Thursday 10th December, 2020 at 2:58pm
The 1921 Scottish Cup winners medal awarded to Thistle hero Jimmy McMenemy, which was recently auctioned, will remain close to Firhill after being bought by a longstanding Jags fan.
The 100-year-old medal from Thistle’s only Scottish Cup triumph took centre stage at an auction of sporting medals and trophies last month. After a fiercely competitive online auction, a lifelong and locally based supporter of the club – who wishes to remain anonymous – emerged as the successful bidder.
As an added bonus, and magnificent gesture from the fan, the historic medal will be loaned to the club during the centenary celebrations of the cup success next year, enabling supporters to have their picture taken alongside it (relaxation of restrictions permitting).
Firhill chief executive Gerry Britton said: “Everyone at the club is absolutely thrilled that this invaluable piece of Thistle history is now owned by someone who is not only a lifelong fan but also lives close to Firhill. We understand there was significant international interest in the medal.
“Every bit as positive is the news that the new owner has volunteered to make the medal available to the club next year when we all celebrate the centenary of the 1921 Scottish Cup win. This will provide a unique opportunity for fellow supporters, whatever format those celebrations are allowed to take.”
The winner’s medal was awarded to Jags forward McMenemy following the club’s 1-0 victory over Rangers in the 1921 showpiece.
McMenemy joined Partick Thistle a year earlier in 1920 following 18 years with Celtic and had turned 40 when he stepped out on to Celtic Park in front of 28,000 fans for the Scottish Cup Final on 16th April 1921.
Born in Rutherglen in 1880, the player made 56 appearances for Thistle between 1920-22 and was capped 12 times for Scotland. In later years McMenemy would be appointed as coach at Partick Thistle before becoming assistant manager to Willie Maley at Celtic in 1934. He passed away on 23 June 1965, aged 84.
