Hibs defender Darren McGregor's mum bursting with pride

Darren McGregor's mum with the top he wore in Hibs' Scottish Cup final win. Picture: Greg Macvean

HIBS defender Darren McGregor’s mum has spoken of her “overwhelming” pride after her son helped bring home the Scottish Cup for the first time in 114 years.

Louise, 59, who lives in Leith, said her boy had “made history” and revealed the lifelong Hibbee was still in shock following Saturday’s dream result.

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Darren McGregor as a baby. Picture: supplied

Darren grew up in North Fort Street and attended nearby Fort Primary School, before moving up to Trinity Academy.

His beaming mum said she had watched the game on TV at home and immediately rushed out to drape the house in banners. She also put one of Darren’s football tops on display in the window.

She said: “When it happened on TV I was straight out with the banners and flags, and everybody was tooting their horns. The atmosphere in Leith was just amazing. It was just an incredible day.”

Darren has been a Hibs supporter his whole life. Picture: Greg Macvean

Speaking to the Evening News, she revealed locals had even been asking her for selfies in the days since the cup win. And she recalled Darren’s early visits to Easter Road as a cash-strapped youngster desperate to get a glimpse of his heroes.

She said: “We never had the money to give him to go to [Hibs] games. He would find his own way in. I don’t think it’s that easy nowadays – to climb over fences. It was totally different to how it is now.

“To see where he is now and look back – it’s every little lad’s dream. He used to stand at the gates waiting for the players to come out so he could get signatures.

“Now he always makes a point, especially with the youngsters, of stopping and signing and talking to them, because he says when he was that age, it meant so much to him.

Darren McGregor and Rangers' Kenny Miller battle for the ball during the Scottish Cup final. Picture: Jeff Holmes/PA Wire.

“It’s just really fantastic that Darren got to this stage and is actually playing for the team he has supported all his life. I’m just so proud.”

She added: “I spoke to him yesterday and he is actually in shock. He just can’t believe it. They have made history in that team – they will go down in history. It’s overwhelming.”

Louise – who watched Sunday’s victory parade from Albert Street – has followed her son’s progress every step of the way, from his first games with Leith Athletic to his year-long run with Rangers.

While the defender was at St Mirren, he suffered two cruciate ligament injuries to his knees, putting him out of action for months on end. His mum insisted it was only his “determination” and “strong willpower” that allowed him to pull through.

Darren McGregor holds aloft the Scottish Cup. Picture: Robert Perry

Another blow was the death of Darren’s dad Ian – known as Mac – five years ago following a three-month battle with lung cancer.

More into cars than football, Mac had nevertheless been extremely supportive of his son and his death came as a shock.

Louise believes she felt the presence of her late husband in the days leading up to Saturday’s clash.

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