[3] Hibernian Park was known by the Hibs supporters as The Holy Ground,[4] in reference to the fact that the club was operated by St. Patrick's Church in the Cowgate.
[4][8] Perhaps the most famous game played at Hibernian Park was when Hibs beat The Invincibles of Preston North End 2–1 in a 1887 match described as being the Association Football Championship of the World.
[22][23][24] After the high points of winning the Scottish Cup, beating Preston and hosting an international, however, Hibs were to suffer a dramatic decline and fall.
This was largely precipitated by the formation of Celtic, who attracted many of Hibs' star players by offering financial inducements in a time when Scottish football was still amateur.
[25] At the same time, Hibs were riven by internal politics relating to the Irish Home Rule bills;[26] a former secretary absconded with a significant amount of funds;[27] and the club inexplicably failed to enter the Scottish Football League when it was formed in 1890.