Ireland v Lanarkshire

I was looking at some old photographs (as I am researching the family tree) and came across a photograph of Ireland v Lanarkshire taken from the "Ulster Echo"dated 16th October 1909. My father Samuel McDonald played for Distillery and is in the team. Maybe there is someone out there that wouldn't know that their father or grandfather was in this team but know that they were good football players. The other names are Mahaffy' (Mountpottinger); Morrison' (Dunmurry); Cooper (Cliftonville Olympic) Sydie,Capt. (Distillery) Musgrave (Cliftonville Olympic) Curran (Portadown); Lewsley (Forth River); Shanks' (Lindfield Swifts); Neville' (CliftonvilleOlympic);
I can't make the next name out could be Kain, (Mountpottinger);
Referee (W Whiteside Ulster Referee's League)
My Father is Samuel McDonald is 2nd from left on back row. (He is actually named 4th from the left).

As I said I am researching the family and would love to hear from anyone that knew the McDonalds,Murdocks, or Shepherds
Thanking you
Jean Crawford (nee McDonald) Now living in Sydney Australia

The 1909 Ireland Versus Lanarkshire Football team. Click for a pop up with a larger image (159kb)

Do you recognise any of the players? Or do you know what the ground they were about to play in was called? If so contact us by using the form below.

Trevor Scott - Feb '08
Jean and Mike. This photo shows Tommy Shanks a relative of mine also. Tommy was my grandmother's cousin. I too would like an electronic version of the photo as it is the only photo I have seen of Tommy who was one of the greatest footballers of his age.

Mike Shanks - Feb '08
Jean, I think this photo shows a relative of mine. "Shanks" is Tommy Shanks, the brother of my great gandfather. Further details can be found in Wikepedia. If you do have a better quality photo from Joseph, I would love to receive an electronic copy. Also, if any of Tommy's realtives see this, I would be pleased to hear from them too.

Jean Crawford - Feb '07
Hi Joseph, I'm so pleased that you have found this photograph of your grandfather. That was my main reason for putting the photo on here. As I am researching my own family history I know how important photographs are, and wanted to share it in the hope that others would recognise their relatives. I'm really pleased for you- you have made my day ! I would like to contact Joseph regarding a better photograph.

Joseph Kingsberry Whiteside - Nov '06
I cannot believe that I found this picture on the web. "your place and mine" I am looking at my grandfather, William Whiteside, Ulster Referee. (left hand side of the picture, standing) Unfortunately, my grandfather died in 1913. I remember seeing this picture hanging on the wall in my granny Whiteside's house on Carlingford St. in Belfast.

I am now living in Roseville, California, It will have a place of honor on the wall. Thanks for putting this picture on the web. I will be forever grateful.

Kevin, Seattle - April '06
Glad to be of help Jean.

Jean Crawford - May '05
Just an update on the location of the above match. Kevin you were correct it is Celtic Park. I have just managed to aquire a full report of the match as printed in the Ulster Echo 1909. Well spotted Kevin! Jean Crawford.

Cavan McDonald - February '05
I do not know any of the players either but my Father, Albert McDonald, who would have been 4 or 5 at this time played in goal for Forth River, Linfield, Derry and Cliftonville, if my memory is correct, in the early 20's. His father was I believe was John McDonald and they lived in the North of Belfast on a farm long since gone. I do not know if there is any connection but my father's family consisted of four boys, Hector, Jack, Albert & David and a girl, Ruby.

Jean Crawford - February '05
Hi there to anyone who was interested in this photograph. I have just found out that the game was played in Lanarkshire on Saturday October 9th 1909. As you can see it was a Supplement to the Ulster Echo dated October 16th 1909, so that solves the mystery. Also the name of the Mountpottinger player is Bain. I'm happy to tell you that I was able to send to the British Library and get a copy of the photograph. I have only had one reply in regards to the players. Dan Curran who now lives in America e- mailed me to say the Curran who played for Portadown was his grandfather. It was good to know that I had brought joy to one family and who knows there might be someone else out there who will spot a relation.
Jean Crawford ( nee McDonald )

Kevin, Seattle - September '04
Looks like it could possibly be the former Celtic Park, with Divis Mountain in the background.

Robert McAdams - September '04
Don't know any of the players, but I am sure the ground is now called Windsor Park, and is the home of Linfield football club, and is used for all the Northern Iireland home internationals, I used to live in sydney for 25 years, and am returning there this xmas, if i can be of any more help, please let me know.
Rab.