John Hanlon, Hearts and Scotland
John Hanlon with his Scotland cap in 1913, aged 21.
John Kelly. All rights reserved. S1. 206.
Addiewell boy John Hanlon was a successful footballer and athlete
All-round athlete
While at 58 John Hanlon might regret that he can no longer play in first class football or retun 1 min 55 sec. for the half-mile, he certainly enjoys his game of bowls.
John played for Hamilton Academicals from 1913 and in 1922 transferred to the Hearts.
Track Successes
As a professional "ped" (runner), Hanlon (running as J. Harris) also made his mark. His first big success came in 1913 when he won the Manchester half-mile and then while serving with the Royal Scots he won the half-mile, the quarter, and the 100 yards in the 1919 Rhine Army Championships.
In the year he signed for the Hearts, Hanlon won the Shawfield half-mile in 1 min. 55 sec. While major successes in the Powderhall Christmas half-mile eluded him, he gained second, third and fourth places in the event. His last appearance at the Powderhall track was in 1939.