On Monday night May 18, 1953 a crowd of 6,000 turned up at Civic Stadium to watch the local All-Stars play against the Irish Internationals.
After a scoreless first half the Irishmen showed their superior class in the second half. Jimmy D’Arcy scored two goals, Sammy Hughes and Danny Blanchflower scored one each.
Jimmy Hunter scored Hamilton’s goal as the game ended in a 4-1 win to the Irish tourists.
Alf McMichael captained the Irish side.
Line-ups:
Hamilton & District All-Stars: Dick Stevenson (Galt); Larry Johnstone (Westinghouse), John Graham (Westinghouse); Charlie Stevenson (Brantford), Dave McMurtie (Niagara Falls), Maxie Johnston (Westinhgouse); George Hunter (Westinghouse), Cecil Harrison (Westinghouse), Jackie Davidson (Imperials), Jimmy Dougall (Austins), Ernie Stanfield (Austins).
Irish Internationals: Norman Uprichard (Portsmouth); Len Graham (Doncaster Rovers), Alf McMichael (Newcastle United); Billy Neill (Glentoran), Jimmy McCabe (Leeds United), Frank McCourt (Manchester City); Bruce Shiels (Portadown), Seamus D’Arcy (Brentford), Sammy Hughes (Glentoran), Danny Blanchflower (Aston Villa), Jack Scott (Manchester United). Subs: Gerry Bowler (Hull City) replaced Graham, Eddie Crossan (Blackburn Rovers) replaced Scott.