COWLAIRS F.C., INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION MEDAL, 1888

COWLAIRS F.C., INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION MEDAL, 1888 the obverse relief cast with classical scene bordered by inscription, the reverse inscribed Football Competition WON BY COWLAIRS SEPTR bordered by laurel wreath, in giltNote: This highly important medal comes from Celtic Football Clubs first ever final, that being the 1888 Glasgow Exhibition Cup, played in their inaugural year.The Cup was a one-off tournament played alongside the Glasgow International Exhibition of that year, with sixteen teams invited to take part. Matches were played throughout the month of August, with the final taking place on the 6th September.Celtic were expected to be a dominant force, having formed a few months earlier, and comprising of former Hibs and Renton players – one commentator describing them as a ‘Glasgow-Irish Roman Catholic combination’.They had to see off Abercorn, Dumbarton Athletic and Partick Thistle to reach the final. This was played against Cowlairs at the University of Glasgow recreational grounds. Despite being favourites, Celtic went two goals down on the 65th minute, with their opponents seeing out the victory – Celtic Football Clubs first ever cup final and first ever defeat...Vengeance would come however, with both teams meeting a few weeks later in the 2nd round of the Scottish Cup, an 8-0 thrashing on the cards. Further glory was gleaned the following year too, when they met in the final of the 1889 Glasgow North Eastern Cup. Celtic would go on to lift their first trophy, emphatically winning 6-1.And if you know your history… 3.8cm diameter Qty: approx. 26g