main terracing at Albion Rd end
My old pal Gordon McCabe and his Niddrie buddies were in that section back then.
Yes the crowd could be heard in Newhaven and further (true) that night.
Lesson for the not so noisy neighbours regards genuine atmosphere.

The "official" attendance given that night was around 26.000 ..and the rest !
Majority,of course, paid cash at the turnstiles then,so room for miscalculation on the attendance :wink:

James did say that this game gave him one of his proudest and best moments in football.
Good match report in The Scotsman archive.
Search/google for Hibs V Sporting.

Is there footage of this game/goals or v FC Besa ,Jimmy's other hat trick in that competition?

[brog]

Yes,the second half was explosive.
My memory is even less than yours !
At that time,after graduating from the Cave,i would usually stand around 18yrd box in old main terracing at Albion Rd end
My old pal Gordon McCabe and his Niddrie buddies were in that section back then.
Yes the crowd could be heard in Newhaven and further (true) that night.
Lesson for the not so noisy neighbours regards genuine atmosphere.

The "official" attendance given that night was around 26.000 ..and the rest !
Majority,of course, paid cash at the turnstiles then,so room for miscalculation on the attendance :wink:

James did say that this game gave him one of his proudest and best moments in football.
Good match report in The Scotsman archive.
Search/google for Hibs V Sporting.

Is there footage of this game/goals or v FC Besa ,Jimmy's other hat trick in that competition?

I'm sure on the Crops highlight reel that his goal vs Besa is there so you would hope the rest are. Can't remember last time I saw Sporting Game but may be out there. Never mind Mick, the LC final and 1/1/73 are there for Jimmy to look at whenever he likes!

[Mick O'Rourke]

Would be terrific to see some footage of those hat trick games
Alan Gordon also got hat-trick V Besa? ...7-1

Alan's hat trick in later game against Hadjuk Split is on utube.
All Green top too,that night.
Archive thread/post here suggests Tom Hart had "issues" with TV people at that time.
Sad if the goals/highlights are "lost".
Surely TV news or Pathe filmed it.
Maybe Hibs Historical Trust folk will know.
Or the Club!
Mr Power, do try to find out please !


https://www.scotsman.com/sport/classic-match-hibs-6-sporting-lisbon-1-sept-27-1972-2443925 (https://www.scotsman.com/sport/classic-match-hibs-6-sporting-lisbon-1-sept-27-1972-2443925)

That day Jimmy got hat trick v Sporting ,it was our Mothers birthday.
And i read that it was the last game before the Cave had seating/benches installed.
Big mistake. Split the "Hibs Choir" up.
What's new?!

[gbhibby]

Yes,the second half was explosive.
My memory is even less than yours !
At that time,after graduating from the Cave,i would usually stand around 18yrd box in old main terracing at Albion Rd end
My old pal Gordon McCabe and his Niddrie buddies were in that section back then.
Yes the crowd could be heard in Newhaven and further (true) that night.
Lesson for the not so noisy neighbours regards genuine atmosphere.

The "official" attendance given that night was around 26.000 ..and the rest !
Majority,of course, paid cash at the turnstiles then,so room for miscalculation on the attendance :wink:

James did say that this game gave him one of his proudest and best moments in football.
Good match report in The Scotsman archive.
Search/google for Hibs V Sporting.

Is there footage of this game/goals or v FC Besa ,Jimmy's other hat trick in that competition?
Don't think the cameras were allowed for the Sporting match to boost attendance. Was in the North Stand that night when you stood up when we scored you had to sit down quickly as your seat was more than likely not be there as there seemed to be more people in the stand than seats. The seats were the old wooden benches, after that game my dad and his mates started looking at how to get to Greece for the final

[BILLYHIBS]

Don't think the cameras were allowed for the Sporting match to boost attendance. Was in the North Stand that night when you stood up when we scored you had to sit down quickly as your seat was more than likely not be there as there seemed to be more people in the stand than seats. The seats were the old wooden benches, after that game my dad and his mates started looking at how to get to Greece for the final

Oh Salonika here we come !

[Mick O'Rourke]

Oh Salonika here we come !


You were not alone thinking that was a possibility ,making the final.
Today,27th September is 50th anniversary of Sporting game and my Mothers birth date !!:greengrin

[BILLYHIBS]

You were not alone thinking that was a possibility ,making the final.
Today,27th September is 50th anniversary of Sporting game and my Mothers birth date !!:greengrin

Remember Big Frank D starting that chant in the North Stand in the league games following that brilliant second half performance that sent shock waves throughout Europe

We were certainly good enough wasn’t much fussed who we got in the Final Milan or Leeds nae bother 😀

[Orourke73]

Just looked at the ECWC 72/73...Never realised Hajduk split were 3-0 down to Wrexham at half time in Wrexham's home leg. Surely we would have beaten them comfortably. What could have been!
As an aside, when my daughter was born 23 years ago I popped in to Sandy Bell's for a pint, got speaking to jimmy O' and he was quick to buy me a jar. Great guy.

[cammy1969]

Jimmys footballing days where before my time, but I have lots of fond memories of his time behind the bar at the foresters in pathhead and went to a few games with him. Mick next time you speck to jimmy pass in my and the guys from the foresters regards to him and Anne.

Cammy


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mick O'Rourke]

Jimmys footballing days where before my time, but I have lots of fond memories of his time behind the bar at the foresters in pathhead and went to a few games with him. Mick next time you speck to jimmy pass in my and the guys from the foresters regards to him and Anne.

Cammy


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


Will do,Cammy
Strange,my grandson was in Pathhead couple of weeks ago.
I was on the phone to him and mentioned the pub. He said "I've just walked past it !"
Alan,the pub owner back then, when asking Jimmy to run the pub,might have gave him the "banned" list.
You will know what/who i mean !
Likely chat by phone at the weekend. Jimmy and Anne live in Loanhead now.

[brog]

Will do,Cammy
Strange,my grandson was in Pathhead couple of weeks ago.
I was on the phone to him and mentioned the pub. He said "I've just walked past it !"
Alan,the pub owner back then, when asking Jimmy to run the pub,might have gave him the "banned" list.
You will know what/who i mean !
Likely chat by phone at the weekend. Jimmy and Anne live in Loanhead now.

Michael, I just sent you a pm.

[Mick O'Rourke]

Michael, I just sent you a pm.

PM ?
You can stick Liz Truss up yer !!!


lol 😂 :aok:

[brog]

PM ?
You can stick Liz Truss up yer !!!


lol 😂 :aok:

:wink:, was good to catch up!

[Mick O'Rourke]

:wink:, was good to catch up!

Yes ,Your family and the O'Rourke's and your old pal,our cousin, Denis Devlin (fine goalie) go back to the days when a penny bought something !
I was the rebel in oor family !!.
You got me thinking about the old Wembley Days

Wembley v England 1973
That was the game myself and well known Southsider Alex Imlach got in the ground free as helpers to the pipe band carrying some instruments through the gates.!
We got great seats and lo and behold, a few rows behind us,was the entire Hibs team, resplendent in club blazers,collar and tie job They had just came back from a weeks break in Spain after a good season.

Alex and me,with a crowd of Southsiders had been on the razzle since the night before up the High Street,Cockburn Street and Fleshmarket Close pubs ( where we got the train carry oot)

On arriving at Kings Cross,courtesy of British Rail (another freebie)we like others landed in Covent Garden Market.
Pubs there opened very very early !!
So by the time we got to Wembley Way,the damage was done !

Back to the stadium
I looked round from our seats and caught John Blackley's eye and motioned for him to nudge Jimmy sat beside him.
Jimmy looked up saw the state of me and went back to reading his match programme
Shunned !!!

Scotland played well that day.
A wonder save by Shilton from King Kenny is an abiding memory (Check youtube )
We lost 1-0,but the performance was superb.

Those times at Wembley during 60s/70s the crowd could be 75% Scots
I went to 7 pilgrimages on the bounce
Happy Days !! Win or lose !

More Jimmy O' tributes/ reminisces from archive here



https://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?267695-Jimmy-O-Rourke/page4


https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2012/12/50-years-since-jimmy-orourkes-debut-for-hibs/





He is now not the youngest player to play in the 1st team
A record he held for years
But maybe still the youngest to score a goal in the "big team"
Game after his debut .. i think !

[BILLYHIBS]

https://i.ibb.co/CPHvyNR/9-EF22-D28-844-B-490-B-8-DCD-20452-D30-E7-CC.jpg (https://ibb.co/DrRkFs0)

[Mick O'Rourke]

https://i.ibb.co/CPHvyNR/9-EF22-D28-844-B-490-B-8-DCD-20452-D30-E7-CC.jpg (https://ibb.co/DrRkFs0)


Great photo,Billy. What a strip.too!

Dunbar End in background .
I think i spot Brog by the floodlight pylon !

[BILLYHIBS]

Great photo,Billy. What a strip.too!

Dunbar End in background .
I think i spot Brog by the floodlight pylon !

Thought you might like it Mick

Wee Jimmy in his prime

Built like a pocket battleship you couldnae get both hands roond they calves

Legend

Everyone knows his name

[Mick O'Rourke]

Thought you might like it Mick

Wee Jimmy in his prime

Built like a pocket battleship you couldnae get both hands roond they calves

Legend

Everyone knows his name


When he would play at the park in Clerry before joining Hibs,older guys would pick him first.
Others would duck when he hit a ba' in their direction. :duck:

[brog]

When he would play at the park in Clerry before joining Hibs,older guys would pick him first.
Others would duck when he hit a ba' in their direction. :duck:

I remember watching Jimmy play for Holy X at Arboretum. He was causing a bit of a stir locally at the time, think he was 13/14 so one of the local papers sent a reporter and photographer along. The photographer foolishly stood just to the side of the posts to try and get a pic of Jimmy scoring. In 1st few minutes Jimmy unleashed a howitzer which never rose more than a foot off the ground but knocked the photographer off his feet. It was like Tom and Jerry as the poor guy sailed into the air and came down face first. Jimmy of course was p---ing himself laughing! Anyway Jim was just warming up, IIRC he scored 9 that day. He was a colossus!

[cammy1969]

Will do,Cammy
Strange,my grandson was in Pathhead couple of weeks ago.
I was on the phone to him and mentioned the pub. He said "I've just walked past it !"
Alan,the pub owner back then, when asking Jimmy to run the pub,might have gave him the "banned" list.
You will know what/who i mean !
Likely chat by phone at the weekend. Jimmy and Anne live in Loanhead now.

Aye some great laughs back then, yeah I believe jimmy & Anne are in dalum in loanhead I keep meaning to pop in when I’m up that way will do some time


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