ONE of Athletic's 1968 Scottish Cup winning heroes returned to KDM Group East End Park recently for a special presentation thanks to the Pars Former Players Association.

John McGarty, who joined the club in 1966 from Hibernian, only played a handful of games for the Pars before playing a key role in the famous win over Heart of Midlothian at Hampden.

A Pat Gardner double, and an Ian Lister penalty, handed Dunfermline their second Scottish cup triumph, but McGarty's precious shirt from the match had been damaged in a fire some years back.

After his daughter, Michelle, got in touch about it, remarking that it had been a great loss to the family, the Pars Former Players Association stepped in to have one specially re-made for him, including the red number four he wore in the final.

Fifteen family members, including John's son Mark, who also played for Dunfermline between 1999-2004, were invited to the recent match with Dundee United to be part of the special surprise presentation, which took place at half-time.

Mark said: "We can’t thank the club and the Former Players Association enough. This presentation to my dad will mean the world to him. He still speaks in great fondness of his time at East End Park, and playing in the Scottish Cup final."

Former player and chairman of the Association Colin O’Brien, said: "Events like this are the reason the Former Players Association was created. It’s vital we stay in touch with the people who have been lucky enough to wear the black and white stripes.

"It was great to catch up with John, Mark, and the family. We hope they enjoyed their visit back to East End Park."

The shirt was presented to John by former team mate, and club legend, Bert Paton.

Meanwhile, the Pars Former Players Association's next reunion event, which will bring together players from 1988-90, on March 3 2024 has now sold out.