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Hibernian mourn loss of 'legend' Lawrie Reilly

Monday, July 22, 2013

Obituaries

Described as a "genuine legend" by Hibernian FC chairman Rod Petrie, former player Lawrie Reilly, part of the Famous Five side, has passed away at the age of 84.

Lawrie Reilly scoring a goal for Scotland against England at Wembley
Lawrie Reilly scoring a goal for Scotland against England at Wembley ©Getty Images

Hibernian FC are mourning the death of former player Lawrie Reilly, who has passed away at the age of 84.

Reilly was the last surviving member of the Famous Five side that won Scottish championships in 1948, 1951 and 1952. He was part of an imperious Hibernian forward line alongside Gordon Smith, Willie Ormond, Bobby Johnstone and Eddie Turnbull.

Reilly made his debut for the Edinburgh club as a 17-year-old in the 1946/47 season and went on to score 185 goals in 253 league appearances. He also struck 22 times in 38 games for Scotland, making him the fourth highest goalscorer for the national team. Speaking to the Hibs website, chairman Rod Petrie paid tribute to "a genuine legend".

Petrie added: "We all feel the loss of a true Hibernian great, but our hearts must go out first to Lawrie's widow Iris and to his family. Our thoughts are with them at this sad time. The term legend gets bandied about, perhaps too easily, but Lawrie was a genuine legend.

"He grew up a Hibernian fan and spent his entire career with the club he loved. He was undoubtedly one of the club's greatest ever players, revered by all who loved attacking and entertaining football. He was also one of Scotland's greatest ever strikers. He will be sadly missed."

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