The Blantyre branch of the Irish National Foresters held a successful annual sports day on July 2, 1892, at Castle Park. This friendly society, founded in 1877, promoted Irish nationalism and expanded globally, boasting over a quarter million members by 1914. The event featured various competitions, including football and track races.
A good story for 23rd December. Many years ago on Saturday 23rd December 1916, a football match was planned between Blantyre Vics and Croy Celtic. However, following a spell of rain during that wartime weekend, Blantyre Vics took the decision that morning to cancel the game on account of the playing field at Castle Park […]
What a homecoming Blantyre Vics got in 1982 bringing the cup back home to Blantyre! Pictured here from Marion Brownlee via Alex Rochead, these great photos show the photo opportunity at Castle Park, looking over towards the back of the houses at John Street and what was then, the brand new Sports Centre. At Ibrox […]
Pictures are Blantyre Vics in the early 1980’s. This photo was shared kindly by Kenny Weir, with thanks. Do you recognise anybody or can tell me more about who’s in the team in this era? On social media: Stuart Tremble F/R 2nd right Brian Mitchell, 1st right Tommy Colgon ? Mark Laing Looking for John […]
It’s out with the old and in with the new! That certainly is the case for Castle Park, now the former Forrest Street home of Blantyre Vics. At a time we’re all looking to another new year, Blantyre Vics are certainly doing that with the recent unveiling of their new name for their grounds. Out […]
Continued from Part 8 Vics support dwindled in the late 80s and early 1990’s as supporters buses left local pubs on their way to Rangers and Celtic matches. The juniors also suffered from the modern day TV and the introduction of interactive betting shops. Before these “handicaps” junior clubs had relatively good support. Amongst the […]
Continued from Part 5 They still talk in Blantyre about the teacher in the days gone by who asked, “What famous man was born at Blantyre?” and received the prompt answer from a little nipper, “Jimmy Brownlie?!” Historians and others not well versed in football were, of course shocked when they heard about this reply […]