Sybil Cavanagh

SYBIL CAVANAGH was born and raised in Fife, a region known for its rich history and scenic coastal landscapes. Her academic journey began at St Andrew's University, where she pursued her undergraduate studies, gaining a broad foundation in the arts and humanities. Following her graduation, Sybil sought to combine her love of books and history with a professional career in information management, leading her to the University of Wales, where she earned a Diploma in Librarianship.

Her professional career started in Wigan, where she gained invaluable experience in library services, followed by a move to Glasgow. It was during her time in Glasgow that Sybil's long-standing interest in Scottish history began to deepen, particularly in the area of local history. This fascination with the unique and often under-explored stories of Scottish communities led her to dedicate more of her professional and personal time to uncovering and preserving local histories.

In 1984, Sybil relocated to West Lothian, a region steeped in industrial and social history, where she found the perfect environment to pursue her interests. By 1990, she had taken on the role of Local History Librarian with West Lothian Libraries, a position that allowed her to engage directly with the community and its rich historical resources.

Books by Sybil Cavanagh:

Countdown to Scotland's first game against Haiti in the 2026 FIFA World Cup (UK time).

Days

Hours

Mins

Secs

Join the Conversation

Pie and Bovril Scottish Football Forum

r/ScottishFootball subreddit

Nutmeg Scottish football magazine

The Scottish Football Show podcast

The Tartan Army website

The perfect gift for Father's Day

We Are Scottish Football: World Cup Edition

We Are Scottish Football: World Cup Edition

Julie McNeill with photography by Campbell Ramage

Regular: £9.99

Sale: £9.99
Regular: £9.99

Temporarily out of stock

Unit Price: per

SKU 9781804253496

About the Book:

Here’s to the players who wear the shirt, thank you for giving us something worth rallying behind, and here’s to the supporters who kept believing even when we were out in the wilderness.

28 years of heartbreak are over, Scotland are back in the World Cup. With a pen dipped in passion, McNeill explores the emotional landscape of football, bringing to life the highs and lows, triumphs and tribulations that define the beautiful game in Scotland.

Reviews:

Praise for We Are Scottish Football:

In this unique and vivid collection of poems and photographs Julie McNeill makes sure we don’t forget the impact our footballing history has had on the world. STUART COSGROVE, author & presenter

A must read for any fan of football, history, poetry and Scotland. IAN MAXWELL, CEO SFA

In this wonderful book of poems and photographs Julie McNeill ties together the past and present of the game and highlights some of its outstanding moments, personalities and controversies. ROSE REILLY MBE, World Cup Winning Footballer

A poetic tribute, capturing the soul-stirring drama and devotion that make Scottish football an enduring and enchanting spectacle. PAUL ENGLISH, The Herald

Timely and well-written by a fine poet [who] acknowledges the popular roots of the male game while inflecting these through a modern female gaze. ALISTAIR FINDLAY, Morning Star

About the Author:

Author photo of Julie McNeill JULIE McNEILL, poet, author and workshop facilitator, specialises in creative writing workshops and talks, focusing on mental

health and supporting individuals with additional needs. Author of Mission Dyslexia and two poetry collections, she’s the Poet in Residence for St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation and the Makar for The Scottish Women’s National Football Team Poets Society. Her performances include notable events like Wigtown Book Festival and StAnza International Poetry Festival.