Hibernian confirm death of legendary player Jimmy O'Rourke at 76

The forward was part of the legendary 'Turnbull's Tornadoes' side that lifted the League Cup in 1972.

Hibernian confirm death of legendary ‘Turnbull’s Tornadoes’ player Jimmy O’Rourke at 76 — O'Rourke: Tributes paid to Hibs legend. SNS Group

15th Nov 2022

Hibernian legend Jimmy O’Rourke has died aged 76.

The club paid tribute to the former player who they called “an icon of Easter Road” on Tuesday.

As part of the famous “Turnbull’s Tornadoes” he scored the winning goal when Hibs beat Celtic to win the League Cup in 1972 – the club’s first trophy in 20 years.

The boyhood Hibee, who was born in Edinburgh in 1946, became their youngest-ever player when he made his debut in December 1962 at just 16 years and 85 days old, a record he held until 2004.

He is also fondly remembered for his hat-trick in the 6-1 European Cup Winners’ Cup victory over Sporting Lisbon in 1972 and his brace in a 7-0 Edinburgh derby win at Tynecastle on New Year’s Day of 1973.

It is with great sadness that we can announce that Hibernian legend Jimmy O’Rourke has died, aged 76.
— Hibernian Football Club (@HibernianFC) November 15, 2022

O’Rourke, who also played for Motherwell and St Johnstone before returning to Easter Road for a spell as assistant manager to Eddie Turnbull, netted 122 goals in 294 appearances for Hibs and is currently ninth on their all-time scoring charts.

In a statement released on social media, Hibs said: “Everyone at Hibernian Football Club is devastated at the loss of Jimmy, a true Hibs man and an icon of Easter Road,” Hibernian said in a statement.

“In his passing, Hibernian has lost one of its best-loved sons. Jimmy, Jimmy O’Rourke, everyone knows his name.

“To the angels high above.”